Dandelions certainly have some visual appeal yet they are a nuisance in the yard. Dandelions are problematic for both gardens and lawns. If you are not careful, you will end up with dandelions growing all over your yard, creating a bright yellow distraction that triggers your allergies. Let’s take a quick look at how to eliminate dandelions.
Create Your own Herbicide
A DIY (do it yourself) natural herbicide will eliminate those annoying dandelions. Such natural herbicides are typically comprised of distilled white vinegar. If your dandelion problem is especially bad, a full gallon of distilled white vinegar will do the trick. Mix in a couple tablespoons of natural dish soap, shake up this combination and it should destroy the majority of your dandelions. However, if you are still having problems with dandelions, trees, shrubs or other greenery, simply lean on the arborists at jcarborists.co.uk.
Mow Down the Dandelions as They Bloom
You have the power to stop dandelions from spreading across your property with the simple act of mowing. Mow down those annoying dandelions as they bloom, just ahead of the point at which they go to seed. Though this approach will not completely eliminate the dandelions, it will help stop thousands of additional dandelion seeds from moving through your yard as well as your neighbor’s yard.
Hand-pull the Dandelions
If your soil is properly cared for, it will not be as likely to suffer from compaction, making it easier to develop a looser structure that facilitates pulling out dandelions and other tap-rooted plants. However, it is not enough to simply pluck the yellow crowns off the dandelions. Rather, it is best to pull up from the bottom in a single steady movement. Eliminate the taproot and these perennials will no longer grow.
Apply Herbicide in a Strategic Manner
Do not apply herbicide to your dandelions in the summer, spring or winter months. Herbicide should be applied in the fall when dandelions are storing nourishment for the winter months. Though you might not witness a rapid reduction in dandelions, you will spot a change when the spring months roll around.
Furthermore, it is in your interest to read the labels of herbicides available in local stores before applying them. Certain herbicides have the potential to kill grass in addition to dandelions. In fact, your local municipality might even have guidelines pertaining to the use of herbicides so do your homework before applying such a solution.
Wait Until the Soil is Moist
It will prove significantly easier to remove dandelions when the soil is somewhat moist. Dandelions as well as other types of weeds are nearly impossible to remove in an efficient manner when the soil is dry or hard.
Consider Using a Pre-emergent Herbicide
If you make progress in the battle against dandelions, do not assume they will continue dissipate. Once you have some control over these pesky weeds, it might be prudent to apply a pre-emergent herbicide about a month prior to the time at which the dandelions sprout. Though this pre-emergent herbicide will not kill the dandelions, it will stop the seeds from germinating.