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Identify weed and what top do to rid my lawn of them? #749504

Asked May 12, 2021, 2:22 PM EDT

I have attached as photo of the weed that is taking over my backyard. I have a tool that will extract them by the roots but it leaves a hole in the lawn. Is there a product that I can use that will kill the weeds and strengthen my lawn? If there is, when is the best time to use it?

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

What you have there is dandelion, a very common lawn weed. They are deep rooted and small pieces of root left in the ground will re-sprout. If you are persistent in pulling them out with as much root as possible, after a year or two you will wear them out and they will die. This is best done when the soil is moist to a good depth, either from rain or irrigation, so you can get more root.
They flower and set seed very fast, so make sure not to let any of them form seeds, which spread on the breeze.
If you want a chemical solution, you can purchase various broadleaf weed killers that will kill the dandelions but not the grass. Read the label thoroughly and use according to label instructions. Be aware that they can harm other nearby plants. There are even "weed'n'feed" products that combine plant food with weed killer. Use with care.
Keep your lawn healthy and lush so it will resist new weeds seeding into it.
Here is a Univ. of California article with more details.
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html

Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied May 12, 2021, 5:25 PM EDT

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