Weed group: Broad leaf Simple perennial
Characteristics: They have a long tap root that will allow them to survive the winter and regrow in spring, or any time you pull them and do not get all of the root. The bright yellow flowers turn into puff balls of seeds which will be carried by the wind for miles.
Control:
- Cultural: they do very well in stressed lawns in full sun.
- Natural: hand pulling right after it has rained or if you have watered, it will allow you to pull the plant up by the root.
- Chemical: early spring is the best time to spot spray with a broad leaf herbicide. This is the time of the year when there is the least amount of stored nutrients in the tap root making it difficult for the weed to reemerge. The best way to keep dandelions out of your lawn is to have a thick healthy lawn.