Got Lots of Dandelions? Here's What Your Lawn Is Trying to Tell You

2024-08-12
Got Lots of Dandelions? Here's What Your Lawn Is Trying to Tell You

When opportunity knocks, dandelions answer. That’s one reason they’re such a common sight in landscapes far and wide. When you discover dandelions infiltrating your lawn, listen closely to what they are telling you to discourage the opportunistic weed and take action.

Quincy Law is an assistant professor of horticulture at Iowa State University.

“Dandelions are opportunistic invaders. If they are popping up in your lawn, it means that the dandelions have found an opportunity to grow,” says Quincy Law, assistant professor of horticulture at Iowa State University. “These opportunities include bare spots and conditions more favorable for dandelion growth than for turfgrass.”

Law should know. He teaches classes on turfgrass establishment and management and has researched methods of improving the turfgrass ecosystem to ensure optimum health and vigor. He knows what goes into a healthy lawn and what the presence of particular weeds tells us about growing conditions.

What Dandelions Are Telling You

Dandelions tell a story about where they’re growing. If you have dandelions in your lawn, it could mean your lawn has one or more of these conditions:

Compacted Soil

The soil may be compacted. It’s tough for grass roots to penetrate dense, compacted soil but not for dandelions, which develop long tap roots to reach nutrients and moisture in the lower soil layers. This gives them a competitive edge over turfgrass. 

Thin Turf

The turf may be thin. With less competition, dandelions have a leg up on turfgrass. For one thing, dandelion seeds have a better chance of germinating among thin turf. Plus, there is less competition from turfgrass roots and less chance of being shaded out.

Excess Soil Moisture

The soil may be excessively moist. Although dandelions are drought-tolerant once established, they grow best in moist-to-wet soil and full sun. When the soil is waterlogged, dandelions suddenly find themselves with less competition because waterlogged soil weakens the root system of the grass. 

How to Discourage Dandelions

A few dandelion seeds landing on your lawn can quickly take root in favorable conditions and turn into many more dandelions. Here's what you can do help your turfgrass edge them out.

Encourage a Healthy Lawn

Reducing dandelion competition starts with encouraging a healthy lawn. “A dense, healthy lawn is the best defense against weed encroachment, and dandelions are no exception,” Law says. “Dandelions prolifically produce windblown seed that readily germinates,” Law says. A single dandelion plant can produce thousands of seeds annually.

Proper mowing, timely watering, and appropriate fertilization strengthen turfgrass. If the soil is compacted, aerate it to improve the health of turfgrass roots. You can also overseed the lawn to encourage a thicker turf to crowd out dandelions and leave fewer bare spots where seeds can sprout.

Mow at the Correct Height

Mowing height is an often misunderstood factor. While mowing dandelions in bloom can reduce seed production, some plants adapt and form flowers and seedheads later below the cut.

“A common homeowner mistake is to mow too low.” Law says. “Mowing is a plant stress that turfgrasses merely tolerate. The lower the mowing height, the greater the stress. Thus, it is recommended to mow lawns at the highest setting suitable for your grass type. Mowing too low results in more dandelions, as well as other weeds, compared to mowing at the optimal height.”

Choose the Correct NPK Fertilizer Blend

While the presence of dandelions might indicate a lack of calcium in the soil, it can also mean an overabundance of potassium.

Dandelions prefer potassium-rich soils and can outcompete turfgrasses in low-nitrogen conditions,” Law says. “As such, fertility is an important component of integrated dandelion management.” He recommends following the annual nitrogen fertilizer recommendations of your state’s cooperative extension office and only applying potassium as necessary.

How to Deal with Established Dandelions

Established dandelions can be a problem, too. “Dandelions are a perennial species that form a deep taproot, enabling them to survive difficult environmental conditions and regrow each year,” Law says.

Manual removal is possible if you can extract the taproot, which can grow 12 to 18 inches deep on older specimens. The other alternative is spot treatment with a broadleaf weed killer, preferably in fall when dandelions are preparing to go dormant and transporting nutrients back to the roots.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.