At first glance, the dandelion may not seem like much. Its small, yellow flowers are often considered a nuisance, and its name is derived from the French word for “lion’s tooth” due to its jagged leaves and sharp edges.
Dandelions are perennial weeds that can spread quickly. Unfortunately, they last throughout the summer season. You’ll first see them during the spring, and they are considered to be one of the most resilient weeds. They can survive in almost any condition and will continue to grow and bloom until the first frost hits. Although they die back during the winter, if you don’t do anything about their presence, they’ll come back the next season, taking up residence in your lawn or yard once again.
It is hard not to notice those tiny yellow flowers blooming on your lawn. For children, dandelions are the bright yellow flowers they love to pick, especially when spring comes. But, it is a nuisance for adults who want to maintain their lawns. This article will answer the question, ‘do dandelions last all summer?’
Do Dandelions Last All Summer?
Dandelions are challenging to get rid of because they have a deep taproot. The taproot is a long, thick root that grows straight into the ground.
This root system enables the weed to survive in dry or compacted soils. It also allows the weed to store nutrients and water, which helps it to survive during periods of drought.
When you try to pull a dandelion out of the ground, the taproot breaks off and simply grows back. The only way to effectively remove a dandelion is to dig it up by the root. But this can be difficult because the root can go deep down several feet thru the soil.
In addition to their long roots, dandelions are also wind pollinators. Once those yellow blooms become whitish puffballs, they can travel long distances in the wind to pollinate other plants and spread more dandelions. This means that you will have more dandelions, affecting your property’s curb appeal.
How to Keep Dandelions Away?
Having a dandelion or two on your lawn is inevitable, but you can take some actions to help prevent them from taking over.
Apply Broadleaf Herbicide
An MCPP or a 2,4-D or dicamba are the best options for killing dandelions. You can find these products in a ready-to-use formulation or a concentrated version that you will need to mix with water.
The best time to spray is when the dandelions are actively growing, usually in the springtime. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label because using too much of the herbicide can damage your lawn.
Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Mowing your lawn on a regular basis will help you prevent dandelions from taking over. Mowing helps to remove the flower heads before they have a chance to produce seeds. It also weakens the plant, making it more difficult for the weed to compete with the grass.
For the best results, mow your lawn at least once a week during the spring and summer.
Remove the Weeds Manually
Uprooting the weeds by hand is a popular choice for lawn owners. However, this is not very effective and futile unless done continuously, which is very tiring.
But if you plan to pull the seeds manually, it is best to do it if the roots are moist and soft. This way, you will have a higher chance of removing all the roots and eliminating these weeds.
You can use a specialized dandelion tool to help pull up the whole root from the ground.
Do Dandelions Last All Summer: Final Thoughts
Dandelions can be a nuisance, and if you let them be, they’ll take over your beautiful yard throughout summer. But by being proactive and using some of the methods we’ve listed, you can keep them at bay and ensure your lawn looks pristine all season long.