Spring is an amazing time of year with everything coming back to life and our lawns needing that first mowing, but sometimes that is not without the occasional sight of the vibrant yellow dandelion flower contrasting against the new green of your lawn. It is helpful to remember that these are perennial weeds and could be a sign that your lawn may have been under stress last fall in those areas allowing the Dandelion to start its journey.
Dandelions possess deep and fleshy roots that can grow up to 3 feet long in some soils, and their stems can grow up to 10 inches high (that is if you don’t mow your lawn at the recommended height of 3 inches). They tend to thrive in full sunlight and prefer wet soils, which means they can also be a sign of overwatering. The yellow flowers that you see at this time of year are the result of last year’s weed germination in the fall. The good news is that the flowers are a prime indication that the weeds cycle is coming to an end and setting the seeds in motion for next fall’s crop.
Like most weeds, the best defense against the dandelion is a healthy thick lawn, especially towards the end of summer when the new seeds germinate. By creating a favourable environment for your bluegrass and not your weeds, you will be one step closer to maintaining a greener lawn, a healthier landscape, and a better environment. Ensuring that it is fertilized regularly, mowed accurately, and irrigated properly will result in a much stronger lawn that will be able to withstand weed invasion. Watering deeply but less frequently will encourage the bluegrass roots to grow deeper and prevent future growth of any weed roots, which favor shallow and frequent waterings. Keeping your lawn at 3 inches in height will provide adequate shade and cool temperature to the soil which is a favourable condition for your bluegrass and not for any weeds, which thrive in full sunlight and heat.
If you would like to learn more about our recommendations as we continue through Spring with your lawn you can visit our website below!
