15 Best Dandelion Killers For Lawns

Dandelion might be lovely to your children by blowing seeds away for the wish to come true, but these “puffballs” can be a nightmare for lawn owners.

Once yellow flowers mature, it starts spreading all over the lawns and in your garden even flying over to the neighboring land. These cute invaders will wait for the opportunity to grow and suck up all the grass’s nutrients and proliferate at breakneck speed.

To protect your lawns, you need action and the easiest way is to get started on finding an effective dandelion killer.

I’m here to help you get the best product for the job.

Types Of Dandelion Killers

Below are some types of dandelion killers we should refer to before examining deeper information in the next part

Categorized by Weed Killing Effects

Selective Herbicides

A selective herbicide will kill dandelions and other listed grass weeds and broadleaf weeds without harming the lawn.

Non-Selective Herbicide

This type of dandelion killer will eliminate any plant they come in contact with. They can kill to the root and have a long-lasting effect. On the minus side, they might affect the soil for quite a long time.

Categorized by Time of Use

Pre-Emergent Herbicide

This type of herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating; therefore, it stops weed right before they have a chance to grow out of the soil.

Post-Emergent Herbicide

Post-Emergent herbicide is the most popular dandelion killer. They’re made to kill actively growing weeds and broadleaf weeds. They can control up to a hundred types of weeds often mentioned in the product’s label.

Categorized by Ingredient Origins

Organic Herbicide

Organic herbicides are often made from natural ingredients, so they are eco-friendly and safe for both people and pets. They might need to be reapplied for optimal results.

Chemical Herbicide

They appear potent, effective and could deliver quick results in less than a day. However, they might require extra care when applying to make sure they are safe for people and pets.

What Are The Best Dandelion Killers For Lawns?

The best dandelion killers for lawns can get rid of your worries about invasive dandelions before they turn to cottony seeds and fly everywhere. In this case, timing is vital. That’s why stocking a good product and keep it handy is necessary.

If you’re in the market for the best dandelion killers for lawns, look no further than Espoma, Ortho, or Preen.

These brands are known for their high quality and fast-acting properties. Let’s have a look at some of the reputable dandelion killers for lawns below.

• Best Overall: Espoma 25 lb Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer
  ” Made from 100% corn gluten meal, safe for pets and kids, provides nitrogen for greener lawns.”
• Best Budget: Ortho WeedClear Trigger Spray Dandelion Killer
  ” Sturdy jug with a well-made trigger sprayer, pocket-friendly, able to terminate 200 types of weeds.”
• Best Organic: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Organic Dandelion Killer
  ” OMRI-listed organic and non-selective herbicide, contains 20% acetic acid, eco-friendly.”
• Best Chemical: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed Dandelion Killer
  “Featuring Weedgrip Technology with 2X stronger than previous formula, acts as a herbicide and fertilizer.”
• Best Selective: Scotts TouchUp Weed Control Dandelion Killer
  “Read-to-spray design, dedicated for controlling dandelion, clover, and crabgrass, good for spot treatment.”
• Best Pre-Emergent: Preen Garden Weed Preventer Dandelion Killer
  “Able to can cover up to 2080 sq. ft. and is suitable for 200 established flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs.”
• Best for Pets: Doctor Kirchner 2.5 gallon Natural Dandelion Killer
  “Long shelf life, high-quality and natural ingredient, safe for pets, kids and environments.”
• Best Granular: Spectracide Weed Stop Granules Dandelion Killer
  “Featuring 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Dithiopyr as active ingredients, easy to apply from spring to fall.”
• Best Post-Emergent: Southern Ag 00203 Amine 2,4-D Dandelion Killer
  “Concentrate post-emergent herbicide with potent formula, able to used on many different sites.”
• Best Non-selective: RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Dandelion Killer
  “Kills all vegetation it comes contact with, lasts up to 12 months, for non-crop sites.”

Comparison Chart of Best Dandelion Killers For Lawns in 2023

The following table will list the 15 best dandelion killers for lawns so you can easily compare between options based on dimensions, weight, type, and coverage. This is the most important step before digging deeper into each product.

Best Dandelion Killers For Lawns Reviews In 2023

Below are the 15 best dandelion killers for lawns, which are reviewed carefully. It would be best if you take time here to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each product so that you can make a wise decision.

