My Mom hates dandelions; therefore, every morning, her task is uprooting the dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) and other stubborn weeds that distort the beauty of my lawn. She uproots stark weeds and dandelions quickly and smoothly using a dandelion puller tool.
When the summer arrives, gardening time starts; thus, every lawn owner’s or gardener’s headache will be dandelions. Though the bright yellow herb may be beautiful, it means unbounded weeding as the plants grow over the garden beds and lawns.
If you are eco-friendly, you must avoid using harsh chemicals to kill them. So, you need to remove these weeds by hand, which is difficult and impossible if you have a medium to large-sized lawn. Therefore, a dandelion puller or dandelion removal tool is the right way for you.
5 Best Dandelion Pullers Tools Reviews
Choosing the best dandelion puller isn’t easy; I have enlisted the best 5 dandelion pullers from the markets and a perfect buying guide.
1. Fiskars Ergo Scratch Tool Garden Weeder (Budget-Friendly)
The Fiskars Ergo Scratch garden weeder is my 1st choice for pulling dandelions, many other pesky weeds from the lawn, thistles as well as other invasive weeds. I love its lightweight, just 6.7 ounces, therefore can easily be used by old, young and everybody in between.
My elder brother, Marcus, pulled out dandelions from his lawn very smoothly using a manual hand weeder. I noticed it was Fiskars Ergo Scratch Garden weeder. I asked him about the purchase date, and he said he has been using it for 1 year.
The Fiskars Ergo Scratch is engineered with high quality materials like cast aluminum, building it rust resistant and making it long lasting. The handle long hole is used for easy storage when it isn’t in use.
The ergonomic designed handle minimizes hand and wrist exhaustion while uprooting the weeds. The Manual Fiskars Ergo Scratch is best for the people who have no issue with being bent, or down or kneeling.
2. Grampa’s Long Handle Dandelion Picker
Grampa’s long-handled dandelion puller had occupied the ranked position since 1913, when it was made, due to its classic, simple design and performance as well. Its simple 45″ straight bamboo handle design works efficiently, saving your back and knees. It’s really a game-changer! Removing weeds requires no bending down, kneeling, or strength.
Grampa’s long-handle dandelion puller has a 4-claw design, made with powder-coated metal that can remove weeds from most soil types, whether good watering or rainfall. Please remember it isn’t good enough for extremely hard clay or hilly surfaces.
In addition, though it looks light and feeble, it is potent and long-lasting. For using Grampa’s puller, just push the metal claw into the center of the weed, press your leg to the side claw to reach it into the lower root zone, and tilt the handle. It can pull out the weed with the entire root system.
You can’t even imagine how easy it is. I have used it since I had a trigger finger release surgery and am attending occupational therapy to recover. This stand-up weed puller assists in keeping the garden weed-free without using any destructive chemical or weed killer and is safe for pets, babies, and the environment.
After 2 years, I am still satisfied with using this dandelion puller. You can depend on this ingenious design to pull out dandelions and other weeds. You will get uncounted comments and positive reviews on the internet, including gardening forums and retail stores, regarding Grampa’s excellent performance.
3. Walensee Stand Up Weed Puller
Walensee Stand Up Weed Puller is another outstanding dandelion picker tool I have never seen before. It is a light weed puller made from durable stainless high-strength steel that uproots the weeds with minimum soil removal. One of the main differences compared to other tools is it doesn’t leave large holes in the lawn.
The three sharp spikes instead of claws made it one of the greatest dandelion puller tools on the market, which are 2.75-inch steel teeth long enough to go into the deep soil and lift the grassroots effectively.
The 39″ tall handle allows you to lift the weeds without being bent or down, or kneeling. The excellent stainless steel food pedal helps you put enough force to penetrate the ground and lift the whole weed with the entire root system. My grandmother feels satisfied in her 65 years of using it. This tool is easily workable for crabgrass, tap root, plantain, thistle, burdock, clover, bush, etc.
