Our readers keep the lights on and the potting soil stocked. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Dandelions turn a green lawn into a polka-dotted mess fast. You need a dandelion killer for lawns that kills the root, not just the leaves, so the weed stays dead. The tough part is picking the right one from a shelf of bottles that all look the same.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Below you will find six formulas ranked by coverage, concentration, and real-world results. Pick the one that matches your lawn size and how much time you want to spend treating it. This is the full guide to the dandelion killer for lawns that works.
Our Picks at a Glance


How To Choose The Best Dandelion Killer For Lawns
The active ingredient does the actual work of killing the weed. Most effective dandelion killers use a blend called Trimec — a mix of three herbicides (2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, and Dicamba) that attack broadleaf weeds without hurting your grass. Look for these chemical names on the label. A formula with Trimec or its three components is the standard for reliable dandelion control in a lawn.
Pick a concentration that matches your yard size
Liquid concentrates cost less per use and cover far more ground than ready-to-use spray bottles. A 32-ounce concentrate can cover 16,000 square feet. A 24-ounce ready-to-use bottle typically covers around 400 to 500 square feet. If you have a medium to large lawn, a concentrate saves you money. For small yards or quick spot treatments, a ready-to-use spray is fine.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Coverage | Liquid Volume | Form | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBI/GORDON Trimec★ Best Overall | Large lawns, heavy infestations | 32000 to 64000 sq ft | 128 fl oz (1 gal) | Liquid Concentrate | Amazon |
| BioAdvanced Weed KillerBest Value | Large to medium lawns, value | 16000 sq ft | 32 fl oz | Liquid Concentrate | Amazon |
| Ortho Weed B Gon | Quick results, ready-to-use | 5000 sq ft | 24 fl oz | Ready-to-Use Spray | Amazon |
| Scotts EZ Feed Plus | Weed & feed in one step | 4000 to 6000 sq ft | 32 fl oz | Spray (hose-end) | Amazon |
| Scotts TouchUp | Spot treating individual weeds | Dandelion, Clover, Crabgrass | 24 fl oz | Ready-to-Use Spray | Amazon |
| Southern Ag Trimec | Entry-level price, small areas | 400 sq ft | 16 fl oz | Liquid Concentrate | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer, one gallon
Our pick — 4.5★ from 600+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
This one-gallon jug of concentrate covers 32,000 to 64,000 square feet and kills dandelions at the root so you do not have to fight the same weed twice.
If your yard is measured in acres or you are tired of buying small bottles every month, this is the one. The PBI/GORDON Trimec delivers a 128.0 Fluid Ounce gallon of concentrate that covers between 32,000 and 64,000 square feet. That is 128.0 Fluid Ounces versus the 24.0 Fluid Ounce Scotts TouchUp bottle. Buyers report being nearly through gallon 3 of Trimec during a heavy weed year, which tells you how much volume a bad season can demand.
The active ingredient is Trimec, the trusted three-way herbicide blend (a mix of 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, and Dicamba) that kills dandelions at the root without harming your cool-season grass. Unlike ready-to-use sprays that run out fast, this concentrate needs mixing. The trade-off is a far lower cost per application. Its 4.5 out of 5 stars from 617 reviews backs up the claim that it simply works as advertised.
Be aware that some buyers received a different brand bottle (Ferti-lome Weed-Out) that contains the same Trimec formula, so the packaging may vary. One reviewer noted you might need to double or triple the Trimec portion of the mixture to knock out very stubborn weeds fast. For anyone with a standard to large cool-season lawn who wants the best all-around value, this gallon is the one to buy.
Why it dominates
- Covers up to 64,000 sq ft — class-leading for large lawns
- Full gallon (128 oz) lasts multiple seasons for most homeowners
- Time-tested Trimec formula with 4.5-star average from over 600 reviews
Things to know
- Requires a sprayer and mixing — not a grab-and-go bottle
- Some users report needing a stronger mix ratio for tough weeds
The buy-once pick: For large lawns or anyone sick of repurchasing small bottles — this one gallon covers you for a full season on cool-season grass.
Not for: Small yards under 5,000 sq ft, where a smaller concentrate or ready-to-use is more practical.
2. BioAdvanced Weed Killer for Lawns, Concentrate, 32oz
This 32-ounce concentrate covers 16,000 square feet and kills over 200 weed types to the root — ideal for the standard suburban yard.
BioAdvanced hits the balance for homeowners with a quarter-acre or half-acre lot. Its 32 Fluid Ounce bottle covers 16,000 square feet, covering 16,000 square feet versus the Southern Ag Trimec’s 400 square feet for only a small jump in price. The active ingredients include Dicamba and Mecoprop-P, the same proven broadleaf-killing chemistry that targets dandelion taproots. Owners mention that one container did the whole front and back garden, confirming the coverage claim holds up in real use.
