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Looking for a dandelion killer? You’re not alone.
Though botanists consider dandelions to be a flowering herb, most of us hate these yellow plants popping up in our lawns.
As far as weeds go, dandelions spread extremely fast. Once they flower, the wind blows their seed everywhere. So if you don’t act fast, you’ll end up with a yard full of dandelions.
There’s a ton of products on the market that claim to kill dandelions, but which ones actually work? And which are safe for humans? Which are safe for your lawn?
Fortunately I’ve spent the past 20 years killing weeds and maintaining lawns, so I know a thing or two about dandelion killers. Here are the 8 best dandelion killers on the market.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
8 Best Dandelion Killers – Reviews
1) Scott’s Turf Builder Triple Action
With a name brand like Scott’s and the convenience of a three in one product, the Triple Action Turf Builder is a top choice. One product is effective at killing existing weeds, preventing new weed growth, and fertilizing desired grasses for a better-looking lawn. Scotts Turf Builder is best suited for hardy grasses like fescue and bluegrass found in northern lawns.
Pros:
- Effective on dandelion, chickweed, clover, and many other broadleaf weeds.
- Prevents and kills weeds while also fertilizing turfgrass for better growth.
- Suitable for use during any season.
Cons:
- Some users prefer traditional fertilizers over a multi-use product like a 3-in-1.
- Only suitable for use on hardy, northern turfgrass. The product may be too harsh for some grass types.
2) Ortho WeedClear
Ortho WeedClear is a selective weed killer that comes in a ready-to-use formula. It kills many types of weeds, including dandelion and crabgrass, down to the roots. This formula is rainproof within one hour of application and yields results in just one application.
Pros:
- Ready to use formula attaches to a common garden hose and covers up to 5000 square feet.
- Works in one application
- Effective on a variety of weeds, including dandelion, crabgrass, and foxtails.
Cons:
- Not suitable for all grass types, best for northern lawns.
3) BioAdvanced All in One Weed Killer
All in One is a selective, post-emergent weed killer. It is effective at killing dandelions, as well as over 200 different species of common grassy and broadleaf weeds. It comes in a flexible application formula that can be used in a sprayer or with a garden hose.
Pros:
- Kills the largest variety of broadleaf and grassy weeds.
- Rainproof in as little as one hour.
- Won’t harm turfgrass when applied as directed.
Cons:
- Not for use on St Augustinegrass, Bahiagrass, Carpetgrass, Centipedegrass, or Dichondra.
- It may take multiple applications.
- It’s selective, so be careful where you spray
4) Spectracide Weed Stop
Spectracide is a selective spot treatment sold in a ready-to-use formula. It is effective on most broadleaf and grassy weeds, including dandelions. It is perfect for post-emergent applications during all phases of the growing season. It is rainproof in three hours and yields visible results within eight hours.
Pros:
- Works on a wide selection of weed types.
- Ready-to-use spot treatment does not require mixing.
- Kills down to the root with visible results within eight hours.
Cons:
- It comes in a standard spray bottle, not great for large-area applications.
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness. Consistently works well on dandelions, but may not be as effective on other types of weeds.
5) Preen Weed Control
Preen weed control is a granular weed killer for use on established turfgrass. It is best suited for northern grasses and may cause injury to common southern varieties like Augustinegrass and Dichondra. It is rated ok for some southern grasses, specifically: Centipede, Zoysia, and Bermuda.
Pros:
- Suitable for a large number of grass types, including some southern varieties.
- Kills over 200 weed types, including dandelions.
- Granular formula is easy to apply with a spreader. No liquid chemical sprays.
Cons:
- Only for established lawns. This does not work as a pre-emergent and may cause injury to new lawns.
- Typical results indicated that this formula kills some and leaves some behind.
- Only a weed killer. Other products on the market contain fertilizer for weed and feed efficiency.
