Fighting the dandelion growth in your lawn can feel like a never-ending war, where these stubborn weeds keep coming back, no matter what you do.
Dandelion killers offer a powerful solution, targeting these pesky invaders directly to give your grass a fighting chance. However, with so many types and brands on the market, finding the right one can be as tricky as the weeds themselves. Below are a few factors that you should consider before making any purchase:
- Quantity: Look for bigger sizes if you need to cover a large area and vice-versa. The size options are available from 32 ounces up to 20 pounds or more.
- Coverage: Check how much area the product can treat. Basic options may cover from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet, while stronger ones can handle up to 60,000 square feet, useful for larger spaces.
- Killer Type: Opt for the killer type that best matches your application needs, choosing from solid forms or liquid variants that include concentrates and ready-to-use options.
Best Dandelion Killers Table
| Best Dandelion Killers | Quantity | Coverage | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed Fertilizer | 14.29 pounds | Up to 5000 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | 1 gallon | Up to 1000 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Spectracide 96262 Weed & Feed | 32 ounces | Up to 7500 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Roundup For Lawns1 Ready to Use Weed Killer | 1.33 gallons | Up to 1330 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action - Weed Killer | 20 pounds | Up to 4000 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns | 1 gallon | Up to 64000 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| ECO Garden PRO - Organic Vinegar Weed Killer | 1 gallon | Up to 1200 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Espoma Organic Weed Preventer | 25 pounds | Up to 1250 square feet | Check On Amazon |
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer | 32 ounces | Up to 5000 square feet | Check On Amazon |
Best Dandelion Killers Reviews
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed Fertilizer
Many might not be familiar with this brand, however, Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed, leading our lineup, serves as both a weed killer and a lawn fertilizer. It utilizes innovative WeedGrip Technology to effectively target both visible and concealed weeds, including stubborn intruders like dandelion and clover. With this product, you can transform your lawn into a sanctuary free from weeds while promoting a denser, healthier turf.
Scotts Turf not only addresses existing weed problems but also serves as a proactive shield, fostering a resilient lawn that can withstand future weed invasions. Designed for easy application on damp lawns during peak weed growth periods, this formula delivers up to twice the weed control potency compared to previous versions, all supported by Scotts’ satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Effective weed control for a cleaner lawn
- Encourages a denser and healthier grass cover
- Straightforward application with recommended Scotts spreader
Cons:
- Potential improvements to the front spray nozzle
- Challenges with the sprayer mechanism by certain users
- Limited availability in specific regions
2. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Crafted from domestically harvested corn, this herbicide by Green Gobbler is a concentrated solution designed to combat weeds and grasses effectively. With a robust formulation featuring 20% acetic acid, it stands out for its glyphosate-free formula, swiftly drying out various weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and moss.
With organic certification, Green Gobbler ensures rapid action within a mere 24 hours, making it a top choice for those seeking speedy and eco-friendly weed control. Its versatility extends to various surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, mulch beds, and flower beds, offering a comprehensive solution for weed-prone areas. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, the manufacturer instills confidence in the product’s efficacy and safety.
Pros:
- Swift and effective weed desiccation within 24 hours
- Glyphosate-free formula aligns with organic preferences
- Multipurpose application on diverse surfaces
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness on specific weeds
- Issues with the sprayer design
- The herbicide’s odor and strength are weak
- Bad Nozzle performance
- The poor coverage area for the given quantity
3. Spectracide 96262 Weed & Feed
The Spectracide Weed & Feed offers a potent solution to combat weeds while fostering healthy lawn growth. Its robust formula targets a variety of broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, chickweed, and clover, simultaneously enriching your lawn with a powerful 20% nitrogen blend.
Application is effortless with the QuickFlip sprayer; simply attach it to your hose, flip the switch, and you’re set to go. With coverage spanning up to 7,500 square feet, this product offers homeowners a convenient and effective means of weed control and lawn nourishment in a single application.
Pros:
- Effective control of major broadleaf weeds
- Convenient QuickFlip sprayer for easy application
- Fertilizes the lawn with a potent 20% nitrogen formulation
- No need for complicated mixing – user-friendly application
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness in weed control
- Instances of leakage issues
- Ease of spraying and quality is poor
- Not the highest total quantity out there
4. Roundup For Lawns1 Ready to Use – All-in-One Weed Killer
This all-in-one weed killer is meticulously designed to tackle weeds while preserving the lushness of your grass. Specially formulated for Northern grass types like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, this solution efficiently targets over 250 weeds, including the notorious crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and nutsedge.
Armed with an extended wand for precise spot treatment, Roundup For Lawns1 starts working immediately, providing rainproof protection in as little as 3 hours. With a commitment to eliminating weeds down to the root, this formula ensures a weed-free lawn that stays vibrant and healthy.
