One of the first signs of spring are the familiar vibrant yellow dandelion weeds dotting lawns. There’s much debate on whether these plants are good or bad for gardens. Let’s discuss.

Dandelion Flowers

Some may see their striking color and get a nostalgic feel for making flower crowns and wishing on the wispy seed pods. But there’s so much more to dandelions.

• Deep taproots help break up compacted soil, allowing air and water to penetrate deep into the ground.
• First food sources for bees and other pollinators in the spring.
• Edible young leaves can be used in salads. The flowers can be battered and fried to make dandelion fritters. Petals have been used to make wine or jelly.
• Leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.
• Believed to have diuretic properties and used in herbal remedies for various ailments.

For these reasons, not only do some gardeners save space for dandelions in their yards and gardens, but they forgo the weed treatment altogether and harvest the flowers for a variety of purposes.

Dandelion Weeds

Still, some homeowners prefer a pristine yard. So when this invasive species starts popping up, it’s more of a source of frustration. And once they appear, it’s hard to make them disappear.

• Spreads rapidly via wind-blown seeds (aka wishes)
• Deep roots make them difficult to eradicate
• Quickly overtakes grassy areas, crowding out desired plants and the pristine landscape
• Pollen is a common allergen

Any weed can be a sign of poor lawn care. If you don’t want to go to battle trying to rid your lawn of anything but grass, it’s time to take more preventative measures. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization is a start. Fill in any bare spots with grass seed and overseed regularly to strengthen the lawn. Contact Cardinal Lawns for more information on how to best care for your yard year-round and prevent any type of weed. Or embrace the dandelion and start collecting related recipes.