A tiny yellow flower with fluffy seeds named dandelion may cause irritation if it pops up in your garden. Dandelions are perennial weeds, spread by seeds that are wind-blown. They invade space and compete for nutrients with other wanted plants.
If you are a gardener, then pulling out dandelions is the name of the game. But if you know some easy and effective tips, then it’s a doodle for you. In this article, I will provide some best common ways about how to pull out dandelions. So, why late? Let’s dive in.
How to Pull Out Dandelions in Best Ways
Are you getting tired of pulling dandelions by hand with unsatisfactory results? Do your dandelions just keep coming back? If so, how about using a specialized weed removal tool?
As its taproot is so deep into the soil, almost 6–18 inches long, pulling it out is not an easy task. Digging and pulling with handheld tools, or using herbicides are the most effective ways to remove dandelions.
Different handheld tools are designed specifically for pulling out dandelions. And if you want to do this job without any effort, then you can use herbicides in your lawn or garden.
Necessary Equipment
- Long-handled tools
- Short-handled tools
- Weed Knife
- Watering Can
- Weeding Burner Torch
- Natural Weed Killer
- Pre-emergent herbicides
Using long-handled tools
You will be most successful at managing dandelions and other weeds if you dig them out when they are young. For dandelions, be sure that you have removed the whole plant, including the taproot, since regrowth can occur.
If 1 inch of taproot remains, it will be coming back to your garden. When choosing the tools to use, first consider how much effort is required.
Long-handled tools require less bending over and time on your knees. Handheld tools might give you more control and allow you to get your hands dirty which many gardeners enjoy.
Grandpa’s tool
A long-handled tool that received much popularity is known as Grandpa’s tool. It is designed to step on a lever rock the handle forward to clamp onto the weed then gently pull out.
Shovel like tool
Some tools look and act like slim shovels. It allows you to get the taproot to easily remove the whole weed. After removing the weed, return the chunk of soil and stop it.
Nail-like tines with a plunger
One long-handled tool we like is designed with nail-like tines that go into the soil to grab the weeds and a retractable plunger that shoots the weed off the end for easy disposal.
The only drawback of these tools is that they leave a large divot in the area where the weed is removed. Topdressing or fill may be required to replace the hole left behind
Small-handled tools
The small-handled weeding tools are designed specifically to remove dandelions. Styles, grips, costs, and effectiveness vary greatly.
Some have a forked end that helps grab the base of the dandelion to pull out the entire plant. Others lack a fork but have designs that allow you to get deep into the soil to loosen the taproot for easy removal.
Some styles feature a curve between the fork and the handle for leverage. Again, it is important to remove all or as much of the taproot as possible. Even with the best tools, this can be difficult when the soil is compacted or dry.
Though removing dandelions by spraying chemicals is easier, removing them by hand is safe for other essential plants and also for children.
As most people like to skip harmful chemicals like herbicides and prefer the natural route, like using handheld tools, you can choose any of these methods and weed out the dandelions.
Using Knife
To pull out the dandelions easily, first, you have to moisten the soil by using a watering can to dampen the soil around the dandelions. Then wait a few minutes for moisturizing and use the knife for easy pulling out.
Using a Weeding Burner Torch
The flame of this burner torch can burn up the upper portion of dandelions. After the fire, the yard seems to have been attacked violently by somebody. But you have to be careful because your yard may be burned up with the dandelions
Pouring boiled water on the dandelions
If you pour boiling water several times a day into the dandelions, then after 2 or 3 days they will die. But while pouring, be careful about other plants and grasses.
Using herbicides
Most natural herbicides are non-selective, which means they kill plants randomly. To avoid contact with other plants or grasses, you have to use it much more carefully.
The herbicides you are using, whether homemade or commercial, are only to be poured on the hole from where you have pulled out the dandelions, which will hinder the regrowth of the weed.
Using Pre-emergent herbicides
After digging, there is loose soil and a hole in your lawn that is more susceptible to the regrowth of dandelions. In that case, you can fill the hole using harmful herbicides, which will discourage the regrowth of dandelions.
But if you expect to have grass or other plants in that area, then you have to avoid this method.
Tips
After the war of pulling up dandelions, you have to take time to strengthen the lawn, which will not be susceptible to weed intrusion. For the best lawn care, follow the standard practices.
- Infrequent watering but deep enough to give access to the deep and strong roots.
- One-third of the length has to be cut while using blades
- Proper fertilizing according to the grass type
Final Thoughts
Most people prefer handheld tools to toxic chemicals. Though it requires efficiency in handling different tools and much effort, it’s a comparatively safe way.The yellow-flowered dandelions may be a reason for your happiness when they appear in your garden or lawn for the first time. But with time, you will be disgusted and have to find a suitable way to eradicate them. Hopefully, you have a clear concept of how to pull out dandelions from your lawn. So, why late? Choose the best one and enjoy a healthier and more charming garden or lawn!
