8 Best Dandelion Killers – Weeds are Taken Care of!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 24, 2023
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Dandelions are broadleaf weeds. They can virtually grow on any soil type. When you were young, the site of dandelion could probably excite you. However, today they will irritate you. These weeds will thrive where you don’t want them to. They will break the even look of your stunning lawn with their leggy stems and wavy leaves. Unless the taproot is wholly killed, dandelions will come back. And this is where the best dandelion killer comes in handy.

However, determining the right dandelion killer for lawns is a bit complex. Some of these products are infused with chemicals that might destroy your lawn and other plants. That’s why it is crucial to get a reliable product. More so, they come in different sizes, brands, and chemical formulations. But don’t worry. We have reviewed various products that will kill the weed and protect your crops. After several hours of research, we listed Bonide Weed Beater Ultra is our top choice. The Weed Beater is a versatile product that will kill a myriad of weeds and leave the lawn grass sparkling. It’s rainproof within hours and effective. The results will occur within 7 to 14 days.

We’ve also reviewed seven other dandelion killers. Additionally, there is a detailed table of products and a comprehensive buying guide. Our reviews are based on key features, pros, and cons. This is in a bid to help you purchase the best natural dandelion killer on the market.

Quick Summary

Top 8 Dandelion Killers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6643 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

Bonide Weed Beater Ultra

Features
  • Active ingredients: MCPA
  • Application: spray
  • Results in: 7-15 days
  • Size: 32 oz

More features: safe for grass; rainproof; suitable for both warm and cold weather

For almost a century, Bonide has been providing products and viable solutions for lawn, garden, and home pest problems. The company boast of a rich reputation in the garden and lawn care category. And this is experienced in the manufacturer of Bonide Weed Beater Ultra. The versatile weed killer will give results in just 24 hours.

Weed beater is the best dandelion and clover killer, which kills over 200 weeds in simple steps. It controls lawns from growing ground ivy, aster, clover, oxalis, dandelion, among many other weeds. In most cases, weed killers might end up killing the lawn grass. However, Weed Beater is quite different. It’s designed to kill weeds and remain safe for grass. Once you spray it as directed, it will kill weeds in lawns, roots and all.

When dandelion invades your plants and lawns, all you’d want is to eliminate them as fast as you can. If that’s your mission, then Weed Beater should be your ultimate choice. You’ll notice injury to weeds within a few hours of application. The death of broadleaf will occur within 7 to 14 days.  The Weed Beater is also rainproof within hours. Ensure you apply it before rains to give it time to dry completely. This will ensure it doesn’t get washed off. Spraying dandelions has never been this easy. The product instantly mixes with water for easy application. Be careful and ensure you read the manual directions.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Versatile weed killer which can kill over 200 weeds
  • It's designed to kill a variety of weeds without destroying lawn grass
  • It’s rainproof
  • It’s easy to apply
  • The killer provides quick results
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Some clients claim that it might eliminate your Zoysa grass
  • You might be forced to spray weeds repeatedly for effective results
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7269 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
Features
  • Active ingredients: 20% acetic acid
  • Application: pump sprayer
  • Results in: less than 24 hours
  • Size: 5 gal

More features: certified for organic use; powerful formula; safe to use; 30-day money-back guarantee; glyphosate-free

Vinegar is a reliable alternative to harmful weed killers. It’s earth-friendly and safe for lawn grass. By spraying 20% vinegar to weeds, the acetic acid will damage and dry out leaves. For stubborn weeds, add dish soap to the mixture to minimize surface tension. And for that reason, the Vinegar Killer by Green Gobbler is the best dandelion weed killer for lawns.

There are several weed killers in the market, but the majority contain harmful chemicals. Thus, using an organic dandelion killer is the way to go. If you’re into organic products, then 20% Green Gobbler is your ultimate choice. It’s certified for organic use and completely eliminates weeds and grasses without infusing the soil with toxic chemicals.

