How to Prevent Dandelions
Prevent dandelions by maintaining thick turf, mowing high, and fertilizing in fall. Cultural practices that stop dandelions from establishing.
Taller grass shades the soil surface and prevents dandelion seeds from getting the sunlight they need to germinate. This single practice reduces dandelion establishment more than any herbicide. Lawns cut below 2.5 inches have significantly more problems.
A fall fertilizer application (September and November) strengthens root systems going into winter. Thick, well-nourished grass fills gaps that dandelions exploit. Use a balanced fertilizer or one higher in potassium for root density.
Dandelions colonize thin areas and bare patches. Overseed in early September when soil is warm and fall moisture supports germination. Every square inch covered by desirable grass is unavailable to dandelion seeds.
Dandelion taproots penetrate compacted soil more easily than grass roots can spread through it. Core aeration in fall relieves compaction and gives grass roots room to fill in, reducing the openings dandelions exploit.
