Dandelions are the most common type of weeds that love to invade lawns and can be very difficult to get rid of if you’re not using the right methods. But don’t immediately reach for the weed killer – there are ways of dealing with the problem without spraying chemicals. As well as chemicals, homemade solutions like white vinegar should be avoided as they can damage your grass.
Alec McClennan, an organic lawn care expert from Good Nature, has shared his top gardening technique for eradicating dandelions from your lawn while maintaining its health and vibrancy. These fertile flowering plants are challenging to control once they have set in, so mowing is often the best defence to prevent further spread.
Alec claimed that raising the cutting height of your lawn mower is the secret to banishing dandelions, as taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seeds from sprouting by blocking sunlight.
The gardening guru insisted it will not only remove and prevent weeds but also “keep your lawn greener” by promoting a deeper root system, leading to healthier grass and more robust turf.
What’s more, thicker grass growth resulting from higher mowing can naturally suppress and eventually eradicate dandelions, as a dense lawn resists weeds far better.
Alec explained: “Mowing high can help crowd out existing weeds provided that you have grass types that will stand up and fight.”
Mowing your lawn before the dandelions flower interrupts the plant’s lifecycle, preventing it from turning to seed.
Sandy Reid, director of greenkeeping at the St Andrews Golf Club, agreed: “In my experience, dandelions don’t tolerate regular mowing.
“Mowing is an especially effective cultural control when the cutting height is three quarter inches or less.”
Gardeners need to ensure they mow the lawn with the bagging attachment on once the dandelions have started setting seed, to ensure the seed is collected and contained.
Do not dispose of lawn clippings that contain dandelion seed heads on the compost heap because the seed can live buried for five years.