Weed and Feed products are a popular choice for homeowners aiming to maintain a lush, green lawn while controlling unwanted plants. This dual-action treatment combines granular fertilizer, which provides essential nutrients to the turfgrass, with a broadleaf herbicide designed to eliminate common weeds. The perennial dandelion, with its bright yellow flowers and deep taproot, is a frequent invader in many lawns. Understanding how this combination product works is the first step in effectively managing these stubborn weeds.
How Weed and Feed Targets Dandelions
Weed and Feed products are effective at killing dandelions because they contain selective herbicides that specifically target broadleaf plants, sparing the narrow-leaf grass species. These herbicides, often including compounds like 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba, function as synthetic growth regulators. Once absorbed by the dandelion’s foliage, these chemicals mimic natural plant hormones, causing the weed to grow uncontrollably and rapidly.
This lethal disruption of the plant’s metabolic processes ultimately leads to the dandelion’s death. This targeted approach eliminates the weed without causing widespread damage to the surrounding lawn. Simultaneously, the “feed” component supports the turfgrass with nutrients, encouraging it to thicken and quickly fill in the bare spots left by the dying dandelions.
Proper Application for Maximum Effectiveness
To ensure the herbicide successfully transfers to the dandelion, correct application technique is necessary. Most granular Weed and Feed products must be applied when the weed leaves are damp. This allows the granules to stick to the foliage rather than falling directly to the soil. Applying the product in the morning when dew is present, or lightly watering the lawn beforehand, facilitates this contact absorption.
Timing is also crucial, as the dandelion must be actively growing for the herbicide to be effective. The best results occur in the spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate, and dandelions are vigorously transporting nutrients to their roots. Wait at least two to four days after application before watering the lawn or expecting rain. This gives the selective herbicide enough time to be absorbed by the weed before being washed away. Use the correct spreader setting and apply the product uniformly across the lawn to prevent chemical burn and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Considerations for Use and Safety
Weed and Feed products require careful handling to ensure safety for people, pets, and surrounding landscape plants. Since the herbicides kill broadleaf plants, caution must be taken to prevent the granules from drifting into ornamental flower beds or vegetable gardens. Using a drop spreader near sensitive areas helps control the application pattern more precisely than a broadcast spreader.
After application, restrict access for pets and children until the product has completely dried or been watered into the soil, following the specific wait times on the product label. Certain warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine or Centipede grass, are sensitive to some herbicide formulations. Therefore, select a product specifically labeled as safe for the particular turf type. Applying the product during extreme heat, typically above 80°F, can stress the grass and increase the risk of damaging the lawn.
Non-Chemical Methods for Dandelion Removal
For those seeking to avoid synthetic chemicals, several non-chemical methods can remove dandelions from a lawn. Manual removal requires extracting the entire taproot, which can extend deep into the soil; specialized weeding tools help lift the root completely. The plant can regrow if even a small portion remains, making thorough removal necessary.
Organic solutions, such as horticultural vinegar, can be applied to the foliage to burn the leaves and kill the top growth. Multiple applications are often needed to exhaust the deep taproot. Prevention involves cultural practices like mowing the lawn at a higher setting to encourage dense growth. A thick, healthy lawn naturally crowds out and shades emerging weed seedlings, serving as the best defense against dandelions.