Dandelions spread their leggy roots deep into the ground, and eliminating them becomes a hard task. But with this all-natural dandelion killer, you’re guaranteed of fast and effective results. It eliminates any type of weed in a matter of hours. The full desiccation occurs in less than 24 hours. It can be used on clover weeds, moss, white clover, and dandelions.

There are no potentially cancer-causing chemicals, and it’s also glyphosate-free. The powerful 20% formula is four times stronger than conventional table vinegar. 20% Green Gobbler is safe to use anywhere, meaning it’s ideal for industrial, agricultural, residential, and commercial use. You can spray on concrete, flower beds, farmlands, driveways, and even in parking lots. One gallon of this product can cover about 1,000 square feet. With 5 gallons, then you’re assured of covering a large piece of land.

    Why is it special?
  • It can also kill the stubborn cow parsnip
  • It’s easy to spray
  • The product is highly effective and provides results within 24 hours
  • It has a powerful formulation without toxic chemicals
    What are the flaws?
  • You have to keep on applying for roots to completely dry
  • It’s a bit expensive
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4199 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.6
Features
  • Active ingredients: 41% Glyphosate
  • Application: should be mixed with water and sprayed
  • Results in: 2 to 4 days
  • Size: 1 gal

More features: rainproof two hours after application; covers over 25,000 square feet

With thousands of weed killers in the market, it becomes hard to choose a product that will not be harsh to your crops as it kills the weeds. Some products are too harsh that may end up destroying everything they come into contact with. However, Compare-N-Save is gentle on the grass and will kill weeds down to the roots. This effective killer targets unwanted visitors, leaving your plants looking fresh and vibrant.

The product comes with 41% glyphosate, specifically designed to kill unwanted weeds. It’s one of the most potent dandelions and clover killer in the market. It can be used on walkways and driveways to keep the paths clear of weed and grass. The garden fences will also look clean and tidy. You can spray the product in and around vegetable and fruit gardens.

For best results, spray on a warm sunny day when the temperature is above 60°F. After application, there should be no rain for 24 hours. Compare-N-Save mixes easily for seamless application. For I gallon of water, use three tablespoons of the product. However, for tougher weeds, use five tablespoons in a gallon of water. One gallon of the mixture will cover approximately 300 square feet. Glyphosate is a post-emergent herbicide, and it does not prevent new or future growth. The powerful weed killer eliminates all perennial and annual weeds and grasses.

    What makes it stand out?
  • It kills to the roots to ensure the weeds don’t reoccur again
  • You will get fast and effective results
  • It’s easy to mix and use
  • It comes in concentrated format to ensure you use a little bit of liquid
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • A few clients claim the weed killer doesn’t work as advertised
  • You need to be extremely careful since Glyphosate might kill other plants it gets in contact with
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8294 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
Features
  • Active ingredients: 1.500% Trifluralin, 0.375% Isoxaben
  • Application: straight on a mulch from an easy-to-use bottle with flip-top applicator-cap
  • Results in: not specified
  • Size: 13.75 lbs.

More features: applicator scoop included; not intended for use on food-producing or edible plants; blocks weed up to 6 months

For over five decades, lawn owners and gardeners have trusted Preen products. The company is known best for keeping landscape beds and gardens weed-free at a competitive price. Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is the best crabgrass and dandelion killer. The product tackles the toughest weeds you can face, including crabgrass, white clover, purslane, horseweed, oxalis, and more. A three-inch layer of mulch will retain soil moisture and keep the temperature even and looks tidy and nice. Mulch has preventative properties of its own, which help Preen to keep weeds away.

The Preen weed killer is designed to prevent common weeds like chickweed, henbit, and dandelion for up to 6 months. The product works best in spring after spreading mulch on your landscape before weeds start growing. However, if you forget to spray in early spring, you shouldn’t be worried since it can get applied anytime the weeds grow.

