Four easy ways to get rid of dandelions in your lawn without killing your grass

With the arrival of spring comes the battle against weeds like dandelions, as they can quickly take over and deplete your lawn of nutrients. Fortunately, there are simple strategies to eliminate them.

Experts strongly advise against using harsh chemicals in your garden to protect local wildlife and warn that home remedies such as a white vinegar solution will also kill your grass.

However, Alec McClennan, an organic lawn care expert at Good Nature, has revealed several gardening techniques that can effectively remove dandelions from your lawn while ensuring it remains healthy, green and vibrant.

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Opt for the right fertilizer, Express reports.

Dandelion weeds are especially troublesome this time of year because the warmer weather provides perfect conditions for all plants to bloom and multiply.

To prevent seeds from germinating, apply corn gluten meal to the lawn, which forms a barrier that prevents new weeds from taking root while also nourishing the grass.

Alec explained: “Use an organic fertilizer that nourishes the soil and can help minimize the germination of new weeds such as corn gluten meal. (It is an excellent slow-release natural fertilizer that contains about nine percent nitrogen as protein.”

“Furthermore, corn gluten meal has been shown to suppress the germination of new seeds to some extent. This means it will help minimize the transformation of new seeds into plants.”

Raise the mower blade for a healthier lawn.

By mowing your lawn to a higher height, you can prevent dandelions from sprouting, as taller grass can block sunlight and inhibit weed seed germination.

This method “keeps your lawn greener,” Alec says, because it encourages the grass to develop deeper root systems, which in turn strengthens the lawn and improves overall lawn health.

A thicker, healthier lawn is more competitive against weeds, making the dandelion more likely to die naturally.

Alec went on to explain: “High mowing can help remove existing weeds, provided you have grass types that will stand up and fight.”

“If your grass is laying down and not coming up, mowing high won’t help you as much. You still don’t want to scalp the lawn, but with the right types of grass, high mowing is a lot easier.”

Opt for an organic herbicide.

Although chemical herbicides should be avoided, there are natural alternatives available that can effectively eliminate not only weeds, but also moss, algae, ground ivy and lichens from your lawn.

Alec noted, “Captain Jack’s Lawnweed Brew is made from natural iron (FeHEDTA) and is safe for humans and pets. It will weaken and kill many broadleaf weeds like dandelion without killing the grass. Because it’s natural, it’s good to seed the same day you apply it.”

The key ingredient in Captain Jack’s Lawnweed Brew comes from iron, a crucial element in keeping grass healthy, but also effective in suppressing weeds by disrupting their ability to produce energy, leading to their eventual demise.

Emphasize mulching.

Mulching, the process by which gardeners spread organic material over the soil to feed plants, also plays an essential role in weed control.

Placing leaves, bark, straw or other forms of mulch on your lawn creates a barrier that blocks water and sunlight, essential for the germination of any lurking weed seeds.

Mulching is ideal in spring or autumn due to milder climates, autumn being particularly opportune as fallen leaves are abundant and can be used for mulching.

Alec advised, “You may have to wait a little bit for that, but studies at Michigan State have shown a significant reduction in dandelion on grass that had leaves mulched into it during (fall).”

“So this year, instead of raking your leaves up to the curb, just run your lawnmower over them until they’re all cut up and leave them on the lawn.”