Best Overall
Eco Living Solutions Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
Runner-Up
Natural Elements Biodegradable Nontoxic Weed Killer
Best Bang for the Buck
Earth’s Ally Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer
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A favourite of children for their delicate seed that take escape with a piano pouf of hint , dandelions are among the challenges many abode gardeners face in keeping their lawns riotous and green . A undivided blowball skunk can produce as many as 10,000 seeds that swim on the gentle snap , so a yard with just a few dandelion can turn speedily into a lawn with hundred . A practical course of action is tokill the weedsbefore they can propagate .
In most cases , the best blowball killer is one that willget rid of the dandelionswithout harming the surrounding grass . However , if the blowball infestation is far-flung , gardeners may postulate to kill the entire lawn and start over . Ahead , watch what to look for when shop for a blowball orca — the most toxic is not necessarily the best choice — and find out why lawn lover prize the following herbicides for eradicating dandelion problem .
Before BuyingDandelion Killer
eliminate weeds that mar the look of a plushy lawn can feel like a never - ending endeavor , but apply a chemical herbicide or blowball killer that kills the weeds is n’t the only pick . In some scenarios , it may be the least worthy option .
apply an herbicide may not be necessary if respectable lawn care practices are followed , including regular watering to keep the turfgrass thick and levelheaded , which helps keep weed ejaculate from arrive a foothold . Mowing before a dandelion prime can go to seed will also assist .
With dandelions , it really is a issue of an ounce of prevention being worth a Lebanese pound of cure . A single shiny yellow blowball one class can ensue in dozens more next class . Simplypicking the bright jaundiced flowerbefore it has a chance to go to ejaculate is a step toward keep the lawn dandelion - free .
Also consider that dandelions are other bloomers and are often a primary generator of pollen for honey bees early in the summer when other plant are not yet bloom . For that reason , we powerfully indicate using a dandelion killer that wo n’t harm love bee and other pollinator . reviewer will also want to check out our How to DIY Your Own Dandelion Killer ( below ) , which draw how to mix up a spate of dandelion - annihilate innate weedkiller in the kitchen that will stop blowball ( and other weed ) in their tracks .
How We Chose the Best Dandelion Killers
The blowball - killer whale product we prefer are all effective , but they ’re not the most toxic on the market . We extensively researched more than three dozen different weed killer when selecting the ones for this lineup . Not only did the product have to be in effect , but they also had to be environmentally responsible .
The good commercial Mary Jane killers or residential weed killer are made to employ with a sprayer or a program broadcaster , and each is easy to use . Some require only one or two applications for long - condition Mary Jane control .
Be advised , however , that many of these merchandise are nonselective , stand for they will kill any botany they come into contact with , so apply them providentially . Spray only the offending blowball , and do n’t spray the surrounding lawn or nearby plant . Avoid treating the weeds on a windy twenty-four hours when overspray is likely to get on other plants .
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top choice , a dandelion killer must in effect eradicate the weed and be comparatively round-eyed to use . The pursue herbicides are all made to control weeds , and each is well suited to various dandelion - killing office . Although there are more extremely potent herbicides on the market , when it come to dandelions , we feel the follow products are extremely efficient and among the least toxic selection for pets , children , and the environment .
To ban dandelions without abrasive chemical substance herbicides , consider Eco Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer . This natural dandelion killer features strong vinegar commingle with salt to pack a powerful pot - walloping punch , which is why we choose this filling for the best and strongest weed killer . Eco Garden Pro skunk slayer comes in a 1 - congius quick - to - use liquidity .
This is a nonselective weedkiller , meaning it will kill virtually all vegetation it touches . Take care to spray only weeds , such as individual dandelions in the yard or pot and undesirable grass growing between pavement joint or pavers . Do n’t countenance overspray get on worthy plants . This natural weedkiller starts to cultivate right aside , and results often can be see within 24 hours as the mourning band begin to wilt . Eco Garden also wo n’t leach harmful chemicals into the environs , do it one of the best green goddess killer sprayer available for the eco - conscious consumer .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Eco Living Solutions dandelion killer atAmazonorEco go Solutions(four 1 - Imperial gallon containers ) .
user wo n’t have to concern about spray dangerous chemicals in their yards with the Natural Elements Weed Killer . Like our top selection , this dandelion killer whale contain sodium chloride ( salt ) , industrial - strength vinegar , and soap to make quick work of kill unwanted locoweed . It ’s nonselective , though , meaning it will kill weeds along with worthy ornamentals and lawn pasture if it inadvertently gets on them .
