Dandelion

How to spot it

• Rosette of leaves that lie flat near the ground
• Leaves are deeply lobed, like jagged teeth
• Bright yellow flower on a hollow stem
• White puffball of seed after flowering
• Long taproot that goes deep

Why it shows up

Dandelion seed blows in on the wind and sprouts in thin or open spots. It grows best in cool weather, so you see it most in fall and spring. The deep taproot lets it come back if only the top is removed.

How we treat it

We spot treat dandelions with a product labeled for your grass type, when the weeds are young and actively growing in the cooler months. Tough or older plants may need a repeat visit. We also fertilize to thicken the turf so there is less room for new seed.

What you can do

• Dig out small plants with the taproot, when the soil is damp.
• Mow before the flowers turn to puffballs.
• Treat in fall or spring while plants are small and growing.