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This is a definitive review of the best dandelion killer without killing grass from your yard in 2024
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to get rid of pesky weeds on your lawn, several natural weed killers are available on the market. But which one is the best for your specific situation?
This article will discuss some of the best dandelion killers for yards that won’t kill grass and help you choose the right one for you. I had tried using several different weed killer products and had mixed results.
I had great success when I used Espoma Organic Weed Preventer, which was safe and effective in controlling dandelions. You can choose from our top three quick picks below if you’re in a rush.
Let’s get started
Quick Picks
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Premium
Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate
A non-selective herbicide effectively kills dandelion and other weeds. You get visible results in less than three hours and prevent regrowth for up to 1 year.
Best Overall
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
It’s a 100% nontoxic organic weed killer made from corn gluten meal. The granulated herbicide prevents dandelion from germination. Safe to use around people and pets.
Best Value
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
It’s two times more effective than the previous formula to clear out dandelions and clover. It feeds to thicken the lawn and remove weeds.
7 Best Dandelion Killer in the Market
Product
Name
Detail
Price
- Selective Broadleaf weeder
- 2, 4-D Acid equivalent
- 32 oz
- Organic weed killer
- Made from corn gluten
- Weed killer granules
- Kills weed to root
- Rainproof in 1 hour
- Comes with applicato
- Kills weeds and vegetation
- Gives result in 3 hours
- Rainproof in 15 minutes
- Kills weeds and vegetation
- Prevents regrowth (1 year)
- Non-selective herbicide
- 2x more powerful formula
- Kills dandelion & clover
- Fertilize the lawn
- Organic herbicide
- No Glyphosate
- Fast action results
Our Top Pick
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer is a great organic option made of 100% natural corn gluten meal that kills dandelion from your lawn without using toxic chemicals. It works by inhibiting root development in dandelion seedlings.
You have to apply it twice per year in early spring and fall to stop dandelions from taking over your yard. The slow-release nitrogen fertilizes the lawn to grow a thicker and greener lawn.
How to identify dandelions on your lawn?
Dandelion is a broadleaf perennial weed. Most frequently found in yards, gardens, playgrounds, or anywhere it can find the moist soil.
It thrives in full sunlight. The germination starts in early spring, where it finds weak turfs, sidewalk and driveway cracks, or around shadow areas.
Its dandelion roots dig up to 3 feet deep in the soil and can grow 2–18 inches tall. Many dandelion stems grow from the same plant. Some other weed types, such as Catsear, Chicory, and Hawk seed, look like dandelion. You must identify these weeds before you start treating them.
Here is how you can identify dandelions in your yard.
- It grows close to the ground with a rosette leaves arrangement
- Jagged leaves point toward the plant center
- Many stems grow from the same plant
- Hollow stems produce milky fluid when damaged
- It has hairless inward pointed leaves and stems
- Grows one yellow flower per stalk
Dandelion grows yellow flowers that turn into a white puffball with many seeds. The dandelion seeds spread out farther with the wind. A single dandelion flower can produce several seeds that will multiply around the lawn at a far greater distance.
What to consider when buying Dandelion Killer
Herbicide
Pre-emergent works by killing weeds before they even germinate. Post-emergent herbicide works after they took over your lawn.
Granular or Liquid
Granular herbicide works best when dealing with broadleaf weeds. Liquid herbicides are easy to handle and store but you have to spray it directly on weeds to be effective.
Organic Herbicide
Use organic herbicide when killing weeds around vegetable gardens as it does not let toxic residues linger in the soil such as when used chemical-based herbicides.
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Best Dandelion Killer Review
1. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER
Liquid broadleaf herbicide Weed Killer
This is a generic broadleaf weed killer herbicide that contains Glyphosphate, which kills even the toughest weeds, but you have to be careful while using it near other plants.
It works best when applied at an outside temperature of 70°F–80°F (21°C–27°C). In colder climates, you may have to repeat the application. The best time to apply is when the dandelion grows aggressively during spring and summertime.
You may see the dandelion wilt and start turning brown 2 to 3 days after application. You can mix 1.5 to 2 oz concentrated solution into 1-gallon dish soap and water that you should apply to the dandelion roots.
