Dandelions will quickly take over a lawn that needs help.
Ali Majdfar / Getty Images
When opportunity knocks, dandelions answer.
Thats one reason theyre such a common sight in landscapes far and wide.
Credit:Ali Majdfar / Getty Images
Quincy Lawis an assistant professor of horticulture at Iowa State University.
Dandelions are opportunistic invaders.
These opportunities includebare spotsand conditions more favorable for dandelion growth than for turfgrass.
What Dandelions Are Telling You
Dandelions tell a story about where theyre growing.
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.
Here’s what you might do help your turfgrass edge them out.
Encourage a Healthy Lawn
Reducing dandelion competition starts with encouraging a healthy lawn.
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.
Mow at the Correct Height
Mowing height is an often misunderstood factor.
A common homeowner mistake is to mow too low.
Mowing is a plant stress that turfgrasses merely tolerate.
The lower the mowing height, the greater the stress.
Thus, you’d be smart to mow lawns at thehighest setting suitable for your grass throw in.
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 annualnitrogen fertilizer recommendationsof your states cooperative extension office and only applying potassium as necessary.
How to Deal with Established Dandelions
Established dandelions can be a problem, too.
