Dandelion season is here

Learn how to manage pesky weeds on your property

It's that time of year when those yellow-topped weeds start to pop up on your lawn or in your garden. Dandelions are a part of Vaughan’s natural landscape, and they typically bloom for a few weeks in May and June. While they are not harmful to your pets, lawn or garden, they can be an eyesore.

Follow these helpful tips from the City of Vaughan’s Parks, Forestry and Horticulture department to help you control dandelions on your property:

• Raise your lawn mower blades to three or four inches (7.6 or 10 centimetres) – taller grass will shade out weeds and prevent them from germinating.
• Overseed and topdress your lawn with compost – overseeding ensures weeds do not have room to take root, and compost adds nutrients and structure to the soil.
• Aerate your lawn in early spring – this will loosen soil to allow water and air penetration to keep roots healthy.
• Add white clover to seed mix – white clover is a low-growing, hardy plant that adds nitrogen to the soil.
• Fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall – healthy lawns are thicker and can shade out weeds.
• Water deeply, but only when needed. Refer to Vaughan’s outdoor water use restrictions and schedules for when to water.
  • Grass requires one inch (2.5 centimetres) of water per week (during dry periods). Water in the early mornings or evenings.
  • Use sprinklers or soaker hoses that keep water low to the ground.
  • Long and slow soakings will lead to a more drought-resistant lawn.
• Consider alternative lawn covers, where possible – low groundcovers, such as periwinkle and thyme require less fertilizer and water.

What the City is doing to control dandelion growth
To control dandelions in City parks, boulevards, sports fields and other green spaces, crews cut grass in these areas regularly to keep dandelions at a minimum. Even with regular cuts, some areas may appear unkempt as weeds tend to grow faster than grass. To protect the environment, the City implemented a Pesticide By-law (PDF) to regulate the use of herbicides to control weeds, such as dandelions, on public and private property. For more information, visit the City’s Grass Cutting and Weeds webpage.

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