When you mix it with dish soap, it helps chemicals stick to the dandelion and spread evenly. It has a shelf life of 4 to 5 years.
See More Information about: Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER
Pros
Cons
2. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Espoma organic weed preventer is made from corn gluten meal. It effectively prevents dandelion, crabgrass, and other weeds from growing on your lawn. You can easily apply weed granules around trees and yards.
Due to the unique organic formulation, it’s safe to use around pets. You can allow kids and pets to play on the lawn after application. You can apply it twice a year in early spring and fall, which stops the dandelions seed from germination.
The best thing is that the tiny granules contain 8.23% slow-release nitrogen that helps fertilize grass to let them grow strong. Since it’s a pre-emergent herbicide, it won’t kill any existing weeds on your lawn. Espoma Organic Weed preventer is the best dandelion killer you can use without killing grass.
See More Information about: Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Pros
Cons
3. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns
Spray Weed Killers
Ortho Weed B Gon is a good option if you’re looking for a weed killer that kills dandelion and over 250 plus varieties of weeds. It’s effective in killing dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf weeds.
The fast action ready to spray formula dries off in an hour and kills dandelions to the roots. You can safely use it on grass, including St. Augustine, Bahia grass, Bermuda grass, Bluegrass, Buffalo grass, Centipede grass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysia.
The highly potent concentrate formula is suitable for large and small size yards. When you spray it on dandelions, you can see dandelions wilting and dying in less than three hours. It may take 2 to 3 weeks for other weed types to produce visible results.
This is a great spot treatment option for making dandelion-free yards. It comes with a battery-operated sprayer wand for easy application on the most common weeds.
See More Information about: Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns
Pros
Cons
4. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
Non-selective herbicide
Spectracide weed and grass killer kill all weeds and grasses down to the root. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to start from scratch and redevelop their lawn or have a dandelion-free sidewalk or driveway.
It has a long-lasting effect. After application, it can prevent dandelion regrowth for up to 5 months. You will see weeds and grass die in as little as 3 hours. It dries quickly in under 15 minutes and waterproofs your lawn.
You have to apply it in warm, sunny weather at a temperature over 60°F (15°C) for the best results. You shouldn’t use it over the area you want to plant or spread seed within three months. It’s a great option to control vegetation along fences, paths, curbs, and driveways.
See More Information about: Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
Pros
Cons
5. Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate (Premium)
Non-selective herbicide
Ortho GroundClear is a one-time application herbicide that will remove all vegetation in a large area. It comes in many sizes, from 32 oz to 2 gallons, and is available in liquid and powder forms.
The product can be applied using a sprayer, hoe, or brushing method. The fast-acting concentrate solution kills weeds and grass in less than 3 hours.
It’s great to use on driveways, patios, and gravel areas where you don’t want any vegetation. You don’t need to use it much to control dandelions. You can mix 24 oz concentrate solution in 1 gallon of water to cover 300 square feet.
See More Information about: Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate
Pros
Cons
6. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed (Best Value)
Kill Dandelion and Fertilize Grass
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is a great option to kill dandelions and provide nutrients to your lawn. The new formula is twice as effective as the previous formula.
Applying it in early spring will help control dandelions before producing seeds and spreading their weed-like characteristics throughout your lawn. The product also contains nitrogen, which helps maintain the grass’s green color.
It’s safe to use different lawn grass types such as fescue, zoysia, centipedes, bluegrass, and Bahia grass. A small size bag can cover up to 5,000 square-foot area.
See More Information about: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Pros
Cons
7. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer All-Natural
Non-Selective Organic Dandelion Killer
I have used Natural Armor weed and grass killer on my lawn for a few years now, and I have been delighted with the results. It is an all-natural product that contains no glyphosate as an active ingredient.
This is vital because I do not want to use any chemicals on my lawn. The product works just as well as any chemical-based herbicide that I have used in the past.
It’s easy to use pet-friendly herbicide. It helps kill over 250 types of weeds and grass. You will see results in less than 24 hours as weeds and dandelions wither and die.
