For all the time and effort people spend on their lawns during the growing season, it is the dandelion which seems to be one of the most frustrating weeds to eradicate. This is especially true when the neighbors have little interest in controlling dandelion growth and seeding on their property. Other than manually removing the dandelions there are some good chemical choices available to homeowners to control these weeds.
One of the commonly used weed killers in the industrialized world is Glyphosate, commercially found in Roundup brand weed killer. The primary use for this weed killer against dandelions is as a post-emergence herbicide, meaning after the plant has come out of the ground. Glyphosate will also kill the grasses around the dandelion sprayed, so care must be used in application. As with most widely used herbicides, there are strains of weeds that are starting to show resistance to Glyphosate. Care should be used with this chemical, as it is an irritant and other chemicals found in many herbicidal formulations with Glyphosate are known to be toxic to humans.
Another common chemical is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid also known as 2,4-D, found in the Ortho Weed B Gone brands. 2,4-d is considered an industry standard for a residential use weed killer. The primary draw to 2,4-D over other weed killers is that 2,4-D is considered a selective herbicide, in proper amounts it will not harm the turf grass but will kill broad leaf weeds such as dandelions. It is also used as a post-emergence herbicide. There are some links of 2,4-d to cancer; however, it is considered non toxic to humans.
A home remedy used to kill dandelions involves a mixture of salt, vinegar, and a few drops of dish detergent. This concoction is sprayed into the center of the rossette in a focus stream and will generally kill the weed within a day. This is not a selective solution, however. If applied in a random or sloppy manner this will kill turf grass just as easily. The benefit with the salt/vinegar solution is cost effectiveness and nearly zero toxicity to humans and pets.
Herbicides should only be used in recommended concentrations and prescribed amounts. While the main ingredient of an herbicide may be considered non-toxic, many formulations include chemicals which are quite dangerous. Careful use and personal safety measures, such as using eye protection and washing after application is always a smart move.
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