Lawn expert confirms 'most effective method' to get rid of dandelions

20 July 2023 , 14:59

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Lawn expert reveals how to get rid of unwanted dandelions on your lawn and timing is crucial (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There is nothing more satisfying than watching your garden bloom in the sunshine, and people have become keen to make their grass look pristine and as worthy as the Wimbledon lawns.

However, keen gardeners will appreciate the frustration you have when you see a pesky yellow dandelion spring up and ruin your perfect luscious green blades. Dandelions, are weeds classed as broadleaf perennials, and their deep roots become increasingly difficult to remove once they're in and will spread endlessly.

The dandelion's taproots, which are 10-inches-long sink their way in, and once in, will spread across the lawn year after year, therefore it is crucial for gardeners to act quickly in a bid to stop the weed spreading, by eradicating the long root, before it sprouts, making it an even harder issue to get rid of.

The taproots are 10-inches-long (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Luckily, gardening expert Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal has shared the "most effective method" that "doesn't involve any chemical weed killer" to get rid of the dandelions.

He recommends that you should hand pull them, as it means there are no chemicals used, making your garden a safe space for children and pets - but the timing is crucial if you want to eradicate the unwanted visitors.

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Speaking to The Express, Bryan said: "In my experience, using a hand weeder tool or a garden knife is the best way to get to the root of the problem. Dandelions have long taproots, so it's important to remove the entire root to prevent the plant from growing back."

Although it requires a little more work, digging and hand-pulling them out when the soil is moist is the most effective way to keep your lawn dandelion free.

"You should dig around the crown of the plant, then pry it out, making sure to get as much of the root as possible," he added. "The best time to remove dandelions is when the soil is moist, like after a rain or watering your lawn. This makes the soil soft and the roots easier to pull out."

Bryan also urges gardeners to make sure they remove the weeds before they go to seed, as that will mean there will be a fresh crop of weeds to have to deal with. He claims the best time to do this is early in the spring before the flowers can turn into puffballs and spread their seeds to other parts of the garden.

Niamh Kirk