Why Killing The Dandelions In Your Yard Can Put Your Lawn At A Disadvantage

It's not news that we try to turn our preferences into truths. And that's great, as long as we know everything and only prefer good things. Nowhere is this more clear than in our epic battle to surround ourselves with the ecologically sterile monoculture known as the American lawn. With chemicals in hand, our target is (among others) the bright yellow flowers and delightful child's toy seedheads of the dandelion.

But, is it possible we're overreacting a teensy bit to this weed? House Digest spoke exclusively with Teri Valenzuela, Sunday Lawn Care's Natural Science Manager, about dandelion control, weeds, and rabbit food, and she gave us some truths and a different way of looking at this scourge of pretty yellow flowers. It turns out that dandelions have some surprising benefits for your lawn. "Dandelions, clover, and wild violets are all flowering plants that benefit your lawn," Valenzuela said. "A 'weed' is really just a plant growing where you don't want it. So these are only 'weeds' if you decide they don't belong in your space. Otherwise, they offer so many untapped benefits."

Surely there's more to it. Maybe dandelions are poisonous, propagate pump-and-dump stock manipulation schemes, or speed up to avoid getting delayed at school bus stops? As it turns out, no. "Dandelions really only become a problem if you're aiming for a pristine lawn," Valenzuela said. "They're typically a bigger issue for homeowners dealing with HOA fines or those trying to grow sensitive plants that can't outcompete dandelions." That probably doesn't include Kentucky Bluegrass.

You're not convinced? It's only fair to get the full picture before you decide to let go of your feud against Taraxacum officinale. (Even the scientific name sounds like some kind of medieval writ of execution.) When we spoke exclusively with Sunday's Natural Science Manager, Teri Valenzuela, she pointed us to some little-known and downright endearing qualities of the humble dandelion.

First of all, they're out there doing the work of spring while your fancier asters are still sleeping off that spring fertilizer. "Dandelions are some of the earliest bloomers," Valenzuela explained. "They provide critical food resources for early pollinators when most other plants are still waking up."

Feeling yourself starting to soften a little? Well, get this. They're not just early risers, but they're hardscrabble contributors with a determination to make the community better. And, it turns out, a yard full of dandelions is both a symptom of and a solution to the soil conditions that cause them to thrive. "They grow in tough spots where grass doesn't, hold soil in place, and naturally loosen compacted areas thanks to their deep taproots," Valenzuela said. "They support biodiversity, feed pollinators, and give you clues about soil health. If your goal isn't a perfectly weed-free lawn, a few in your yard won't hurt."

If you're determined to rid your lawn of these vile little honey bee feeders, make sure you come up with something better to grow in their place after you've finished them off. The bare soil left behind after a dandelion gets its wings is the perfect breeding ground for truly bad guys. When House Digest talked dandelions exclusively with natural science expert Teri Valenzuela, she pointed to one unwelcome alternative, a family member that'll move into the dandelion's old room — Canada thistle. This is an allelopathic psychopath that poisons the soil around it so other plants won't grow, then uses all the nutrients and water, promotes soil erosion, and drinks all your expensive mango-dandelion kombucha. "Dandelions are actually doing your lawn a favor," she said.

You have the power to let dandelions run their course. "Skip the herbicides and don't dig them up," Valenzuela encouraged. "You can still overseed with grass annually, but let the dandelions do their thing." And it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. "If you're worried about too many, just pluck the seed heads before they spread," she added. "It's a great way to keep a little wild dandelion patch from turning into a full dandelion lawn."

And once you buy into the value of a dandelion life, there's a special treat waiting for you. As if cute yellow blooms and puffy blow things for two-year-olds aren't enough, Valenzuela said you should check out community sites like Nextdoor. "Some rabbit pet owners actually look for lawns that don't chemically treat dandelions to feed their pets," she said.