1. Espoma 25 lb Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer

(Best Overall)

Espoma Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer is formulated to kill crabgrass, dandelions, and various widespread weeds found around flower beds, ornamental landscape, and home lawns.

As you might not know, it’s made from 100% all-natural and environmentally-friendly ingredients. To be more specific, it contains corn gluten meal. Therefore, this dandelion killer is kid-friendly and pet-friendly.

Featuring fertilizer analysis of 9-0-0, this herbicide provides nitrogen for deepening roots. That means it not only eliminates weeds but also promotes grass growth.

Early spring and fall are the best time for applying Espoma Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer on your lawns to achieve the expected outcome.

Key features:

• 25-pound bag
• Suitable for established lawns
• Made from pure corn gluten meal
• Applied 2 times a year
• Won’t burn the lawn

Product Specifications

Brand	Espoma
Net Contents	25 pounds
Active ingredients	Corn gluten meal
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

There is an interesting and informative video about Espoma Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer below

2. Ortho WeedClear Trigger Spray Dandelion Killer

(Best Budget)

Ortho WeedClear comes in a sturdy jug with a well-made trigger sprayer, so it’s convenient and easy to use.

When it comes to performance, this dandelion killer can bring fast results in hours. The weeds will be killed to their roots and won’t come back anytime soon.

On top of that, it comes with a pocket-friendly price, so there is no reason not to try.

With 2-4D dimethylamine salt as an active ingredient, this ready-to-use solution can terminate more than 200 grass weeds and broadleaf weeds, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass, and foxtail.

Notably, it can resist rain in one hour and is safe for your lawns such as Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass.

Key features:

• Stored in a convenient jug with a trigger
• Ready to use
• Won’t harm the lawn
• Rainproof in an hour
• Applied best in spring and fall

Product Specifications

Brand	Ortho
Net Contents	1 gallon
Active ingredients	2-4D dimethylamine,
Visible result	A few hours
Weed Controls Type	Selective

3. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Organic Dandelion Killer

(Best Organic)

If you are a health-conscious person and trying to stay away from chemical options in the market, Green Gobbler might be your go-to product because it’s made from corn only.

This dandelion killer contains 20% acetic acid and is four times stronger than regular table vinegar. To protect the lawn, you should be careful when spraying to avoid any damage to plants and grasses you want to keep.

This non-selective solution can control moss, crabgrass, white clover, dandelions, clover weeds, and more.

It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it can help you feel more confident when buying.

Key features:

• Contains 20% acetic acid
• Made from corn
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Organic non-selective herbicide

Product Specifications

Brand	Green Gobbler
Net Contents	1 gallon
Active ingredients	Acetic acid
Visible result	24 hours
Weed Controls Type	Non-selective

Discover a short introduction about Green Gobbler and find out the reason why you should put it in your shopping list now.

4. Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed Dandelion Killer

(Best Chemical)

Scotts Turf Builder acts as a powerful dandelion killer and fertilizer at the same time. That means it can protect your lawns from weeds and provide nutrition to help them become thicker and greener.

Owing to the Weedgrip Technology, this herbicide can put an end to all existing weeds in your gardens, lawns, flower beds, and ornamental landscapes, whether you can notice their presence or not. You can refer to the manufacturer’s label for a full list of weeds this mixture can kill.

Because it’s made stronger twice as the previous formula with 2,4-D and Mecoprop-p, just a small amount of Scotts Turf Builder will attack dandelion and clover effectively.

Moreover, it’s recommended that you use Scotts drop, broadcast, or rotary spreader for easy and practical application.

Key features:

• Selective and granular herbicide
• Offers Weedgrip Technology
• Deals with 50 types of weeds
• 2X stronger than the previous formula
• Use with Scotts drop, broadcast, or rotary spreader

Product Specifications

Brand	Scotts
Net Contents	14.29 pounds
Active ingredients	2,4-D and Mecoprop-p
Visible result	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

5. Scotts TouchUp Weed Control Dandelion Killer

(Best Selective)

If you are on the market for a spot treatment method for dandelion expansion in your garden, you need to look no further than Scotts TouchUp.

This 24-ounce herbicide is dedicated to controlling dandelion, clover, and crabgrass. Besides, it’s also effective for some other weeds.