Pros:
- Efficiently targets and eliminates over 250 common lawn weeds
- Extended wand for easy and precise spot treatment
- Fast-acting formula with rainproof protection
- Specially formulated to preserve the health of Northern grass types
Cons:
- Challenges with the wand attachment
- Not effective on specific weeds
5. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action – Weed Killer & Preventer
Scotts Turf Builder is a 3-in-1 powerhouse that eliminates listed weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds your lawn for a lush and vibrant look. This exceptional formula is a game-changer, targeting common weeds like dandelion, clover, dollar weed, and more, ensuring a weed-free, green expanse.
Preventing crabgrass for up to 4 months, this all-in-one solution goes beyond weed control. Designed for various grass types, including Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue, this 20 lb. bag covers 4,000 sq. ft., making it an efficient choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive lawn care in a single application.
Pros:
- Comprehensive weed control, prevention, and lawn nourishment in one
- Effective elimination of common lawn weeds for a cleaner appearance
- Extended crabgrass prevention for up to 4 months
- Suitable for different grass types, providing versatility
Cons:
- Strong chemical odor
- Challenges with application in humid conditions Damage to the lawn.
- The coverage area is quite restrictive for the given quantities
6. Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns
Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer comes with a convenient comfort wand for precise application, ensuring your grass remains unharmed when used correctly. This powerful 1-gallon formula effectively combats over 250 types of weeds commonly found in residential lawns, such as dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollar weed, delivering noticeable outcomes in just a few hours.
Tailored for home use, Ortho WeedClear utilizes three trusted ingredients to target and eliminate prevalent lawn weeds while protecting your grass. The herbicide penetrates the weeds through their leaves, guaranteeing thorough elimination down to the roots. Additionally, it becomes rainproof within an hour after application, ensuring effectiveness even after exposure to moisture. With its user-friendly continuous spray Comfort Wand applicator, achieving a weed-free lawn is both convenient and efficient.
Pros:
- Precision weed control without harming grass when used as directed
- Effective elimination of over 250 common lawn weeds
- Quick visible results within hours
- Rainproof protection within 1 hour upon drying
Cons:
- Poor herbicide’s strength and overall performance
- Issues with the adjustment of the Comfort Wand
- Dissatisfaction with the product’s effectiveness on specific weeds
7. ECO Garden PRO – Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
Eco Garden Pro stands out as the go-to choice for organic weed control, prioritizing the safety of your family, pets, and the environment. This 1-gallon ready-to-use herbicide is formulated with natural white vinegar, organic rock salt, biodegradable plant activators, and fermentation-derived co-factors.
Designed for residential, commercial, and agricultural use, it delivers immediate results within 24 hours, tackling conventional weeds like dandelions, clover, chickweed, and poison ivy. Eco Garden Pro ensures a green lawn without compromising on safety, as it is eco-friendly, phosphate-free, 100% biodegradable, and safe for groundwater.
Pros:
- Safe for pets, children, and the environment
- Fast and effective weed control
- Broad-spectrum coverage against various weeds
- Environmentally conscious, biodegradable formula
Cons:
- Ineffectiveness against the English Ivy invasion
- Short-lived impact; regrowth observed after a week
- Multiple applications are required for dry, rocky soil
- Smell is strong
- It cannot be used for heavy-duty usage due to limited coverage
8. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer takes the spotlight as a natural and effective solution for weed prevention while promoting a vibrant, green lawn. Made from corn gluten meal, this 25 lb. The granular formula not only prevents common weeds like dandelions and crabgrass but also nourishes your lawn for a deep, lush color.
It is safe for children and pets, this weed preventer can be applied twice a year in early spring and fall, providing long-lasting nitrogen for a thicker, healthier lawn. The granulated form ensures easy application, making Espoma Organic Weed Preventer a top choice for those seeking a non-toxic, eco-friendly approach to lawn care.
Pros:
- Natural weed prevention without harmful chemicals
- Promotes a deep, green color for lawns
- Safe for children and pets to play in the treated area
- The granulated form ensures easy and convenient application
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to conventional weed preventers
- Slow or minimal results
- Challenges in completely eradicating specific weed types
9. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer
Ortho presents yet another standout product with WeedClear, establishing itself as a favored choice among users seeking an effective and swift solution for weed control. This 32 oz. dandelion killer boasts high ratings and a ready-to-spray formula engineered to combat various broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, oxalis, and chickweed, delivering visible outcomes in a matter of hours.
Its rainproof feature within just 1 hour ensures thorough root elimination without causing harm to your lawn when used according to instructions. Compatible with multiple grass types commonly found in Southern climates, Ortho WeedClear simplifies application by easily connecting the sprayer to your garden hose, effectively treating areas of up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Pros:
- Fast-acting formula with visible results in hours
- Broad-spectrum weed control, over 250 types eliminated
- Easy-to-use ready-to-spray applicator for convenient spot treatment
- Effective root elimination without harming the lawn
Cons:
- Inconsistent results reported in certain climates
- Issues with leakage and hard-to-operate spray
- It may require multiple applications for persistent weed varieties
- It might not be the best option for long-term usage
Buying Guide For The Best Dandelion Killers
In case you are not able to guess by its name, a dandelion killer is simply made to get rid of dandelions from your garden or farm. Since dandelions are essentially weeds, you should remove them to ensure proper growth of your plantation. For the same, we have already given a few of the best dandelion killers up above. Next to these various best dandelion killers, you can also learn about their primary aspects and features. However, if you still wish to learn more, consider checking out this detailed buying guide for the best dandelion killers:
1. Quantity
When investing in a dandelion killer, the first crucial factor to consider is the quantity included in the package. This ensures that you have sufficient product to treat your entire garden or farm effectively. Dandelion killers are available in various quantities, such as 32 ounces, 1 gallon, 10 pounds, and 20 pounds. Your choice should align with the size of your garden or farm.
