Cultivating a flourishing garden and a luscious lawn is the goal of every gardener. However, once those dreaded dandelions start to sprout, your lawn, flowers, and veggies can struggle to grow.
Armed with a dandelion killer, you will be able to destroy dandelions and bring your gorgeous garden back to life.
To be fair, before going the chemical route, you might first want to read our thoughts on the good and bad of Dandelions in this article: How to get rid of dandelions (and a few reasons to keep them around.)
The 10 Best Dandelion Killers
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
- Ortho Weed B Gon plus Crabgrass Control
- PBI / Gordon Trimec Lawn Weed Killer
- Bonide (BND061) – Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Weed Killer Concentrate
- Liquid Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator 8-Ounces Perfect Weed Dye
- Preen 2464127 Garden Weed Preventer
- Monterey LG5518 Turflon Ester Specialty Herbicide Concentrate Broadleaf Weed Killer for Lawns
- Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer (Our Top Pick)
- Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer
- RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
Our Top Pick for the Best Dandelion Killer
Our top pick for the best dandelion killer is the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer.
We highly recommend this dandelion killer due to its versatility, user-friendly design, and its overall effectiveness at eliminating weeds.
Spectracide is your one-stop weed control solution for targeting dandelions and other weeds absolutely anywhere around your property.
Fed up with dandelions making your gardening life a misery? Do not fear. This popular product will come to your rescue and defeat dandelions in one powerful spray.
Check the price on AmazonCreate a Dandelion-Free Garden with a Dandelion Killer
A dandelion killer is the most effective way of eliminating dandelions. Although these daisy flowers produce pretty yellow petals, dandelions are tough plants that can grow anywhere. As soon as you see one flower, a multitude of flowers will follow, in a garden bed, on the lawn, or alongside a pathway.
Many gardeners have a love/hate relationship with dandelions. Kids love to pick them and they can be used for making tea or tasty recipes. Health benefits include lowering blood pressure.
Even so, they are a nightmare for allergy sufferers and they mar a perfectly tended garden.
With just one easy application of a dandelion killer, those pesky plants will vanish. Also, you can even use it to remove other noxious weeds like clover and crabgrass.
If dandelions are wreaking havoc in your garden, then this buying guide and reviews will help you to choose the perfect weed control solution for your outdoor needs.
How to Choose the Best Dandelion Killer
Liquid Concentrate Dandelion Killer
A liquid-based dandelion killer comes in a small or large bottle. Small 8 or 16-ounce bottles are ideal for a small patch of dandelions while a larger 1-gallon bottle gives you more than enough poison to kill lots of dandelions on a large lawn.
Applying this type of dandelion killer is quite simple. Just mix it with water and spray it over the dandelions. The liquid concentrate can be applied via a hose-end sprayer, tank sprayer, or a backpack sprayer.
You can use a dandelion killer on its own or mix it into your favorite fertilizer. This type of product must be premixed properly otherwise it will not be effective.
Liquid Concentrate Blue Dye
Some liquid concentrates come with a blue dye which is a smart idea for any gardener like the Liquid Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator Perfect Weed Dye.
You do not have to guess where you have previously sprayed the weed-killing poison, as the bright blue marking dye shows you exactly where you have applied it. This type of dandelion killer will save you time and effort.
Although the blue dye can take a few days to disappear, it can be removed with water once it has dried. The only downside to using a blue spray indicator is that it can be difficult to remove from concrete and other surfaces.
Dandelion Killer Granules
Dandelion killer granules are a great idea for any garden.
One of the most versatile products, granules can be scattered over a wide area or around individual plants. If you have a large backyard, the best way to distribute the granules is with a fertilizer spreader.
Granules are very easy to use. All you have to do is scatter the granules, water the soil as normal and let the weed eliminator get to work at killing those stubborn dandelions and other types of weeds. You may have to apply the product to dry soil and the granules may not be designed for lawns.
Herbicide Versus Pesticides
Herbicides like the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer offer you a more natural approach to killing weeds but this type of product is still very effective at killing weeds. It can take longer to take effect, depending on the formulation, and you might have to apply it more than once.
The biggest benefit of this kind of product is that it is safer for you, your family, pets, as well as the environment.
Pesticides contain powerful chemicals that kill very quickly and are ideal for covering a larger area.
