A Dandelion and Crabgrass Removal Guide

Learn how to stay ahead of the game and tackle those weeds head-on with our helpful guide.

 

 

Spring has arrived, and the grass is turning green; unfortunately, so are the dandelions and crabgrass! Tackle these weeds head-on and learn how to stay ahead of the game with our guide to preventing dandelion and crabgrass infestations.

 

About Dandelions and Crabgrass

Don’t let dandelions fool you with their cute little flowers; their roots are tough and put up a good fight! Dandelion taproots can grow between 6 to 18 inches long, making removing the entire root system extremely difficult. New plants can grow from the taproot if you don’t remove enough of the root the first time.

Crabgrass is an invasive species that spreads quickly and doesn’t need to root for growth. It has a light green color with stems that have segments, like crab legs. Crabgrass grows horizontally, making it difficult to manage. It’s a tough plant and can take a bit of work to remove, but purging your yard of this species will give your grass more room to breathe and eliminate hiding spots for invasive insects.

 

Prevent Weeds with a Healthy Lawn 

The best defense against weeds is a well-fed, healthy lawn. If your grass is healthy with strong roots, it will compete with any weeds that try to grow and prevent them from taking root. Reseeding and fertilizing your yard are great ways to keep it healthy and prevent infestation. Of course, if you spot dandelions with fluffy seeds on top, try to cut those off and dispose of the seeds before they get carried off by the wind.

Preventing crabgrass is similar—a healthy lawn won’t leave much room for crabgrass to grow! Crabgrass does like to grow in dry, hot weather, so we recommend watering your lawn regularly to make the growing conditions more favorable for your grass than crabgrass. Cutting your grass short will also expose the soil to more heat, so leave your lawn a little longer to help keep the ground moist so that crabgrass won’t grow. Additionally, corn gluten can be spread to help prevent weed seeds from germinating.

 

How to Remove Dandelions Effectively

The best way to get rid of dandelions is to pull them out or dig them up, but you’ll want to make sure you get as much of the root as possible. Digging up dandelions with a shovel will work best in dry soil, while pulling them out is easiest in wet soil. Be sure to throw out the weeds rather than incorporate them into compost; otherwise, they’ll come back all over again! You can ensure the weed won’t grow back by pouring a bit of white vinegar down the whole to kill the remaining root fibers. 

 

What Will Kill Crabgrass but Not Grass?

The best way to remove crabgrass before it starts spreading is to dig up any you see in the early season before it can seed. If it starts to spread, you can use horticultural grade vinegar to burn out the crabgrass, but keep in mind that it will also damage your lawn. Spot treat as much as possible and stay ahead of the spread to reduce the damage to your lawn. There are non-organic options available that are selective, and will protect your grass if you have a significant infestation that requires more extreme measures.

 

How to Nourish Your Lawn for Recovery

If you have to resort to non-selective measures, and your lawn looks like it needs some help after the weed removal, be sure to reseed and fertilize your lawn, watering regularly. Your lawn will need some recovery time before it looks fresh and full again, but it’ll get there in no time with some TLC! We carry a full line of organic lawn care products, including lawn food and fertilizer. You can even bring in a dry soil sample from your lawn, and we’ll help you find its pH to determine if you need to add lime to balance your soil. 

 

If you’re looking for dandelion and crabgrass solutions near you, visit us at Primex Garden Center. We’ll help you remove those pesky weeds and make your lawn luscious and enjoyable for the summer!