This solution is selective; therefore, it won’t harm your lawns and is used best on Bermudagrass, buffalograss, fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and zoysiagrass.

Scotts TouchUp comes with a ready-to-spray design, so it’s user-friendly. All you need to do is turn the nozzle to open, aim to specific places, and spray.

Key features:

• 24-ounce selective herbicide
• Good for controlling dandelion, clover, and crabgrass
• Used for spot treatment
• Kills to the roots
• Packed in a sprayer bottle

Product Specifications

Brand	Scotts
Net Contents	24 ounces
Active ingredients	Not specific
Visible result	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

6. Preen Garden Weed Preventer Dandelion Killer

(Best Pre-Emergent)

Preen 2164091 helps clear out dandelion and weeds right before they start germinating and makes sure your lawns free of troubled plants because this pre-emergent herbicide will act as a barrier to protect your areas.

After sprinkling it around the ornamental landscape, lawns, flower beds, it can last up to 3 months. This way, it appears quite economical compared to other alternatives in the market.

Preen 2164091 can cover up to 2080 sq. ft. and is suitable for 200 established flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.

In addition to preventative measurement, this granular herbicide also supports root growth, yields, and blooms.

Key features:

• Granular and pre-emergent herbicide
• 13-pound bag
• Protect for up to 3 months
• Cover up to 2080 sq. ft
• Can be applied anytime in spring, summer, and fall

Product Specifications

Brand	Preen
Net Contents	13 pounds
Active ingredients	Trifluralin
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

Let’s see how to apply Preen Weed Preventer properly in the following video:

7. Doctor Kirchner 2.5 gallon Natural Dandelion Killer

(Best for Pets)

Doctor Kirchner is made from ocean saltwater, heavy-duty food-grade vinegar, and soap. Moreover, it contains no harmful chemicals such as glyphosate and hormone-disrupting chemicals. As such, it appears safe for pets, children, and environments.

Due to a 4-year shelf-life, you can rest assured about its quality when stocking this solution in your garden for the next use.

This herbicide can act fast and deliver visible results in about 12-24 hours in terms of performance.

As you might not know, Doctor Kirchner is available in 1, 2.5, and 5-gallon containers. It’s up to you to purchase the right size for your garden.

Key features:

• Non-selective natural herbicide
• High-quality ingredients
• 4-year shelf life
• No Glyphosate and hormone-disrupting chemicals

Product Specifications

Brand	Doctor Kirchner
Net Contents	2.5 gallons
Active ingredients	Sodium chloride
Visible Results Timing	12-24 hours
Weed Controls Type	Non-selective

8. Spectracide Weed Stop Granules Dandelion Killer

(Best Granular)

Spectracide Dandelion Killer can be used anytime the year-round except for winter. To achieve an optimal result, you should apply this product when grasses and weeds are quite actively growing.

It’s recommended that you use a spreader to broadcast this granular herbicide more evenly and quickly.

Featuring 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Dithiopyr as active ingredients, this weed preventer is highly effective. It could kill up to 200 grass weeds and broadleaf weeds, especially it can act as a pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass.

Spectracide Dandelion Killer is packed in a 10.8-pound bag and can be able to protect the area up to 3000 sq. ft. in about five months.

Key features:

• Selective and granular herbicide
• 10.8-pound bag
• Applied from spring to fall
• Acts as a pre-emergent for crabgrass
• Kills up to 200 weeds
• Effective in about 5 months

Product Specifications

Brand	Spectracide
Net Contents	10.8 pounds
Active ingredients	2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Dithiopyr
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

Below is a quick introduction you might want to refer to before buying Spectracide products. Let’s watch together.

9. Southern Ag 00203 Amine 2,4-D Dandelion Killer

(Best Post-Emergent)

Southern Ag 00203 comes with a unique formula to hinder many broadleaf weeds, including dandelion.

This product is a selective and post-emergent weed killer that works wonders on specific grasses in lawns, pastures, golf courses, parks, non-crop sites, small grains, corn, and fences rangeland, and ditch banks.

As for the application rate, you could follow the instruction from the manufacturer to get desired goals. It’s recommended that we use 2-3 tablespoons in 3-5 gallons of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft. Thanks to concentrate solution, it can be used for quite a large area.