You have to be extra careful when using this type of dandelion killer as its poison is highly toxic. Make sure that other people, pets, and livestock are not in the spray area until the pesticide is fully dry.
If you want to use the product for edible plants, always read the instructions carefully before applying the poison.
Pre-Emergent Dandelion Killer
A pre-emergent dandelion killer allows you to target the dandelions before they grow, and is designed to be applied during the winter and fall seasons.
One thing to keep in mind with this type of weed killer is that it is not suitable for visible dandelions.
Post Emergent
Post-emergent weed killers are designed to be used on existing dandelions that you see scattered around your lawn and in the flower-beds.
It is especially useful for larger lawns and only has to be applied once or twice a year, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
You will need to make sure that the dandelions are fully saturated for this poison to be effective.
How Big is Your Garden?
So how big is your garden? Before selecting your dandelion killer, you have to consider the size of your garden or lawn.
Weed-killer products are designed to cover either a small, medium or large area, like a small lawn up to 5,000 sq. ft., a medium-sized lawn up to 15,000 sq. ft., or a bigger yard up to 25,000 sq. ft. For a larger lawn, you will need to use more weed killer otherwise you will end up with bare patches.
Cool or Warm Grasses
If you are just using the dandelion killer on your lawn, you will need to consider its type of grass: cool-season or warm-season.
A dandelion killer that is specifically designed for cool-season grasses such as the PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer is to be applied during the cool seasons of fall and spring.
Tall fescue is a particularly tough cool-season grass that can survive in the Transition Zone so it can be sprayed anytime during the year.
A warm-season dandelion killer like the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer can be used on St Augustine and Centipedegrass grasses and is to be applied during the warmer seasons such as late spring and summer.
Always read the instructions as some highly concentrated formulas can burn certain types of grasses.
Is the Dandelion Killer Rainproof?
Dandelion killer poisons should be rainproof. This durability allows you to spray whenever it is convenient for you. The rainproof durability might last up to one hour or six to eight hours. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, you will need to pick your days carefully.
Dandelion Killer Smart Safety Tips
Many dandelion killer products are designed to be used as a toxic poisonous spray, so these smart tips will help you stay safe:
- Make sure that you are wearing the proper gear such as protective clothing, gloves, and a mask
- Do not spray on windy days as the spray may get into your eyes or stain a pathway and other plants that you do not want to spray
- Move livestock out of the way so that they are not affected by the poison
- If you have pets, make sure the poison is completely dry before letting them loose in your yard
10 Best Dandelion Killers – Reviews
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Designed with smart technology, the Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed kill dandelions, clover, and other noxious weeds while also helping to create a beautiful lawn.
This herbicide offers you up to two times more powerful weed control action. Weedgrip Technology grips the weeds you see as well as those you don’t to make room for strong, green grass to grow.
The synthetic granules are not only effective at killing and preventing dandelions and clover, but they work as a fertilizer to develop deeper and strong roots for a thick, dense lawn all year round.
You can scatter the granules by hand or use a fertilizer spreader for a large lawn.
As this weed killer is designed for cool-season spring grasses such as Bermuda, Bluegrass, Centipede, Fescue, Rye, and Zoysia, the granules can burn other types of grasses. So if your lawn’s grass type is not listed on the bottle, Scotts offers a range of weed killer products to suit other grass types.
The Turf Builder Weed & Feed comes in two coverage sizes: 5,000 sq. ft. or 15,000 sq. ft.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Easy to use granules
- Safer herbicide
- Can be scattered by hand or used with a fertilizer spreader
- Very effective
- Two times more powerful weed control action
- Weedgrip Technology grips the weeds you see as well as the ones you don’t to make room for strong, green grass to grow
- Kills weeds and fertilizes the lawn
- Prevents future weeds
- Available in 5,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. packet
Cons
- Only works on limited grass types
- Only to be used during spring
2. Ortho Weed B Gon plus Crabgrass Control
Take full control over dandelions and crabgrass with the Ortho Weed B Gon plus Crabgrass Control.
This all-purpose pre-emergent and post-emergent concentrate can be used on the dandelions you see and the ones that are lurking under the soil. As it targets weeds at the roots. Ortho will stop future growth from occurring.
Its powerful poison is deadly to dandelions, crabgrass, and over 200 common weeds, but it will not harm your lawn when used as directed.
