Choose the Right Herbicide to Kill Dandelions
The time to kill dandelions is rapidly approaching. That's right - fall is when you want to go after them for the very best results. Dandelions are classified as broadleaf weeds. Other broadleaf pests include Creeping Charlie, Plantains and Oxalis.
Before you purchase your herbicides, understand that the very best way to have a healthy, nearly weed-free lawn is to mow, fertilize and water properly. If you need additional weed control, herbicides can help.
For broadleaf weed control, you can count on a three-way combination of ingredients: Mecoprop (MCPP), 2,4-D, and Dicamba. You will hear this referred to as Trimec and can find it sold under dozens of names, including: Three-Way, Weed B Gon, Lawn Weed Killer, etc. This combination product is still the industry standard used for comparison when new herbicides are introduced and tested. This is the staple to have in every weed arsenal.
There are a few broadleaf weeds that Trimec can't effectively handle. For this reason, you will need at least one more herbicide to use in combination with the Trimec-type product to get rid of those really tough weeds like Creeping Charlie and Oxalis. Two good choices are triclopyr and quinclorac.
The final must-have product for weed control is a non-selective control, like glyphosate. This will kill anything green, so use it very carefully. It is intended for use in sidewalk cracks and other areas where you need quick, non-selective control at a decent price. This product is also useful when you want to kill all of the grass and plants in an area to start a flowerbed or totally renovate a patch of lawn by starting over. Once sold only under the brand name Roundup, it now can be found under many brand names. Once again, read the label to be sure of what you are buying.
Remember to read and follow the package directions carefully when using any herbicide.
Apply at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to weed control. The basic point to remember is that you want to control weeds while they are young. Mature weeds - like flowering dandelions - are very resistant to herbicides. Expect limited success going after mature weeds.
Fall is the very best time to control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions because this is when they germinate. For a lawn with fewer dandelions in spring, kill them when they are most susceptible to your herbicide application. Wait for the temperature to dip to 40°F at night before you apply the herbicide.
If dandelions and other broadleaf weeds drive you crazy in spring and summer, you can achieve some limited control by waiting until a couple of weeks after the dandelions have flowered and the fluffy seed pods have matured. The plant will be more susceptible to the herbicide at this time.
Note: When using any herbicide, read and follow the package directions carefully.