For lifting the weeds, simply press the spike into the center of the weeds/grass, push your leg on the pedal to take it deep into the soil, and then spin your hand to pull out the weed and roots from the ground.
I consider the Walensee Stand Up puller a top contender because of its durable design, labor saving, easy and quick removal of weeds, and 180 days warranty from the date of purchase.
4. Ames Steel Stand-Up Weeder
Ames 2917300 is a steel-made stand-up puller that uproots weeds, including the roots. It has a unique solid design that makes the dandelion remover tool effortless.
The steel tool handle, durable design, tines, and foot pedal can withstand use year after year, giving this weed puller money worthy. You don’t need to bend, kneel, or down to lift the weeds.
The green ratchet handle on the tool’s shaft, which you can push in a sort of pump-action motion, removes dandelions from the spike head. Undoubtedly, this is a robust, well-designed tool, including an ejection slide, allowing you to easily release the various kinds of weeds and prevent fatigue.
The unique plunger does double duty, also aerating the soil for a healthy lawn after clearing weeds. The 40-inch stand-up weed puller is perfect for lifting pesky weeds without chemicals.
I really like the mechanical function of this tool. To uproot the dandelion, push your foot down on the foot pedal to run the claw head into the soil around the weed. Hold the T handle with both hands, spin the puller at 90 degrees, and lift the weeds from the ground.
The item is a little heavy, 3.6 pounds, compared to other tools on my list. The AMES provides a 15 years warranty for the products so that you haven’t any doubt regarding the performance and durability of the product.
5. Garden Weasel Weed Popper Dandelion Tool
My cousin, Adam Clark, bought a Garden Weasel Step and Twist hand weeder last year for lifting dandelions and other weeds from his yard. He was very worried about how to perform it or the waste of investment. However, now he is very satisfied with the performance of Garden Weasel.
The carbon steel design makes it long-lasting as it is weather and rust-resistant. It features a button between the handle grips to press and eject the dandelion from the claws so that you don’t need to bend over or break your rhythm.
The 39″ long handle makes it straightforward and ergonomically designed to keep you upright and eliminate the application of chemicals for a healthy lawn. It is also effective for pulling crabgrass, taproot, dallisgrass, and even planting flowers.
For uprooting the weed, simply grasp the two steel claws into the root zone area of the weed by your foot, spin the handle, and lift the weeds, including the roots as well.
I have observed that the Garden Weasel can’t work properly on splotches of grass-like weeds due to their root system enlarging. I recommended this 2.5 pounds tool for its carbon steel design and lifetime warranty. You can even use it in dry clay soil with stones.
Things Need To Consider When Buying A Dandelion Puller
Some important things need to be considered before buying a dandelion puller.
Handle Length
Handle length is one of the main things that must be considered before buying a dandelion puller because an appropriate handle can help you shorten your efforts and enhance results. You have two options to choose the length of the handle. If you are a tall person, choose a tall-handled puller. Similarly, a short-handed tool is appropriate for short people.
Short-Handled Dandelion Tools
Short-handled tools are best for keeping close contact with your plant. You can use this tool for pulling for the dandelions that are either clustered or closely packed. But you may need to bend your knees to work with it. Moreover, increasing control over soil dispersion in your garden, a short-handled puller is excellent.
Long-Handled Dandelion Tools
The long-handled tool is appropriate when you don’t want to bend your knees working in your yard. Besides, these are more suitable to cover larger areas in less time. In other words, if you have arthritis or back pain, a long-handled tool is undoubtedly the only way for you.
Head Type
You know how important it is to eliminate weeds from root or shoot. There are various weed removal head types. Long-handed and standup dandelion picker tools mostly being either a 3-claw or 4-claw.
Materials
A weed puller made from a durable and sturdy material is always better than a rickety one that can’t last long. Therefore, such tools must have claws or metal spikes that resist deformation, bending, and rusting.
