Children always celebrate seeing the stunning, bright yellow dandelion flowers on the lawn. But do you know that eliminating these weeds from your property is challenging for homeowners? Although killing one plant is easy, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all of them. The reason is that dandelion produces over 2,000 seeds and has long tap roots (6 to 18 inches long)! Although it’s difficult to find the best dandelion killer for lawns, we’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn more about dandelions, how to get rid of dandelions, the best granular dandelion killer, and the best dandelion killer that won’t kill grass.
The best dandelion killer for lawns includes pre-emergent selective granules, pre-emergent selective sprays, and pre-emergent non-selective sprays. The chemical killers include pre-emergent selective spray, pre-emergent non-selective spray, post-emergent selective spray, and post-emergent selective granule. Before you mix and apply these herbicides, ensure you have the proper protective equipment for safety.
What are Dandelions?

However beautiful and beneficial they may be, Dandelions are perennial weeds with broad leaves and yellow flowers and are popular for being difficult to eliminate. They have thick, long taproots, usually 6 to 18 inches long. These weeds have highly serrated leaves and thrive in any soil and under full sunlight.
These plants go dormant in the fall and restore to life in the spring. To get rid of them completely, you must kill their roots.
How to Get Rid Of Dandelions

You can get rid of dandelions using the following dandelion killers for lawns;
1. Organic dandelion killers
The best organic, granular dandelion killer is a pre-emergent selective granule, like Espoma Organic Weed Preventer. It only kills seeds and effectively prevents the spread of more dandelion weeds. It feeds your lawn, making the grass greener.
You can also use a pre-emergent selective spray like Green It Environmental Factor RTS Corn Gluten Weed Preventer. It is children and dog-friendly and better than granular dandelion killer.
Similarly, pre-emergent non-selective spray like Natural Weed Killer Made with Ocean Water and Commercial Food Grade Vinegar is excellent. It eliminates dandelions without harming the lawn and surroundings.
2. Chemical dandelion killers
One of the best chemical herbicides is a pre-emergent selective spray like Southern Ag- 12401- Suflan A.S., as it’s easy to use. However, you must spray the lawn with it multiple times to effectively eliminate all weeds. Also, water the lawn consistently once you apply the spray.
Additionally, you can use a pre-emergent non-selective spray like Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer. This works like post-emergent selective spray like Southern Ag 2, 4-D Amine Weed Killer. Post-emergent selective granule is also a great dandelion killer that thickens the lawns to push out weeds.
Best Dandelion Killer for Lawns That Won’t Kill Grass

The most effective dandelion killer that won’t kill grass is Triclopyr (pictured below), which is a brush killer. Apply it in the fall, when these weeds transfer sugar from leaves to roots. The plants will also take this herbicide down to the roots during this period, killing the dandelion, not the grass.

Dandelion Killer Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best fertilizer to get rid of dandelions?
A: Use Pennington UltraGreen Weed & Feed 30-0-4 fertilizer for Southern and Northern established lawns to eliminate dandelion. The chemical also kills over 250 existing weeds and encourages thick, lush, greener turf growth.
Q: What household products kill dandelions?
A: The most effective home remedy to use as a dandelion weed killer for lawns is soapy water. Applying a strong dish soap in your yard helps dry dandelion leaves and roots. You can also use vinegar containing at least 20% acetic acid concentration.
Final Thoughts
Dandelions are among the most challenging weeds to eliminate from the lawn, as they grow long, thick, and with numerous seeds. To get rid of them, you must use high-grade dandelion killers.
The best dandelion killer for lawns is both organic and chemical. The organic ones include pre-emergent selective granules, pre-emergent selective spray, and pre-emergent non-selective spray.
The chemical killers include pre-emergent selective spray, pre-emergent non-selective spray, post-emergent selective spray, and post-emergent selective granule.
You must apply them on your lawn multiple times to kill the roots effectively.