For those with expansive gardens or farms, opting for the highest possible quantity is recommended. This ensures that you have an ample supply to cover the entire area without running out during the treatment process.
2. Coverage
To determine if your dandelion killer is sufficient for your needs, examine the coverage rating. This indicates the specific area that a given product can effectively cover and treat. Entry-level dandelion killers may offer coverage ranging from up to 1000 square feet to up to 5000 square feet. Assess your garden size to select an appropriate option.
For those dealing with large or heavily infested areas, some dandelion killers boast impressive coverage ratings of up to 40000 square feet or even up to 60000 square feet. Choose according to your specific requirements.
3. Killer Type
Dandelion killers come in two main forms: solid and liquid. Understanding the variances between these categories can improve your overall user satisfaction. In the liquid realm, there exist ready-to-use solutions as well as concentrates. Ready-to-use liquid dandelion killers offer the utmost convenience, as they require no mixing before application.
Both solid and liquid concentrate dandelion killers demand dilution with water before use. While this process may be slightly more complex, these alternatives can provide cost-effectiveness and flexibility in dilution ratios. If simplicity of application is a priority, selecting ready-to-use liquid dandelion killers is advisable. However, if you value the ability to customize concentrations, concentrate options may be more fitting.
4. Rainproof Time
While not a universal characteristic among all available dandelion killers, some formulations are designed to be rainproof. This feature ensures that, even during heavy rainfall, the dandelion killer applied in your garden or farm doesn’t get washed away.
Check the rainproof time of your chosen dandelion killer is a critical factor. Rainproof times can vary, with ratings ranging from up to 24 hours to shorter durations like up to 6 hours or up to 2 hours.
5. Shelf Life
By now, you must know that most dandelion killers come in large quantities as they are ideal for covering large areas. While this is great for heavy-duty usage, it also means that if you have a small garden in your backyard, then there will be a lot of extra dandelion killer left after you have used it.
And to ensure that you can use the leftover dandelion killer in the next season, checking its shelf life rating can be a great idea. Even though not all dandelion killers will mention a shelf life rating, the ones that will include either a 1-year long or a 3-year long shelf life, out of these options, the longer 3-year long shelf life rating is the much better one for practicality and ease of use.
Dandelion Killers – FAQs
Ans: Whether you are using a solid or a liquid dandelion killer, all of them need to be used in the same way. To be more exact, this involves using your dandelion killer along with a spray bottle. So, if you have a ready-to-use dandelion killer, it can be sprayed right away. But if you have a solid dandelion killer or a liquid concentrate, then it needs to be mixed with water to dilute it and sprayed after.
Ans: Even though both solid and liquid dandelion killers offer great results in terms of getting rid of dandelions, a solid dandelion killer is going to be better for heavy-duty usage. Generally, a solid dandelion killer will be stronger with harsher chemicals which can offer better results.
Ans: Most dandelion killers have harsh chemicals in them or natural ingredients like vinegar which gets rid of all the enzymes and nutrients needed for dandelions to grow. This means that once used, a dandelion killer will prevent further growth as well as cause the death of existing ones with time.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our discussion. With a wide array of choices available, ranging from chemical herbicides to natural remedies, selecting the appropriate solution might appear challenging. However, by taking into account factors such as effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact, you can make a well-informed choice.
Should you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about which dandelion killer to opt for, I highly suggest exploring the top recommendations provided below.
- Green Gobbler Weed & Grass Killer is ideal for users who prioritize natural and organic alternatives for weed control. This product is certified for organic use, made from corn grown in the USA, and contains 20% acetic acid. Users who are environmentally conscious and prioritize chemical-free solutions for their lawns and gardens will appreciate the effectiveness of Green Gobbler.
- Roundup’s weed killeris tailored for users with lawns featuring Northern grass types, making it a suitable choice for homeowners in regions where these grass varieties thrive. Users looking for a convenient and efficient solution that addresses a wide range of weeds without harming their lawns will find Roundup a valuable addition to their lawn care arsenal.
- Eco Garden Pro is an ideal option for individuals who prioritize the safety of pets and children. Tailored for those with environmental concerns, it’s crafted to steer clear of harmful chemicals typically found in lawn care products. The organic compositions render it appropriate for households with kids or animals, or for those striving to minimize their ecological footprint. Additionally, its rapid efficacy appeals to users seeking swift outcomes while maintaining a focus on safety.
