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

With the arrival of spring, the battle against weeds like dandelions begins as they can rapidly take over and deplete your lawn's nutrients. Fortunately, there are straightforward strategies for eliminating them.

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

However, Alec McClennan, an organic lawncare expert from 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 correct fertiliser, reports the Express.

Dandelion weeds are particularly troublesome at this time of year since the warmer weather provides perfect conditions for all plants to flourish and propagate.

To stop seeds from germinating, apply corn gluten meal to your lawn, which forms a barrier that prevents new weeds from taking root and simultaneously nourishes your grass.

Alec explained: "Use an organic fertiliser that feeds the soil and may help minimise new weed germination, like corn gluten meal. [It] is an excellent slow-release natural fertiliser that contains about nine percent nitrogen as a protein."

"In addition, corn gluten meal has been shown to suppress new seed germination to some degree. That means that it will help minimise new seeds from turning into plants. ".

Raise the mower blade for a healthier lawn.

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

This method also "keeps your lawn greener," says Alec, as it encourages the grass to develop deeper root systems, which in turn strengthens the turf and improves overall lawn health.

A thicker, healthier lawn is more competitive against weeds, making it more likely that dandelions will naturally die off.

Alec further explained: "Mowing high can help crowd out existing weeds provided that you have grass types that will stand up and fight."

"If your grass lays over and won't stand up, mowing high won't help as much. You still don't want to scalp the lawn, but having the right grass types makes mowing high much easier."

Opt for an organic weed killer.

While chemical weed killers should be avoided, there are natural alternatives available that can effectively eliminate not just weeds, but also moss, algae, ground ivy, and lichens on lawns.

Alec remarked: "Captain Jack's Lawnweed Brew is made from naturally occurring Iron (FeHEDTA) and is people and pet-safe. It will weaken and kill many broadleaf weeds like dandelions, without killing the grass. Because it is naturally occurring it is ok to seed the same day you apply it."

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

Emphasise mulching.

Mulching, the process where gardeners spread organic material over soil to nourish plants, also plays a pivotal role in weed control.

Laying down 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.

Mulch application is ideal in spring or autumn due to the milder climate, with autumn being particularly opportune as fallen leaves are abundant and can be used for mulching.

Alec advised: "You may have to wait a bit on this, but studies at Michigan State have shown a significant reduction in dandelions on grass that had leaves mulched into it during the [autumn]."

"So this year, instead of raking your leaves to the curb, run over them with your lawn mower until they're all chopped up and leave them on your lawn."