The Preen can be used on over 600 established plants, including azaleas, daylilies, and many more. The jug-handled bottle designed with a flip-top applicator makes it easy to apply the product. Ensure you shake it well to distribute the granules evenly.

    Why is it special?
  • It comes in a jug-handled bottle for easy application
  • You can apply it anytime the weeds start growing
  • You only use a little amount of the product for effective results
  • It’s reasonably priced
    What are the flaws?
  • The high concentration of Preen might be harmful to flowers
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5559 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
Features
  • Active ingredients: 1% Glyphosate, 2% Pelargonic acid and related fatty acid, 0.017% Imazapic
  • Application: with an extendable wand
  • Results in: 3 hours
  • Size: 1.10 gal

More features: dual-action formula; rainproof formula; kills root to the root

Are you tight on a budget and want an effective dandelion killer? Then Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer should be your choice. This non-selective, double-action herbicide kills prevailing grasses and weeds all the way to their roots. It means weeds will not reoccur often. The powerful formula keeps weed from developing up to four months. This is because it penetrates deep into the ground to ensure weeds don’t take roots. However, be careful on lawn grass since the product contains Glyphosate.

Killing dandelions has been troublesome, with some products failing being effective. But with Roundup Weed Killer, you will see results in three hours. And for effective results, ensure you apply the product during warm and sunny days when the temperature is above 60°F. Roundup Weed killer is rainproof in 10 minutes. The versatile weed killer can be applied on driveways, paths, mulched areas, tree rings, patios, and along fence lines. For 1 gallon of water, put in 6 oz of the product than spray on actively growing weeds until the area is soaked. It will kill dandelion and other weeds in 1 to 2 weeks.

    What stands out?
  • Does not kill microorganisms in the soil
  • It easily mixes with water
  • It works effectively and fast
  • It comes at a reasonable price
  • The product is rainproof in 10 minutes
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • You might be forced to use more of the granules for effective results
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4755 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
6
Features
  • Active ingredients: 0.810% Pendimethalin, 0.690% 2,4-D, 0.345% MCPP-p
  • Application: with a special spreader
  • Results in: not specified
  • Size: 20.2 lbs.

More features: formulated for northern lawns

Scotts is a reliable company that boasts of manufacturing authentic products. And Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is no exception. This triple-action prevents and kills weeds. It’s ideal to be used on Northern grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescue. Furthermore, you can easily use it at any time of the year. The innovative 3-in-1 formula kills clover and dandelion and also prevents them from sprouting for four months. It also feeds to build thick, healthy lawns. With all this ability, the product retails at an affordable price. Making it the best dandelion and clover killer with feed for Midwest.

Applying Scotts Turf Triple Action is effortless. For easy application, you first measure the size of the lawn to determine coverage amount. Then spray the product into the spreader and adjust the setting as per the requirements. The product perfectly strikes a balance between effectiveness and affordability. It produces instants results at a minimal price and effort.

    What makes it special?
  • It provides three benefits in one bag for incredible results
  • It mixes with water pretty fast
  • Easy to spread
  • It gives you value for your money
  • It’s a versatile product that can be used on various weeds
    What cons did we find?
  • Some clients claim that the product is not effective as advertised
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7160 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.7
7
Features
  • Active ingredients: 2% Glyphosate, 2% Pelargonic and other related fatty acids
  • Application: with a wand
  • Results in: 3 hours
  • Size: 1.33 gal

More features: can be used in and around vegetable gardens; rainproof in ten minutes; comes with an application wand

Roundup is a reliable company with a rich reputation for manufacturing effective and affordable products. If dandelion has become a nuisance, Roundup got your back. The Roundup Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer with a comfort wand is described as the best dandelion killer on the market. It’s easy to use and takes pride in a no-mix formula. The multipurpose weed killer is ideal for in and around flower beds, mulched beds, vegetable gardens as well as patios and walkways. It tackles even the toughest grasses and weeds to the root.

