7 Best Dandelion Killer in 2024 (Without Killing Grass)

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

7 Best Dandelion Killer in the Market

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.

Best Dandelion Killer Review

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.

Don’t forget to share this post