Key features:

• Post-emergent dandelion killer
• Contains 2,4-D amine
• Clear instruction about application rate
• Features concentrate herbicide

Product Specifications

Brand	Southern Ag
Net Contents	1quart
Active ingredients	2,4-D
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

10. RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Dandelion Killer

(Best Non-Selective)

Featuring glyphosate as an active ingredient, RM43 is a powerful non-selective dandelion killer. That means it’s designed to kill all vegetation it comes in contact with.

RM43 can cover up to 17,297 square feet, so this product is an excellent choice for large areas. It can keep your ground free from weeds, broadleaf weeds for up to 12 months.

This weed killer is perfect for fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and around farm buildings and barns.

Due to its unique property, this 1-gallon herbicide is suitable for spot treatment. It can halt weeds, brush, vines, and undesired growth in a chosen area.

Key features:

• Perfect for non-crop sites
• Cover up to 17,297 sq ft
• Protects up to 12 months
• Kills to the root

Product Specifications

Brand	RM43
Net Contents	128 ounces
Active ingredients	Glyphosate, Imazapyr
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Non-selective

RM43 43-Percent is a bold chemical solution and you should learn how to use it effectively in the following video:

11. PBI/Gordon Speed Zone Lawn Weed & Dandelion Killer

If you want to eliminate troubled weeds in your garden fast and reseed as soon as possible, PBI/Gordon Speed Zone might be on top of your shopping list.

PBI/Gordon Speed Zone is perfect for a large area. To my surprise, it can cover 14,000 to 18,000 square feet.

This powerful herbicide can stop the invasion of dandelions, clover, ground ivy or creeping Charlie, and other hard-to-kill weeds around flower beds and lawns. In terms of performance, it can deliver visible results in just a few hours.

This formula doesn’t harm the lawn while killing certain weeds, which you could refer to in the included booklet.

Key features:

• 25-ounce bottle
• Can cover 14,000 to 18,000 sq.ft.
• Able to reseed in 2 weeks
• Prevents dandelions, clover, ground ivy, and other popular weeds

Product Specifications

Brand	PBI/Gordon
Net Contents	20 ounces
Active ingredients	2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Carfentrazone-ethyl
Visible Results Timing	hours
Weed Controls Type	Selective

Cast a glance at PBI/Gordon products and see how it works right before your eyes:

12. Ortho GroundClear Ready-to-Use Dandelion Killer

Ortho GroundClear is one of the most long-lasting dandelion killers you have ever found in the market. One application of this concoction can keep the ground free of weeds for up to a year.

It can be used on gravel areas, driveways, decks, sidewalks, rock and desert landscapes, parking areas, fences, and curbs.

This product kills weeds to their roots and brings you expected results in less than 3 hours as long as you follow the instruction properly.

Ortho GroundClear comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee, so you could be more confident when choosing this dandelion killer.

Key features:

• Non-selective herbicide
• Can be used on many sites
• Able to treat up to 400 sq.ft
• Rainproof in 1 hour
• Delivers visible results in 3 hours

Product Specifications

Brand	Ortho
Net Contents	1 gallon
Active ingredients	Isopropylamine salt, perlagonic acid
Visible Results Timing	24 hours
Weed Controls Type	Non-selective

13. Bonide Weed Beater Ultra Concentrate Dandelion Killer

Bonide Weed Beater is a powerful concentrate solution that can impede up to 200 types of broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, annual yellow sweet clover, burweed, ground ivy, matchweed, and more.

With Bonide Weed Beater, you could see visible changes in less than 24 hours. Your lawns will be free of weeds in about 7-14 days. As a result, you could start planting in 2 weeks after the first application.

This versatile product is used on warm and cool-season turfs and safe for northern and southern grasses.

In terms of usage, you only need to mix it with water according to a specific application rate and use a sprayer to achieve good coverage.

Key features:

• Concentrate dandelion killer
• Kill 200 types of broadleaf weeds
• Great for warm and cool-season turfs
• Visible results in 24 hours
• Reseed in 2 weeks

Product Specifications

Brand	Bonide
Net Contents	1 quart
Active ingredients	MCPA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Carfentrazone-ethyl	MCPA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Carfentrazone-ethyl
MCPA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba, Carfentrazone-ethyl
Visible Results Timing	24 hours
Weed Controls Type	Selective

Grab a bit of information about Bonide Dandelion Killer.