The convenient and ready to use product makes the spraying process easy and effortless. No mixing is required. You only need to connect and extend the wand, then spray the unwanted visitors. It can treat up to 400 square feet. The unique comfort wand is easy to use. It has an extended reach with a continuous spray. There is no bending over with no more hand fatigue.

Visible results will be seen after 3 hours, which is pretty fast. More so, it’s rainproof in 10 minutes. However, you need to be careful since the product causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with clothing and eyes. And in case this happens, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

    What makes it stand out?
  • It comes with a preinstalled 2 AA batteries
  • It kills weeds down to the roots
  • No mixing is required
  • The unique comfort wand is easy to use
  • Inexpensive
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Some clients claim that the wand is unreliable
  • The pressure spraying system might fail
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4260 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
Features
  • Active ingredients: 2,4-D (dimethylamine salt) – 8.858%, Mecoprop-p (dimethylamine salt) – 2.127%, Dicamba (dimethylamine salt) – 0.371%
  • Application: with a tank sprayer
  • Results in: several hours
  • Size: 1 gal.

More features: kills weeds to the roots; won’t harm the lawn; rainproof in one hour

 

Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns closes the list of the best dandelion killer in the market. The lawn-friendly weed killer by Ortho is designed to destroy several weeds like clover, dandelions, and more than 250 other weeds. Its target is the lawn weeds and won’t harm your lawn. It’s suitable for large and small areas. The 32 oz covers up to about 16,000 sq. Ft. and with 1 gallon, it covers 64,000 sq.ft. for productive use, use with a tank sprayer or Ortho dial N Spray. The Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns is perfect for spot treatments. It comes in various sizes, including 24 oz. Comfort wand offers precise control, ensuring you only spray what you want. More so, it’s reusable with the refill.

If you want the best dandelion killer spray for lawns, the Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns is your ultimate choice. It’s also a reliable winter dandelion killer. Connect directly to the garden hose for broadcast application. You do this without measuring or mixing. It kills every weed but doesn’t harm grass. This product gives you a slow, sure death of unwanted visitors.

    Why is it special?
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • It covers a large chunk of land
    What are the flaws?
  • Users claim that you have to use more than expected for effective results
  • It doesn’t work on all weeds as advertised
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Buying the best dandelion killer can be unnerving. The weed killers are plenty in the market, and they come in a myriad of sizes, brands, and chemical concentration. Moreover, you might not be aware of some components which might end up destroying your lawn grass and killing the plants.
That’s why you need to need to have essential factors to help you identify a reliable product. And as you check on features to consider, ensure you get the product from a reputable manufacturer or vendor.

In which situations do you need to use a dandelion killer?

8 Best Dandelion Killers - Weeds are Taken Care of!

When children get enthralled by the fuzzy heads of dandelions, lawn and gardener enthusiasts tend to get irritated by the cheery yellow heads of the broadleaf weeds. Dandelions will push out of lawn grass and extend their leggy roots deep into the ground. They also sap nutrients and water away from the surrounding plants, making them weak.

The taproots extend several feet into the soil, and pulling them can be hectic. When dandelions sprout, they can be easily uprooted. But after the dandelion seeds germinate then, it will be hard to do it naturally. This is where a dandelion killer comes in handy. More so, apply the weed killer late winter for effective results.

Features to Consider Before You Buy a Dandelion Killer

The most effective way of buying a reliable product is knowing the best features to consider. The same way you choose your favorite is the same criteria to use when purchasing the best herbicide dandelion killer.

Active ingredients

The best dandelion killer is designed to destroy weed leaving the surrounding plants unharmed. This also depends on the active ingredients infused in these products. For instance, a dandelion is growing right in the middle of the lawn, and you only want to kill dandelion. At this point, you require a product that contains active components for killing weeds only. Some of the active elements you’ll find below:

  • Dicamba – It belongs to the chlorophenoxy family, and is sufficient for destroying broadleaf weed as well as woody plants.
  • Florasulam – This is a selective herbicide that is used in post-emergence control of dandelion and other weeds like white clover and daisy.
  • Fluroxypyr – It belongs to the synthetic auxins class and is ideal in eliminating broadleaf weeds like cleavers.