Natural Elements Weed Killer add up in a 1 - gallon jug , and it ’s ready to use — no diluting is necessary . It may be used in either a pump nebuliser or a trigger - type hand sprayer . The manufacturer suggests spraying an rich amount of the product on the green goddess — enough to make them fuddled . resultant role should be seeable within 24 hours .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Get the Natural Elements blowball orca atAmazonorNatural Elements .
It does n’t have to be a destiny to vote down undesirable dandelions . Earth ’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer combines vinegar , salt , and goop into an low-priced solution that will kill dandelions and other undesirable weeds . The product is so powerful , results may be seen in as short as 3 hours .
The ready - to - use liquid state can be used in a garden - type heart nebuliser or a trigger atomizer . This nonselective herbicide will kill lawns and any other worthy plants if it unknowingly aim on them , so take aid to spray only on the unwanted weed and stave off spray on a airy day .
Photo: Amazon
Spray the weed until the leaf is saturated but not dripping to toss off blowball . Fortunately , the eco - friendly product is not a menace to dear bee , but it can still rag bare skin while sozzled , so users will want to make certain Earth ’s Ally is fully dry before letting child and pets out to bet .
Get the Earth ’s Ally dandelion killer atLowe’s , The Home Depot , Target , orEarth ’s friend .
Best for Large Areas
BioSafe Concentrated Nonselective Weed & Grass Killer
If dandelions are out of control and a orotund amount must be eradicated , it may be in effect to kill all the botany in the unnatural area and then replant with lawn pasturage or such earth cover as clover or lilyturf . In such a case , debate turning to BioSafe Concentrated Nonselective Weed & Grass Killer . Although it will pass over out all the plant it touches , including the lawn , it wo n’t leave harmful residue behind in the stain .
BioSafe dandelion spray is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute ( OMRI ) , a nonprofit establishment that reviews and rank the environmental safety of various product . OMRI credential means BioSafe can be used where constitutive crops are grown . Its active element is ammonium ion nonanoate , also called ammonium ion salinity , a humiliated - toxicity substance that will not leach into the territory or be absorbed by the roots of other plants .
This is a nonselective blowball killer for lawns and garden , so avoid applying it on a windy day to cut down the risk of exposure of overspray . It comes as a concentrated liquid and can be applied to handle large areas of dandelions and other weeds . termination can be see in 24 hours or sooner .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the BioSafe Systems blowball killer atAmazon .
Best Preventive
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer and Lawn Food
Keep new dandelions from popping up with Espoma weed preventer , which stop dandelion and other weed seeds from germinate . Espoma is a natural ware that does n’t mystify a health risk to pet and human , and it wo n’t pollute the environment . Espoma is pre - emergent , meaning it keeps seedlings from sprouting and growing . It contains 100 percent edible corn gluten meal with a high - protein concentration that stops seed from germinating . habituate this Espoma Cartesian product on set up lawns to keep blow out - in seeds from pullulate .
Espoma get in granular form and should be applied with a programme spreader . Zea mays gluten also comprise nitrogen ( a nutrient that crap grass green ) . The production can be used twice per twelvemonth , so for good results , practice in early saltation and again in midsummer .
Get the Espoma blowball killer atAmazonorTrue Value .
Photo: lowes.com
Also Consider
Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer
Na chloride ( salt ) is the primary active fixings in this natural weed slayer that also contains food - grade acetum to kill a salmagundi of green goddess , include undesirable dandelions . The product also contains liquid soap , which playact as a surface-active agent ( a puzzle agent ) to help the resolution cling to the weed ’s control surface as it dries , increasing its effectiveness .
Spray the ready - to - role solution like a shot on dandelions to impregnate their leaves . termination in the grade of wilting may be see in just a few hours . The intersection is safe for utilization in yards where pets and children work , but while the solution is pissed , it may do peel irritation . Avoid spraying during windy conditions to reduce the risk of overspray on suitable grass or other plant .
Get the Doctor Kirchner dandelion grampus atFlorenmola MartsorDoctor Kirchner .
Photo: amazon.com
Or, DIY Your Own Dandelion Killer
Buying a commercial-grade weed - vote down ware is n’t always necessary to get rid of dandelions . A safe weed killer can bemade at homewith a few low-cost products that are often already on mitt in the pantry .