6) Natural Armour Weed and Grass Killer
Natural armor is a pet and people-friendly weed and grass killer. It is non-selective, so it is not suitable for use on lawns, but it does effectively eradicate dandelions and other weeds from patios and pavement. It works well anywhere that grass and weeds are not desired.
Pros:
- IT contains NO Glysophosphate, so it is a healthier, more natural alternative to most weed killers.
- The ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and is safe for use around people and pets.
- The fast-acting formula yields typical results in hours with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- It is a non-selective weed killer, so it is not safe for use on lawns or near flowers, shrubbery or trees.
- Pretty strong smell, even compared to common weed killer chemicals.
- The product seems to work well, but there are concerns about the quality and durability of the sprayer.
7) Weed Beater Weed Killer Concentrate
Weed Beater is a selective weed killer that is safe to use directly on lawns. It is effective at killing up to 200 species of broadleaf and grassy weeds, including dandelions. This product works well in both warm and cool temperatures, so it can be used at any time.
Pros:
- Quick results with injury to weeds visible in 24 hours and total death in 7-14 days.
- Effective on up to 200 species of weeds, still safe for lawn grass.
- Easy spray application with a pump or backpack sprayer.
Cons:
- Not suitable for all grass types, read labels carefully.
Scotts Weedex for Southern Lawns
Scotts Weedex for Southern Lawns is a special formula for use on grasses like St Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede, which are restricted by most weed killers. Works all season long to kill dandelions, in addition to other unwanted lawn weeds.
Pros:
- Special formula for southern grasses.
- It kills a variety of weeds, including dandelion and clover.
- Granular formula applies easily with a spreader.
Cons:
- Works best when applied in early spring by March 1 in most regions, which leaves a small window of opportunity.
- The granular formula does not offer as good of coverage as a liquid spray.
- Like most weed killers, results vary by region, application, and weed type.
More on Dandelions and How to Control Them
Dandelions are a perennial plant. While they may have some benefits, dandelions are a weed. As a perennial, they will come back year after year, so an herbicide that attacks the root system is necessary for permanent removal.
The best time to attack dandelions is early fall, but spot treatments with many products will effectively kill them during the spring and summer as they pop up. Knowing what product to use depends largely on what type of grass and what time of year it is.
It is important to understand the difference between a selective weed killer, which is safe for use on most turfgrass and a non-selective weed killer that will likely kill both weeds and grass. It is also important to know if the lawn is planted with northern grass or southern grass. While each is hardy in their regards, they vary greatly in their composition and will be more or less susceptible to injury from weed killer chemicals.
Most products on the market that are labeled as broadleaf weed killers will work effectively against dandelions. Depending on the quality, the extent of the infestation, and temperature, individual results seem to vary. In almost all cases, visible signs of distress appear within the first 24 hours, and weeds are completely dead within two or three weeks.
For more info on how to best kill dandelions, watch this video below by Solutions Pest & Lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
While vinegar is likely effective at killing plants, it lacks the ability to be selective about what it kills. Any product that is labeled as a selective dandelion killer will use chemicals to kill the weeds.
That’s not to mention that in order for vinegar to be effective, it needs to be extremely strong and mixed with salt. There’s a big question on whether it’s actually safer than traditional chemical weed killers.
The short answer is no. However, as long as you allow several hours for the product to dry and animals do not graze on that grass, the risk is minimal.
Like most products that aim to kill weeds, it takes some time to break down the plant root and cause death. The time varies by product and species of plant, but 1 – 3 weeks is typical.
Conclusion
Dandelions are a broadleaf weed that is common in the spring and summer in yards across the United States. Both northern and southern lawns are susceptible to dandelions. There are a number of products on the market to get rid of them, but we’ve picked the best 8.
Choose the right product based on the grass type, time of year, and severity of infestation. There are many options that treat multiple species of weeds. These formulas are a good choice if there are different types of weeds present, in addition to dandelions.
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