Once you have mixed the concentrate with water, you can apply it with the Ortho Dial ‘N Spray Hose-end sprayer. It starts working immediately and will be rainproof in one hour.
For best results, spray anytime when weeds are actively growing.
Ortho can be used for any type of grass and is designed to cover up a small 6,400 sq. ft. area.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Easy to use
- Pre and post-emergent formula
- Can be used for all grass types
- Kills dandelions, crabgrass, and over 200 common weeds
- Kills weeds to the roots
- Stops future weed growth
- Will not harm the lawn when used as directed
- Starts to work immediately
- Rain-proof in one hour
- Can be applied with the Ortho Dial N Spray Hose-end sprayer, or other types of tank sprayers
Cons
- Needs to be used on a regular basis for large infestations
- More effective when weeds are actively growing
3. PBI / Gordon Trimec Lawn Weed Killer
Extremely versatile, the PBI / Gordon Trimec Lawn Weed Killer is ideal for a large 32,000 to 64,000 sq. ft. lawn.
Trimec is specially designed for cool-season grasses so it can be used on Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, perennial ryes, fescues, and more.
The three-way concentrated herbicide formula is very effective at killing hard-to-control lawn weeds such as dandelions and over 250 broadleaf weeds. It is deadly to weeds but will not harm your lawn.
You can use the lawn as normal when the spray has dried and the weed killer will be rainproof after six-eight hours after application.
The concentrate is very economical and a little bit goes a long way. It is easy to apply with a pump sprayer, a hose-end sprayer, or a tow-behind sprayer.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Specifically designed for a wide range of cool-season grasses
- Kills hard-to-control lawn weeds
- For use on cool-season grasses
- Perfect for a large lawn from 32,000 to 64,000 sq. ft.
- Powerful herbicide is effective and safer to use
- Kills dandelions and over 250 broadleaf weeds
- Will not harm the lawn
- Available in 1-gallon
- Rainproof
- Economical
- Can be used with a pump sprayer, a hose-end sprayer, or a tow-behind sprayer
Cons
- Pricey
- For use on cool-season grasses only
- Not as concentrated as other similar products
- You have to wait up to three-four weeks after application before re-seeding
4. Bonide (BND061) – Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Weed Killer Concentrate
The Bonide (BND061) – Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Weed Killer is a great solution for eliminating dandelions from your lawn.
This powerful herbicide concentrate is perfect for use on chickweed, clover, dandelions, ground ivy, oxalis, wild violet, and over 100 hard-to-control weeds.
Tough on weeds but kind to your lawn, Bonide kills weeds right down to the roots while being safe for use on cool-season grass such as bluegrass, fescue, rye, bent, Bermuda, Bahia, or Zoysia.
It is fast-acting and starts working overnight and will be rainproof within hours of application. The product arrives as a concentrate so it needs to be mixed before application and can be sprayed using a hose-end sprayer or a spray tank.
Very economical as one pint provides expansive weed killing coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft.
The poison needs to be premixed before application with a hose-end sprayer or backpacks sprayer, but Bromide offers a ready-to-use premixed 1-gallon bottle which is ideal for larger lawns.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Perfect for a small lawn up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Tough on dandelions and over 100 hard-to-control weeds
- Kind to the lawn
- Fast acing concentrate works overnight
- Rainproof within hours of application
- Can be used with a hose-end sprayer or a spray tank
- Economical
- 1-gallon premixed bottle available
Cons
- Not designed to be sprayed near exposed feeder roots of ornamentals and trees
- Some complaints that it can cause yellowing of Bermuda grass and may kill some cool-season grasses if it is not diluted properly
5. Liquid Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator 8-Ounces Perfect Weed Dye
When dandelions take over your lawn, take control with the Liquid Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator 8-Ounces Perfect Weed Dye.
Amazingly versatile, this powerful spray can be mixed with your existing herbicide, fungicide, pesticide, and fertilizer.
If you have ever sprayed weeds over a large lawn and then forgotten where you have applied the weed killer, this blue spray pattern marker will save you on frustration, time, and money.
The bright blue dye indicates exactly where you have sprayed and the remaining areas that need to be sprayed. Although this blue dye is non-toxic, it is deadly to dandelions and other weeds.
The dye is not permanent and will fade in time with sun and moisture. If you get any on your skin, remove the dye with soapy water. For stained equipment or surfaces, mix bleach with water and rub onto the dye, and it will disappear.
