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How to Get Rid of Dandelions in Your Lawn: 4 Methods
11.03.2024 15:10
Dandelion is a very tenacious and intrusive weed.
The deep-seated taproot is difficult to extract from the ground, and the seeds are dispersed at breakneck speed with even the slightest gust of wind.
In this regard, amateur gardeners every season rack their brains over how to get rid of this invader not only in the beds, but also in the lawn, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Of course, dandelions also have benefits for nature. Among other things, the plant serves as a food source for rabbits, goats and sheep, and attracts bees and other insects.
However, neither goats nor sheep, unless they belong to you, will find their way into your garden. The only animals that can appear in your garden are rabbits, unless, of course, you live near a noisy city.
But the lawn grass only suffers from the presence of an aggressive neighbor. To a large extent due to the unequal struggle for nutrients, as well as moisture in particularly dry periods.
If you leave things to chance, in the near future you will not only have to laboriously remove weeds, but also renew the entire lawn.
So, here are 4 effective methods for fighting dandelions, each of which can be adapted to your capabilities.
Weeding
A few dandelions are very easy to remove by hand. However, this method is not one of the fastest because it will have to be used multiple times and does not guarantee complete removal of all parts of the weed.
• Water the soil around the dandelion to make it easier to remove.
• Grab the weed by the root (you can use a special spatula), then slowly and completely pull it out.
• Dispose of pulled dandelions as quickly as possible to prevent seed dispersal.
• Repeat this method regularly.
Mowing the lawn
Regular mowing of the lawn prevents further seed formation and their spreading throughout the lawn. However, this method takes a little more time, as the lawn will have to be mowed again and again.
• First, cut off the flowers and other excess parts of the dandelion plant.
• Then start the lawn mower and mow the lawn, including the dandelions.
• Repeat the method until the weakened plant stops growing.
Scarification
Lawn scarification is particularly effective. This method involves combing and airing the lawn. All weeds are removed.
• First, make sure your lawn is “clean.” This means removing any branches, leaves, etc.
• Next, set up your scarifier. Set the setting to a low level so that every root shoot can be removed.
• Now move the scarifier over the lawn. Do not scarify too quickly or too slowly to avoid damage.
• Use a rake to collect the grass and throw it away from the area to avoid possible seed spread.
Herbicides
If you don't have a scarifier and there are too many dandelions to remove by hand, use chemicals specifically designed for selective weed removal.
Here, too, preparation is required:
• Remove all unnecessary items from the lawn. Also, there should be no rain on the day of treatment so that the liquid is not washed away.
• The herbicide must be distributed evenly over the entire lawn, even where dandelions do not grow.
• Wait the manufacturer's recommended time before mowing or watering your lawn.
• If dandelions appear again after a few weeks, repeat the treatment.
Earlier we listed 5 jobs at the dacha that you can refuse in the spring.
