broadleaf weed · annual

How to Kill Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Dig or spraymoderate to controlLawn & beds

What Dandelion looks like

Bright yellow flower on a leafless stem, with a rosette of jagged, deeply-lobed leaves at the base.

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Best approach: Dig or spray

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.

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.

Recommended products for Dandelion

BioAdvanced All-In-One Weed & Feed (22-0-4)

Quinclorac 18.92%granular$25-$40 (12 lb bag, covers 5,000 sq ft)
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Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action

Pendimethalin + broadleaf herbicide + fertiliser (formulated for warm-season grass)granular$55–$70
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Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action

Pendimethalin + broadleaf herbicide + fertiliser (formulated for warm-season grass)granular$55-$65 (13.32 lb bag, covers 4,000 sq ft)
View on Amazon

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1

Pendimethalin, Dicambagranular$30-$45 (11.31 lb bag, covers 4,000 sq ft)
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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?

Dig or spray. 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

White Clover

moderate · annual

Chickweed (Common and Mouse-ear)

hard · annual

Henbit

moderate · annual

Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy)

hard · perennial

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