You can easily apply the blue dye with a spray bottle or backpack sprayer and its application provides accurate coverage for a small lawn.
This weed killer has a unique drift reduction formula, so it will stick to weeds and not blow off in high winds.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for dandelions and other tough weeds
- 100% non-toxic herbicide mixes easily with water-based herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizer
- Economical
- Bright blue dye easily marks grass and indicates where spray mixtures have been applied
- Non-permanent dye fades in time with sun and moisture
- Can be removed from the skin with soap and water
- Dye can be removed from equipment with bleach and water
- Unique drift reduction formula resists high winds
- Can be sprayed with a spray bottle or a backpack sprayer
Cons
- Gives off a strong smell in the beginning
- Dye stays on for an extended amount of time
- Some weeds may take longer to kill
- Not to be used with oil-based treatments
6. Preen 2464127 Garden Weed Preventer
Just like magic, the Preen 2464127 Garden Weed Preventer will stop those nasty dandelions in their tracks.
This pre-emergent weed killer stops weeds before they start to germinate. It will eliminate the need for time-consuming hand-weeding while also helping your plants to thrive.
A powerful pesticide, this dandelion killer lasts up to three months and it is rainproof too.
It is very easy to use and comes with its own handy applicator scoop! Just make sure the soil is dry, sprinkle the granules on the soil’s surface, and water your plants as normal. You apply the pesticide anytime during spring, summer, or fall.
The granules provide good coverage over a 2,560 sq. ft. area or you can mix the granules into the soil in dandelion trouble-spots. It is safe to use on 200 established flowers, vegetables, trees or shrubs, and on ground covers.
This weed preventer can be applied anytime during spring, summer, or fall.
Preen also offers a Weed Preventer bucket for 900, 2,080, and 5,000 sq. ft. gardens.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Pre-emergent formula prevents new weeds from sprouting
- Eliminates the need for time-consuming hand-weeding
- Easy to distribute granules
- Comes with a handy applicator scoop
- Long-lasting pesticide lasts up to three months
- Good coverage for an area up to 2,560 sq. ft.
- Can be used in specific dandelion trouble-spots
- Safe for use around 200 established flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs
- Apply anytime in spring, summer or fall
- Safe for use on edibles (see use directions for complete list)
- Other coverage products available
Cons
- Not to use on lawns
- Does not kill existing weeds but prevents them growing
- All existing weeds and grasses must be removed prior to use
7. Monterey LG5518 Turflon Ester Specialty Herbicide Concentrate Broadleaf Weed Killer for Lawns
A more natural approach to targeting dandelions, the Monterey LG5518 Turflon Ester Speciality Herbicide Concentrate Broadleaf Weed Killer for Lawns will help you to remove annoying weeds fast!
The Monterey post-emergent spray is specifically designed for turf with cool-season grasses such as bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass or tall fescue ornamental grass. If you do not like using harsh poisons, this herbicide is ideal for you. It is effective at killing weeds and is safe for your lawn.
Controlling actively growing dandelions, Oxalis, ground ivy, wild violet, clover, and ragweed around your garden is easily achieved with Turflon Ester. Simply dilute the herbicide with water and apply using a spray tank.
Highly economical, it will save you money as one pint covers a large area up to 20,000 sq. ft.
Monterey also offers the herbicide in an 8-ounce bottle and a 32-ounce bottle.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Herbicide is a more natural and safer approach to weed control
- Post-emergent spray is very effective at controlling actively growing plants
- Can be used for dandelions, Oxalis, ground ivy, wild violet, clover, and ragweed
- Easy to apply with a spray tank
- Highly economical – one pint covers an area up to 20, 000 sq. ft.
- Available in an 8, 16, and 32-ounce bottle
Cons
- Only to be used on cool-season grasses
- Pricey
- Only emerged weeds present at the time of application will be controlled
8. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer
If dandelions are taking over your garden and lawn, strike back with the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer.
This powerful premixed concentrate is specially formulated for dandelions as well as other weeds and nuisance grasses. It can be applied on driveways, walkways, around fences, trees, shrubs, and in flower beds.
One of the easiest weed control products to use, Spectracide comes with its own sprayer applicator. All you have to do is take aim and spray.
The one-touch AccuShot sprayer requires no repetitive squeezing, pumping, or pulling and allows for continuous spraying or precise applications. Its comfortable, ergonomic grip and extendable wand make it easier to target the weeds you want to kill.
