Dandelion: Spot It & Stop It
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Dandelions can be nature’s cheerful spring greeting but can rapidly evolve into a cheerless challenge for landscapes. Preventing the spread of dandelions is key to effectively managing this persistent weed.
How to spot dandelions
- Bright yellow blooming flower with jagged basil leaves, often found in moist conditions and soils, particularly in areas of weak, thin turf.
- Produces a puffball seed head shortly after mowing, and seeds are easily dispersed by the wind.
- Dandelions are a perennial that overwinters as small rosette leaves. Seedlings grow from a taproot and can be spotted when temperatures reach 50 F in early spring.
Dandelions are masters of survival — thriving in weak, thin turf. They are quick to flower and produce masses of seeds. A singular dandelion can produce an average of 15,000 seeds, ensuring a widespread presence and persistent nature.
How to control dandelions
Pairing proper lawn care with targeted herbicides can help rein in dandelions.
- Preemergence herbicides
Defendor® specialty herbicide effectively prevents dandelion bloom and controls multiple other spring weeds when applied in late fall to early spring, while also controlling multiple other spring weeds before they are even seen.
Crew® specialty herbicide is another option that contains both the active ingredients in Dimension® and Gallery® specialty herbicides. It’s a granular product that’s effective on both turf and ornamental beds. - Application timing
To achieve the best outcome, apply Defendor specialty herbicide when temperatures are cooler and before dandelions bloom. For the most effective weed control, apply to small, actively growing weeds. - Follow the label
Consult the product label for recommended application rates for your area as well as seeding and reseeding rates.
Spotting problem weeds and properly identifying them is the first step to healthy turf. For more information and treatment options, check out these online resources.
Crew® is not registered for sale, distribution or use in New York. Other state restrictions on the sale and use of Crew may apply. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. State restrictions on the sale and use of Defendor® and Dimension® apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions
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