Best Management Practices:
Dandelion
Dandelion is probably one of most recognized problematic weeds and grows throughout most of the United States. It is a perennial broadleaf weed that has slightly to deeply lobed leaves with lobes that point toward the base of the plant. Not only can they reproduce by seed but by segments of root parts as well.
Since a dandelion is a perennial broadleaf weed it comes back from its base/crown each year and reproduces by seed. With dandelions, it will take both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to obtain control.
There is only one pre-emergent herbicide that can be used to help control dandelions in most turfgrass sites including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, and buffalograss. This pre-emergent product that works specifically on broadleaf weeds is Portrait/Gallery (Isoxaben).
As stated earlier, it will take post-emergent herbicides to control this weed. These herbicides can be effective if used when the dandelions are actively growing. Some experts have stated that fall applications are even more effective than spring—or at least when the plant is in the “puffball” stage. Examples of effective post-emergent herbicides include: 2-4-D Amine #4, Drive 75 DF, Certainty, Speedzone Southern, and Trimec Southern. These products work well when application rates and application methods are used properly and in accordance with Product Label. CAUTION: Make sure you also read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides.
Best Management Practices courtesy of:
Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300