I'm dealing with a lawn that has a mix of red fescue, perennial rye, and Kentucky blue grass, plus some clover and a lot of dandelions. My landlord is not a fan of the dandelions, and while I don't mind them, I do have to keep my landlord happy to stay in my home. I've been considering using 2,4 D or some broadleaf weedkillers, but I'm unsure which ones are effective and offer good value. I don't care if the clover and buttercups die since I can take my potted plants with me when moving, but I really need the grass to survive. My garden is mostly shady and has fairly clayey soil, although I've mixed in some compost to improve it. Any recommendations on brands or methods to tackle the dandelions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Chemical-wise, you might want to look for a selective broadleaf herbicide that targets dandelions but spares grass. Just keep an eye on the ingredients to avoid anything harsh. But honestly, I'd still lean toward pulling them out by hand if possible, or use a focused weeding tool to get the roots out without destroying your lawn.
Honestly, if your landlord is really uptight about the dandelions, you could just pull them out by hand. It saves you from spending any money on chemicals and might be therapeutic! Plus, it’s a quick fix. Just be sure to get the whole root out, or they'll come right back!
If you're still considering a tool, a hori hori knife is great for dandelions. It helps you dig out the taproot without harming your grass. You can snag one online pretty easily!