Tools with steel handles or metal parts are always stronger and sturdier than bamboo or plastic components. Moreover, never forget to check whether the puller handles have some sort of cushion grip to minimize hand fatigue while in use.
Design
The design of a dandelion puller is another essential factor you must consider. The design of a weed puller should be such that the weeds can pull with minimal endeavor. The puller’s balance, weight, and shape must be considered in that case. Lightweight tools are comparatively more efficient than heavyweight ones. Because the heavier the tool, the more fatigue comes quickly. A manual short-handle puller is perfect for small size yards, whereas long handled puller is appropriate for medium to large-sized lawns.
In addition, you need to consider the size of the dandelion in your lawn, as the typical size would depend on this thing. For example, smaller tools, including curved shafts and fork tips, are great for pulling shorter weeds. On the other hand, a long-sized puller is perfect for removing long weeds. As a result, we have attached models with different shapes and sizes in the above list.
Dandelion Tool Durability
Dandelions, like stubborn weeds, need a lot of effort to pull out from the soil. So, if you use plastic or aluminum-made tools, chances may have to break or bend due to pressure. Furthermore, soft materials tools can’t penetrate hard, dry, or heavy clay soil. As a result, tools made of premium quality steel ensure higher durability and sturdiness and have a lower possibility of rusting or breaking. Therefore, use a premium quality steel-made weed puller if your lawn is hard, dry, or heavy clay.
Frequently asked questions
Do dandelion pullers really work?
Dandelion is considered a bothersome weed that needs to be eradicated from the lawn or garden. They invade space and compete for nutrients with other desired plants.
The taproot of dandelion is 6-18 inches deep, so removing it is challenging because of its length. That’s why a question may arise in your mind: do dandelion pullers work? In this article, I will make your query crystal clear. So, let’s dive in.
Do dandelion pullers work – A clear concept
When it comes to removing dandelions, various hand tools are available. But do your dandelions just keep coming back after removing them? Using a specialized weed removal tool might be an option in that case. Different handheld tools are designed specifically for pulling out dandelions effectively. Let’s see.
Long-handled pullers
Grandpa’s Weeder, Walensee Standup, Ames, etc., are noteworthy among long-handled tools. When you step on the lever, the handle swings forward to grab the weed and gently pull it out. And when it comes to controlling dandelions and other weeds, the best time to get rid of them is when they are young. If you’re dealing with dandelions, eliminate the entire plant, including the taproot, to avoid regrowth.
Short handled pullers
Fiskars Ergo Scratch weeder, Bond LH022 Fiberglass Garden Wiggle Weeder, etc., are effective weeding tools among short-handled tools.
Procedure for good work out of dandelion puller
Whether the tools are long-handled or short, you must go through the following processes for effective results. Let’s have a look!
Step 1: Set your Dandelion Puller Next to the Weed’s Root.
If you notice a weed that needs to be removed, grab the dandelion puller and place it next to the root. You may have to remove the weed’s leaves to get to the root.
Step 2: Push the Dandelion Puller into the Soil
To remove the weed, you must use a dandelion puller that inserts into the ground near the weed’s root.
Step 3: Use Dandelion Puller to Dig Up the Roots
To get rid of dandelions and other weeds, slowly pull the roots out by pressing down on the back handle of your dandelion puller. Then, you have to lift the jagged fork portion of the dandelion remover.
Cautions
- Loose the soil around the stem.
- Grab the stem firmly and pull.
- Make an effort to remove as much as possible of the dandelion root.
For a good workout, you must use your dandelion puller properly and maintain the guidelines you are prescribed. Hope you have got a crystal clear concept against your question. Follow the procedure and have a healthy lawn!
Final verdict
Hope you have caught the most appropriate dandelion weed removal tool according to your requirements. Fiskars Ergo Scratch is my favorite dandelion puller for small lawns or yards if you have no issue being down or bent. Nevertheless, if you don’t, Grampa’s or Walensee are my second recommendations for a large lawn.