Application

Applying the best herbicide dandelion killer is the most effective way of killing these dreaded weeds. If you want to destroy the deep-penetrating taproots, it is to ensure you apply the product as directed. Some weed killers such as Roundup Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer, come with a wand for easy application. Others don’t require a mixture. You only spray according to the size of the lawn.

It’s essential to choose a product that will ease your work and still remain effective in killing the weeds.

Results time

8 Best Dandelion Killers - Weeds are Taken Care of!

The bright yellow flowers of dandelions are a nightmare for every lawn and garden owners. They are among the most notorious perennial broadleaves with leggy roots. Hence, buying a product that will eliminate these weeds pretty fast is the desire of lawn enthusiast.

A reliable dandelion killer will wither weeds in three hours and kill them within 1 to 2 weeks.

A product going beyond that might not be the best. A product like Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer takes 2-4 hours to show results.

Size

The size of the weed killer will determine the area you apply the product. If your lawn or garden is 7,500 square feet, then you need a weed killer that will effectively be sprayed to cover the entire place. Ensure you don’t underspray or overspray the product.

 

FAQ

Are dandelion killers safe to use?

Yes! Dandelion killers are safe to use on your lawn. They are formulated to kill the broadleaf weeds and leave your plants fresh and safe. But you need to ensure you have picked a product with the most reliable active ingredients. More so, ensure the level of Glyphosate is as low as possible. When applying, you might get moderate eye irritation. When this occurs, wash your face thoroughly with water and soap.

Are there dandelion killers with a natural formula?

There are dandelion killers with a natural formula. Organic gardeners use vinegar-formulated weed killer for effective results. These pesticide-free products are designed to stop crabgrass and dandelions in their tracks and allow your garden and lawn to grow in their glory. Organic dandelion killers are safe for lawn grass while remaining harsh to weeds. For instance, 20% of vinegar will kill a variety of weeds like creeping charlie, dandelion, musk thistle, and clover, and other toughest weeds. More so, some of the companies can design the best off-the-shelf dandelion killer, specifically for your lawn or garden. Interestingly, these products are inexpensive.

Can dandelion killers be sprayed around vegetable gardens?

You’ve probably heard that in life, nothing is certain except weeds, taxes, and death. The fear of every gardener is the ravaging weeds. But on the positive side, weeds protect bare soil from damage and erosion and provide habitat and food for wildlife. However, they’re not welcome in vegetation. They rob crops of water and nutrients. At this juncture, a dandelion killer becomes essential. However, you should be careful since systematic herbicides such may end up destroying vegetable plants. To prevent crop damage, use the weed killer in fall or spring when the garden is quite bear.

Our verdict

Today, the market is experiencing an influx of dandelion killers. As a result, picking the best product becomes stressful. Some people end up with the wrong items which fail to destroy the weeds as required. Our first choice is Bonide Weed Beater Ultra. The powerful weed killer can tackle over 200 broadleaf weeds in one easy step. It’s designed to kill unwanted visitors while sparing the lawn grass. It gives quick results and doesn’t wash away after drying up.

Our second choice is Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer, which is certified for organic use. It completely eliminates and desiccates grasses and weeds without the use of toxic chemicals. Full desiccation occurs in less than 24 hours. It’s glyphosate-free with no-potentially cancer-causing chemicals.

Our third choice is Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer with a dual-action formula. It kills weed to the root and prevents new ones from sprouting for up to four months. More so, it comes at a competitive price, making it the best dandelion killer on the market.

9,9
Total Score
Bonide Weed Beater Ultra - Editor’s Choice
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