The fast-acting formula kills dandelions, crabgrass, and several other weed growths without the hassle of mixing solutions. It’s a great option to use on residential and commercial yards. It comes with an applicator to spray a solution over weeds and grass that you want to kill.
See More Information about: Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer All-Natural
Pros
Cons
Best Dandelion Killer That Won’t Kill Grass—Buying Guide
How to choose the most effective dandelion killer without damaging the lawn?
Consider the following factors when choosing a dandelion killer.
Herbicide Effectiveness
The effectiveness of herbicides depends on type and chemical concentration. Some herbicides may take much longer to give you the desired result.
Some herbicides aren’t weatherproof as their effectiveness gets diluted with elements like rain or bright sunlight. Choosing a weatherproof herbicide that you can effectively apply in harsh weather is a great option.
Potency
Generally, you’ll have to mix herbicide with water to dilute it before spraying it on dandelions. You can choose a highly potent herbicide to dilute the solution and increase the quantity to cover a larger area.
This saves you the number of selective weed killer concentrations you need to apply to get rid of dandelions.
Multipurpose Weedkiller
Consider a multipurpose weed killer solution to take control of most weed types growing on your lawn.
If you struggle with broadleaf leaf weeds combined with multiple varieties of weeds, pick a herbicide formulated to be effective on all. In this way, you won’t need to buy several products from the store.
Granular or liquid herbicide
You can choose from liquid or granular forms when it comes to weedkillers. Depending on your preferences, both are pros and cons to choosing one.
Liquid herbicides are easier to apply, but you can’t use them during the rainy season. You can choose granular weedkillers, but you must be careful not to let your pets ingest them.
Herbicide application temperature
Some chemical herbicides will be effective only at a specific operating temperature. For example, most weed killers are more effective between 90°F–100°F (32°C–38°C). It’s worthwhile to consider an herbicide that suits your outdoor temperature requirement.
Long-lasting effect
The dandelion’s relentless growth is suppressed by herbicides that remain effective for several days. These herbicides are generally labeled persistent and nonpersistent. You can select according to your requirements whichever one works best for your dandelion problem.
Does dandelion killer work?
If you’re skeptical about whether it will work on your lawn, the answer is “yes.” But you need to check the label and buy a broadleaf weed killer type herbicide to control dandelion growth.
For higher potency, choose the herbicide containing glyphosate as it destroys nearly every type of plant it comes in contact with. You can also use household vinegar if you don’t want to use chemical-based weed killers to get rid of pesky weeds and be safe for pets.
How to prevent dandelion from regrowing?
When it comes to preventing dandelions from regrowing, there are a few options that you can take. First, you should remove any dandelion when the first time you see it growing on your lawn.
For a tiny number of dandelions, you can physically remove them by pulling them manually. You should lightly water the area a day before to dampen the soil around the dandelion.
You can start pulling it in the early morning when the ground remains moist, and you must remove the dandelion with its entire root. You can push the nearby soil around dandelion by using weed-removing gardening tools such as stand up weeder.
You can use a weeding knife and strip the dandelion base to make the job more comfortable. Clear the soil around it and gently pull the rest of the roots with your fingers.
Here is a helpful video on getting rid of dandelions from your lawn.
When should you apply dandelion killer?
Natural dandelion killer works best before the dandelion starts flowering. You should aim to apply it when you see a dandelion plant growing around your other desirable plants.
When dealing with dandelion invasion, you can choose pre-emergent or post-emergent types of herbicides for the initial application. It may take 1–3 weeks after herbicide application to remove dandelion altogether.
You may have to reapply if you find any leftover or regrowth in the lawn. For dandelion growing in cracks of sidewalks and driveways, choose selective herbicides. You can spray it in late spring and early fall as preventive maintenance to control all broadleaf weeds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for an effective way to kill invasive weeds such as dandelions, any product on the list will work well within a few hours of application.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow safety precautions, as some of these products can be harmful if misused or won’t be effective in controlling unwanted weeds.
If you want to get rid of other types of weeds from your lawn, check out our review of the best weed killer for any size yard.
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