Dandelion Weed Control in Your Lawn & Garden

Leaves are flat, smooth and soft in texture; mid-green in colour; and edges are serrated with a red stripe along the centre vein (midrib). Leaves grow in a rosette shape, and often sit upright, but are usually flat to the ground in a lawn situation. Flowers are singular on the stem, yellow, dense and daisy-like. Seeds heads are fluffy, white and round. Individual seeds are shaped like a flat umbrella, which are easily picked up by the wind.

Dandelions mostly spread by seeds being picked up and dispersed by wind, often blowing into gardens from neighbouring areas.

Dandelions flower and set seed in spring and early summer.

For the control of Dandelion and various other broadleaf weeds in common lawns like Couch and Kikuyu, spray the entire lawn with Yates Weed'n'Feed, available in both a hose-on applicator and in the Click & Grow Garden Care System. For Buffalo lawns use Yates Weed'n'Feed Buffalo Lawn or Yates Lawn Weed Killer Bindii & Clover Buffalo Lawn, which have been specially designed to be safe for buffalo lawns. Yates Weed'n'Feed products have the added benefit of providing nutrients to green the lawn.  Please ensure you have read and understood all label instructions prior to every use.

Dandelions can be found growing in the lawn and garden throughout the year, but to a lesser extent in winter in cool climates.

The best time to spray is as soon as you notice them, and before they start to flower and set seed. Be extra vigilant in late winter and early spring, as early control will help reduce the amount of seed and future dandelions.

In ideal conditions, Dandelion seeds can last for up to 5 years in the soil. So even if you think you've finally got on top of controlling Dandelion weeds, if there are any remaining viable seeds in the soil they will germinate and grow.

Very mature plants with a large tap root have lots of stored reserves and this helps them survive. Selective lawn herbicides, like Yates Weed'n'Feed, help to control weeds roots and all. For very mature plants, more than one application may be required.

Dandelions are super tough, and seeds can survive in water, and in animal digestive systems. Seeds can travel by wind from up to 500 m away. So even if you have controlled all Dandelions on and near your property, if there are some growing on your street, chances are they'll be back.

Kill Dandelions as soon as you notice them growing, and well before they start to flower.

When you are out and about, if notice any Dandelion seeds on your clothes, shoes, pet, vehicle or tools, wash or brush them off before returning home.

Apply a pine bark mulch like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4 in 1 Mulch over garden beds and around plants. Mulch helps to reduce weeds, like Dandelions, growing. The added benefits of Yates Dynamic Lifter 4 in 1 Mulch include providing a protective layer over the soil surface, helping to retain soil moisture, enriching the soil with nutrients and organic matter, and encouraging earthworms and beneficial soil microorganisms.  

Mow regularly and keep the lawn a little longer, especially in spring and summer, about 8 cm high.

Starve seeds and young plants of light, water and nutrients by growing a thick and healthy lawn. Regular watering and using organic based fertilisers, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Lawn Food, will improve lawn and soil health, as well as promoting green growth.