Spot spraying isolated plants with glyphosate can be helpful, but the turfgrass is killed, leaving open areas. Overseed the open spots to establish a vigorous turf sod. The preemergent herbicides commonly used to control crabgrass in turfgrass have not been successful in limiting germination of dandelion. Summary of Herbicides for Dandelion Control. There are few options for the control of dandelion in ornamental plantings.
Prevention is very important.
Hand removal or spot treatment of solitary plants with glyphosate will save time and money in the long run. Mulching with landscape fabrics can be particularly effective for controlling seedlings if the fabric is overlapped and no light is allowed to penetrate to the soil. Fabric mulches should be covered with an organic mulch to improve aesthetics and to reduce photodegradation. Organic mulches may also be effective in controlling dandelion seedlings if they are at least 3 inches deep and are managed in such a way as to not provide a growth medium for new dandelion seedlings. Isoxaben and oxyfluorfen have been useful in limiting dandelion when they are applied to the soil before the seed germinates.