14. Natural Armor All-Natural Concentrated Dandelion Killer

Natural Armor All-Natural is safe for pets and people because it’s 100% all-natural. This concentrate dandelion killer is ready-to-use and requires no extra preparation step. All you need to do is spray and go. There is a clog-free trigger sprayer included.

It can be applied in various sites, for example, around flower beds, shrubs, and trees, barns, driveways, edging, fence lines, foundations, gravel areas, mulch beds, overgrown weed areas, parking areas, patios, pavers, pool areas, rock walls and pathways, walkways, wells & water systems.

Natural Armor All-Natural is powerful enough to terminate more than 250 types of weeds.

This product is available in 32-ounce, 128-ounce, and 2.5-gallon containers so that you can easily choose from.

Key features:

• Sodium chloride as an active ingredient
• Concentrate dandelion killer
• Works with 250 types of weeds
• Available in 32-ounce, 128-ounce, and 2.5-gallon container

Product Specifications

Brand	Natural Armor
Net Contents	128 ounces
Active ingredients	Sodium chloride, citric acid, clover oil
Visible Results Timing	24 hours
Weed Controls Type	Selective

15. Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0 Dandelion Killer

Spectracide Weed & Feed is an ideal herbicide you are looking for because it can kill weeds and feed the lawn at the same time.

This ready-to-spray solution can keep your garden free of many different weeds such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, purslane, knotweed, plantain, mallow, and many listed broadleaf weeds.

As you might not know, it’s designed so that you can connect the bottle directly to the garden hose and spray. This product helps you skip complicated mixing steps and saves you more time and energy.

It’s available in the capacity of 32 ounces and can protect an area of 7500 square feet. Not to mention, Spectracide Weed & Feed features the special N-P-K formula of 20-0-0, so it’s nutritious for lawns.

Key features:

• 20-0-0 formula
• Acts as a dandelion killer and lawn feeder
• Available in a 32-ounce bottle
• QuickFlip hose-end sprayer
• The coverage area of 7500 sq. ft

Product Specifications

Brand	Spectracide
Net Contents	32 ounces
Active ingredients	2,4-D dimethylamine salt, Mecoprop-p, Dichlorprop-p
Visible Results Timing	Not specific
Weed Controls Type	Selective

How To Choose The Best Dandelion Killer For Lawns

When it comes to choosing dandelion killers for lawn products, you might need to pay attention to some factors below.

Effectiveness

Many dandelion killers for lawns which are mentioned above can bring noticeable results in hours. Depending on the type of herbicide, they can clear the lawn from weeds and unwanted plants in one or two weeks.

You might need to take into account the external weather factor when deciding the effect of a product.

Persistence

Some products can maintain their effectiveness in about a year. Some last in about 3-6 months. You can refer to this feature when choosing the right herbicide for your needs.

Coverage

Another factor you should pay attention to is the coverage. The wider your lawn is, the higher coverage you need.

There is a detailed direction from the manufacturer, which is printed on the label so that you could consult to get the optimal result.

Selectivity

Selective herbicides only kill several specific types of weeds while not harm lawns. However, they can’t be less potent than non-selective ones.

Non-selective is used if you want to eliminate all plants and should be applied on non-crop sites.

Emergence

If you have done removing growing grasses and weeds from your garden and want to prevent them from coming back, pre-emergent products are your ideal options.
Otherwise, you can use post-emergent to kill existing plants and weeds.

Liquid or Granular

Both liquid and granular herbicides are effective; however, liquid dandelion killers seem to be more fast-acting while granular ones are easier to apply.

Multipurpose weed killer

If dandelion or broadleaf weeds are not the only types of plants you want to eliminate, a versatile product might be what you need.

FAQs

If you have any question about the best dandelion killers for lawns, you should refer to the following part:

My Top Pick

Of all the best dandelion killers for lawn, I highly recommend Espoma 25 lb Organic Lawn Food & Dandelion Killer for its quality and fast-acting performance.

Hopefully, my above list has helped you find the most suitable dandelion killers for your lawns and support your gardening tasks greatly.

How about you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.