This herbicide will kill any vegetation on contact and enters plants through the leaves and moves down to the roots, which ensures that the entire weed is eliminated. Its fast-acting formula produces visible results in just three hours.
You can even replant new flowers, trees, and shrubs after one day. The spray is rainproof in 15 minutes and will not wash away.
For best results, apply during warm, sunny weather when the temperature is over 60°.
The Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer is available in different sized bottles for your garden and lawn, including a smaller handheld pump spray.
Spectracide offers a 100% money-back guarantee if this weed killer does not meet your expectations.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Specially formulated for dandelion, other weeds, and nuisance grasses
- Can be applied on driveways, walkways, around fences, trees, shrubs, and in flower beds
- One-touch AccuShot sprayer applicator requires no repetitive squeezing, pumping, or pulling
- Allows for continuous spraying and precise applications
- Comfortable, ergonomic grip and extendable wand
- Fast-acting formula kills from the roots
- Produces visible results in three hours
- New flowers, trees, and shrubs can be replanted in the same weekend
- Comes in a range of bottle sizes for the garden and lawn
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Bit pricey
- Treated vegetation, weeds or plants need to be left undisturbed for seven days following application
- Not designed for edible feed or food crops
- Not recommended for spot weed treatment in established lawns
9. Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer
With one application of Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer, you can prevent dandelions and other weeds for up to three months.
Weed Preventer contains a powerful pre-emergent formula that has been specially created to take good care of your garden while preventing weeds that seek to harm your plants.
Perfect for a small garden up to 800 sq. ft. the 5lb. jug contains all the synthetic slow-release granules you need to protect listed flowers, vegetables, roses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees.
The easy-to-use applicator dispenses the granules just where you want them and also saves you from pulling the weeds out by hand.
Miracle-Gro offers a 180-day return warranty on the Weed Preventer.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Powerful yet safe pre-emergent formula
- Specially made just for your garden by preventing weeds from growing without harming your plants
- One application prevents weeds up to three months
- Perfect for a small garden, the 5lb. jug treats a minimum of 800 sq. ft.
- Easy-to-use and fast dispenser applicator
- Can be used around listed flowers, vegetables, roses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees
Cons
- Dispenser releases too much product
- Slow-release formula can take a while to work
10. RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
If dandelions have been creating havoc around your property, tackle noxious plant growth with the RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer.
Total Vegetation Control is ideal for use on fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, farm buildings, and barns.
The highly concentrated formula is a combination of two herbicides and surfactants which makes it very effective against dandelions, vines, brush, trees, warm and cool-season grasses, and over 250 common weeds.
You can use RM43 as a spot treatment on non-crop areas such as brush, vines, and weeds, or spray it on bare ground. However, do not spray it over the root systems of desirable plants or food crops.
Highly economical and long-lasting, the one-gallon bottle treats an area up to 17,297 sq. ft. while providing total protection for up to one year.
Once you mix the liquid with water and apply it with a handheld spray or a backpack sprayer, it will be rainfast in just two hours. There are no entry restrictions to sprayed areas for pets or people after the spray has dried.
RM43 also offers Total Vegetation Control in a 0.25-gallon bottle and a 2.5-gallon bottle.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for large properties
- Highly concentrated formula is a combination of two herbicides and surfactants
- Effective at killing dandelions, vines, brush, trees, warm and cool-season grasses
- Can be used as a spot treatment on non-crop areas or spray it on bare ground
- Economical
- Easy to use with a handheld sprayer or a backpack sprayer
- Kills weeds and prevents weeds for up to one year
- Rainfast in two hours
- Also available in a 0.25-gallon and a 2.5-gallon bottle
Cons
- Pricey
- Works slowly
- Not fully waterproof
- Not for treating lawns, desired plants or food-crops
Our Top Pick for the Best Dandelion Killer
Our top pick for the best dandelion killer is the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer2 AccuShot Sprayer.
We highly recommend this dandelion killer due to its versatility, user-friendly design, and its overall effectiveness at eliminating weeds.
Spectracide is your one-stop weed control solution for targeting dandelions and other weeds absolutely anywhere around your property.
Fed up with dandelions making your gardening life a misery? Do not fear. This popular product will come to your rescue and defeat dandelions in one powerful spray.
Check the price on Amazon