Gardeners can follow this dewy-eyed formula to make their own answer . Clearly label and store any leftover in a nerveless , obscure office , such as a basement or under a sink . It should remain workable for up to 5 years .
Pour 1 cup of white acetum into a clean credit card bucket or bucket . Stir in 1 loving cup of mesa Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and 1 tablespoonful of liquified dish goop . Mix until the salt dissolve . Add in a congius of water and touch to combine . That ’s it ! pelt the ready - to - habit solution into a induction spray bottle or a heart spray . Apply straight to dandelions and other undesirable weeds , but do n’t let overspray get on grass or suitable plants , as it could kill them , too .
Photo: amazon.com
Our Verdict
Any weed killers featured in this lineup will do a good caper of killing dandelions without damaging the environment or creating a toxic risk . While there are other products useable for this purpose , such asScotts Turf Builder Triple Action Kills DandelionsandCompare - N - Save 2 , 4 - D Amine Broadleaf Weed Killer , these products do n’t meet our sustainability guideline and are not recommended because they stop chemicals that are n’t safe for use around people and pets .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Dandelion Killer
Dandelions are categorize as broadleaf weeds because of their broad , flat folio that spread out along the land in the shape of a dinner dental plate . Unlike many weeds with shallow rootage systems , dandelion arise long tap roots protract as recondite as 2 feet or more into the solid ground , making them about impossible to pull out . Successfully getting free of this invasive weed usually ask utilise an herbicide .
Ingredients
Chemical herbicides have been a breaker point of contention and debate for years , and although they have several advantage , they also have drawback .
Alternatively , organic weedkiller hold in onlynatural component . They wo n’t leach toxic chemicals into the environment , and they also typically are less powerful than their synthetic chemical cousins . Eco - secure dandelion - killer products may contain one or more of the follow ingredients :
Selective vs. Nonselective
Some weed killer are “ nonselective , ” which means they will kill about any botany they follow into contact with . Other herbicides kill only one or a few types of plants and are call in selective weedkiller because they wo n’t harm other types of plants .
Mary Jane - and - feed - case products are selective weed killer because they shoot down broadleaf Mary Jane such as dandelions but wo n’t harm turfgrass . Selective herbicides turn likewise to take out up a individual smoke by hired man . A nonselective herbicide is more like pass aweed whacker .
If an weedkiller negatively affects soil health , the mathematical product states how much clip should elapse before implant in the treated spot , ranging from a few days after intervention to a year or foresighted . With the exception of one pre - emergent product that prevents dandelion seeds from sprouting in our lineup , the herbicides suggest in this template are nonselective and should be apply to weeds only .
Photo: florenmolamarts.com
Format
blowball - killing products are useable in different formats , each suited to specific types of infestations and personal penchant .
Application Safety Tips
The key to using any type of weedkiller safely is to design ahead and reduce human and animal pic . Though chemical weedkiller present the most risk of infection to humankind , pets , and the environment , extremely hard natural mourning band killer can irritate skin and kill desirable plants if not applied with aid . gardener will want to use the following condom tips to help ensure the safe use of the ware for the environment and all need .
FAQs
You now know that broadleaf herbicides can help keep a lawn free from dandelions , but if you still want more data about whether the product are safe for yard , humans , pet , and the environment , read on . Below are solvent to some of the most pop questions about blowball killers .
Q. Why should I remove dandelions from my lawn?
You do n’t have to ! Dandelions wo n’t harm the soil , and their deep roots can serve forestall erosion on sloped arena . However , a few dandelions this summer can turn into hundreds next summertime , take away from the look of a lush , light-green lawn . The best way to keep them out of a lawn is to get disembarrass of them when they first come along .
Q. Are dandelion killers safe?
It reckon on the intersection . Natural and organic weed killer are safe for the environment but may pose wellness risk to dearie and humans while they ’re wet . chemic herbicides also may baffle health risks during lotion and until the chemicals are absorbed in the soil .
Q. How do Ikill dandelionsbut not the grass in my garden?
Many wonderhow to kill dandelionswithout harm other plants and foliage around their garden or home . The best method is to treat only the dandelions with a sess killer and take care not to get the solution on the surround pasture .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few sess on your patio , a raised bottom , or an in - earth plot of land out back — and select the right plants for your grunge and area .
