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Controlling dandelions without Glyphosate, 2,4-D, or Dicamba

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Pete_S

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've pulled about 6,000 dandelions by hand* over the past month (hopefully this will be easier next year), which has cleaned up the part of the lot nearest the house, but I've got another acre of dandelions that I just don't have the stamina to manually control.

I can't use Glyphosate (wife) and I won't use 2,4-D or Dicamba because the last time I used them (consistent with the label), the leaves cupped on my 100-year-old oak trees. The trees are more important to me than a dandelion-free yard, and almost the entire yard is in a dripline.

I'm not averse to painting a chemical onto the plants on a still day. It would take me an entire day, probably, but if that what it takes I'll do it. If so, what herbicide should I use. Otherwise, is there a better way?

Thank you.

*I acknowledge this is a pro site, but *you* try finding a pro who does manual dandelion removal in Fairfield County Connecticut. I promise I'm not taking food off of anyone's table.
 
#3 ·
After you mow a couple times they will be gone--or--at least he yellow flowers will be gone. Mow shorter than normal if you want to be sure.

I am doing a test this week--I want to see if the dandelions will come back--if I cut off the tops and green leaves without digging the roots.
Let me know what success you have.

We have thousands of dandelions here this week. Pretty--if you don't have to dig them yourself. It is 79 degrees F, here--warmest day so far this year.

If you want to spray them, I suggest triclopyr; it is low toxicity. It doesn't take much.
Triclopyr is otherwise known as Ortho Chickweed, oxalis and clover killer.

www.domyown.com

Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester

Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester
www.domyown.com www.domyown.com
 
#4 ·
RigglePLC said:
After you mow a couple times they will be gone--or--at least he yellow flowers will be gone. Mow shorter than normal if you want to be sure.

I am doing a test this week--I want to see if the dandelions will come back--if I cut off the tops and green leaves without digging the roots.
Let me know what success you have.

We have thousands of dandelions here this week. Pretty--if you don't have to dig them yourself. It is 79 degrees F, here--warmest day so far this year.

If you want to spray them, I suggest triclopyr; it is low toxicity. It doesn't take much.
Triclopyr is otherwise known as Ortho Chickweed, oxalis and clover killer.

www.domyown.com

Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester

Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester
www.domyown.com www.domyown.com
Click to expand...
I 2nd this. I'm not a pro but a farmer, but triclopyr should work. There is a product called remedy ultra that I use and triclopyr is the active ingredient. You could also try using a granular of some sort. I would definitely stay away from dicamba If you have other sensitive plants around. With the 2-4d I would suggest using a drift agent and also make sure you are using sprayer tips the produce a more coarse droplet.
 
#8 ·
Vinegar works to kill dandelions. Does not have to be white vinegar.
I tried it last year. No dilution with water. Hand sprayer. I am not sure if soap or detergent is necessary.
Hopefully, some of you organic-oriented LCOs can try it in the next few days just to verify. Spray a few--then add detergent--spray a few more.

Of course, there is some risk of injuring the grass.
 
#10 ·
I spray under my 150yr old oaks. Primarily in the fall. But also did a couple rounds of tenacity under one in the summer last year. But the limbs are 20 feet up so you have to really look for curled leaves.

Root uptake on trees is probably highest in the spring and fall, maybe a summer app would be the best bet.
 
#11 ·
Dandelions thrive in soils with low available calcium.
 
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#12 ·
Another thing about dandelions. They are easy to find just before the first mowing of the year--yellow flowers.
Just cut them off below the wide leaves with a saw-knife or weed spud.
Sure, they will slowly come back many times--but much weaker. In my experiments and tests last month, New, but small, weak leaves eventually appeared from some of the roots.
Also try vinegar--spot spray them full strength.
 
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RigglePLC
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