What Dandelion looks like
Bright yellow flower on a leafless stem, with a rosette of jagged, deeply-lobed leaves at the base.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Spray or dig
Digging works well for individual plants — use a dandelion fork to get the full taproot. Spraying is better for widespread infestations. In flower beds, digging is preferred to avoid harming nearby plants.
Best products for Dandelion
Formulated to kill dandelion without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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BioAdvanced All-In-One Weed & Feed (22-0-4)
✓ Kills dandelionBeginner friendly
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1
✓ Kills dandelionBeginner friendlyPrevents crabgrass for up to 4 months, kills dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds, and feeds. Apply to wet grass, no more than twice a year. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5
✓ Kills dandelionBeginner friendlyWeed killer plus 26-0-2 lawn food for dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds. Apply to wet grass. On bahia, wait until mid-April and the third mowing, and make fall applications before Nov 1. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
How much do you need?
Herbicide is dosed by lawn size. Pick your yard size for a quick estimate:
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When to treat Dandelion
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Chemical treatment
Apply a broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPA) in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the plant is actively growing. Spray directly on leaves for best results.
Non-chemical management
Maintain thick turf at proper mowing height. Hand-pull before seed heads form, removing the entire taproot.
How to stop Dandelion coming back
Maintain a dense lawn—thin spots invite dandelion seeds to germinate.
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A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed killer there is. Measure your yard on a satellite map in 30 seconds — we'll build a personalized schedule (fertilizer, seed, mowing, weed control) so dandelion doesn't come back.
Measure my lawn — it's free →FAQ
What does Dandelion look like?
Bright yellow flower on a leafless stem, with a rosette of jagged, deeply-lobed leaves at the base.
What's the best way to kill Dandelion?
Spray or dig. Digging works well for individual plants — use a dandelion fork to get the full taproot. Spraying is better for widespread infestations. In flower beds, digging is preferred to avoid harming nearby plants.
Is Dandelion hard to get rid of?
Dandelion is rated moderate to control. Consistent treatment over a season usually does the job.
How do I stop Dandelion coming back?
Maintain a dense lawn—thin spots invite dandelion seeds to germinate.
Other broadleaf weeds
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