Dandelion Weed Control in Ohio

This Weed Can’t Be Prevented, but it Can Be Controlled

Here in southwest Ohio, it’s well into dandelion weed control season. Although some products claim to prevent dandelions, these weeds need to emerge before they can be eliminated. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports:

“The first strategy is to apply pre-emergent weed control to the lawn and landscape beds….These products will not have any effect on perennial weeds. These are weeds that survive the winter, growing back from the roots in the ground. Most of these weeds are classified as broadleaf weeds.”

Depending on the weather, broadleaf weed control is part of every round in our 6-Round Lawn Fertilization Program. This year, we have certainly included dandelion weed control in our first round, and it will be in the late spring round as well.

10 Facts About Dandelions

For dandelion weed control, it’s best to be armed with facts about this plant.

1. Dandelions are perennials that grow from a thick taproot
2. Native to Eurasia, the species is invasive to North America. This explains why it spreads so quickly
3. An individual plant can self-pollinate, making seeds all by itself
4. Dandelion seeds can travel up to five miles in the air
5. When the seed first takes germinates, the plant focuses its energy on growing the taproot. By the time you see a dandelion’s leaves, it is well-established in your lawn
6. Fully grown, a dandelion plant can reach 17 inches high
7. Left to itself, each plant can live for 5-10 years
8. Some people are allergic to the milky latex found in the dandelion stems and roots
9. Each flower cluster contains many individual flowers, which is why there are so many seeds
10. All children are irresistibly drawn to blowing dandelion seeds all over your lawn

Dandelion Weed Control from Paramount Lawn + Landscape

The top-of-the-line dandelion weed control product we use kills over 230 broadleaf weeds while being safe for lawn grasses grown in the Cincinnati area. Once dried, it’s also perfectly fine for people and pets to use the lawn again.

Depending on your surroundings, you may see more or fewer dandelions emerge. If your neighbors have a yard full of them, it’s more likely you’ll see several. If you have a few dandelions in your landscaping beds, they may spread to your turf. However, if your area is mostly dandelion-free, there may not be any in your lawn areas.

Subscribing to a lawn fertilization program from Paramount ensures dandelion weed control.

What You Can Do to Minimize Dandelions

Strong, healthy turf growth out-competes many kinds of weeds, including dandelions. When your lawn is thick, the grass doesn’t leave room or soil nutrients for weeds. Paramount’s aeration and overseeding service encourages a very thick growth, especially when done in the fall.

To prevent dandelions from taking over your landscaping beds, we recommend mulching and hand-pulling weeds as they emerge. It’s important to get the entire taproot. Architectural Digest describes this process in four steps.

You can also apply a broadleaf weed control product directly to the dandelion plant– but be careful, because your other plants could be affected.

Ready to Start Dandelion Weed Control and Take Back Your Lawn?

At Paramount Lawn + Landscape, we love a green, lush lawn. And we want you to love your lawn! Get a quote for lawn fertilization (with dandelion weed control), or contact us if you have questions.