Why Fall Is the Best Time to Control Dandelions
Fall is the best time to control dandelions. I learned this the hard way. You see, dandelions like my yard. Nothing really worked until the experts at Berger Hargis told me about using herbicides for dandelions in the fall. Wait what? In the fall? Aren’t dandelions a spring and summer problem? Yes, they are. However, you can limit their growth the following spring by attacking them in the fall.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Control Dandelions
“Fall is the best time to control perennial broadleaves like dandelion, and both amine and ester formulations provide optimum dandelion control in the fall.” – Turfgrass Purdue Extension.
Using herbicides for dandelions in the fall is effective because, during this time, the dandelions store nutrients in their roots to prepare for winter. Applying herbicides in the fall allows the chemicals to be absorbed into the roots along with the nutrients, effectively killing the entire plant.
Can’t You Just Dig Them Up?
“Digging up as much of the taproot as possible will improve control. Dandelion knives and other similar tools are available for removing individual plants with very little disturbance to the soil. These tools, however, are only effective when all the taproot is removed.”– Turfgrass Science at Purdue University.
Believe me, I’ve tried using tools to dig up dandelion taproots, have you? I hope you were more successful at it than I was. It wasn’t that I didn’t remove the ones I dug up. It’s that I couldn’t seem to keep up with all of the new ones.
“Removing dandelions by hand-pulling or hoeing is usually futile, unless done repeatedly over a long period of time, because of the deep tap root system of established plants.” — University of California Agriculture.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Of course, you can. However, be aware that some herbicides, when used improperly, can affect other plants, while others may be hazardous to pets and children. It’s important to follow the instructions on the herbicide label carefully and apply the chemical at the recommended time and concentration to ensure effective control of dandelions. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid applying herbicides on windy or rainy days to prevent the chemical from drifting and potentially harming other plants or animals.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
If we can answer any questions about dandelion control for your lawn and garden, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management
Photo by Walter Sturn on Unsplash
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