The brand claims it kills over 200 broadleaf lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, and dollar weed, and it works on both southern and northern lawns. Unlike the Scotts EZ Feed Plus, which is a combined weed-and-feed product, this is a straight herbicide, so you get more weed-killing power per ounce without the fertilizer diluting it. Customers note it leaves Bermuda grass slightly brown for a bit, but the grass bounces back while the weeds stay dead.
One downside is the sprayer connection — multiple buyers mention that pressing the tab to activate the flow was frustrating on the first try. A few customers also found it less effective on nutgrass, so if your main issue is sedge, look elsewhere. For the typical dandelion-invaded lawn, this is the most balanced buy in the lineup.
What makes it great
- Covers 16,000 sq ft from a single 32 oz bottle — ideal for most yards
- Kills over 200 weed types and reaches the root system
- Works on both cool-season and warm-season turf
Watch out for
- Sprayer tab can be tough to activate on first use
- Mixed reviews on nutgrass and other sedge-type weeds
Reach for this if: You have a standard suburban lawn and want maximum coverage per dollar without buying a heavy gallon jug.
Look elsewhere if: Your primary weed problem is nutgrass or onion grass rather than dandelions and clover.
3. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer, 24oz, RTU Trigger
You see dandelions curl up and die within hours with this ready-to-use trigger spray, and it kills over 250 weed types to the root.
When you want to see dandelions curl up and die the same day — not next week — Ortho Weed B Gon is the trigger to grab. This 24 Fluid Ounce ready-to-use formula covers 5,000 square feet, covering 5,000 square feet versus the Southern Ag Trimec’s 400 square feet, despite both being modestly sized bottles. The label claims results in hours and says it will not harm your lawn when used as directed. Reviews back that up: users consistently report great results killing clover and other weeds without killing the grass.
With a 4.3 out of 5 stars from 543 ratings, this is among the most trusted broadleaf killers on the market. It targets over 250 listed weed types. Unlike the Scotts EZ Feed Plus, which requires a hose-end attachment, the Ortho trigger bottle lets you spot-spray individual weeds precisely — great for protecting nearby flowers or garden beds.
The catch is the unit count: at 24.0 Fluid Ounces (24.00 Ounce), it runs out fast if you need to treat the whole lawn rather than spot-treat. Several reviewers suggest wearing gloves and a mask as a precaution due to the chemical concentration. For quick, visible action on dandelions without mixing or measuring, this is the sprayer to keep in the garage.
Standout strengths
- Visible results within hours of application
- Kills 250+ listed broadleaf weeds to the root
- Trigger spray for precise spot treatment
Limitations
- Small bottle (24 oz) is not economical for full-lawn coverage
- Some users want better long-term staying power between sprays
Best for fast action: Grab this if you want to see weeds wither within hours and prefer spot-spraying over mixing concentrates.
Not ideal for: Large lawns requiring blanket coverage — you will need multiple bottles.
4. Scotts EZ Feed Plus Weed Control, 32 fl. oz.
This hose-end spray kills dandelions and feeds your lawn in one pass, covering 4,000 to 6,000 square feet per bottle.
If you want to simplify your lawn care routine, this Scotts product handles two jobs at once. The EZ Feed Plus Weed Control both fertilizes your lawn and kills broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and ground ivy in a single application. You attach the 32 Fluid Ounce container to a garden hose and spray evenly. It provides coverage of 6,000 sq ft on warm-season lawns and 4,000 sq ft on cool-season lawns — note the split so you choose the right setting for your turf type. Reviewers point out that weeds begin to curl up within a few days, with hard-to-control weeds sometimes needing another application in 3 to 4 weeks.
At 33.28 Ounces, this is the heaviest bottle in the ready-to-spray category at 33.28 ounces versus the 16 ounce Southern Ag Trimec, which reinforces that you are getting both herbicide and fertilizer in the same container. The mixing ratio is 25:0:2, which is the N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer ratio. Reviewers confirm it is effective against clover and creeping sedge that cheaper brands do not touch, and it gives grass a growth boost alongside weed control.
The biggest frustration in the reviews is the connection: a few shoppers say the liquid did not come out because the cap was missing or it leaked at the hose connection. If you get a sealed, correct unit, it works. The product is also reported as discontinued by Scotts according to one customer service response, so stock may be limited. For the homeowner who wants to feed and kill weeds in one pass, this is a convenient choice — if you can find it.
Convenience wins
- Fertilizer and weed killer combined in one hose-end spray
- Effective on clover and creeping sedge that weaker sprays miss
- Simple attachment — no measuring or mixing required
Drawbacks
- Reports of leaking connections and missing caps
- May be discontinued, making future refills uncertain
Choose this for convenience: If you want to kill dandelions and feed your lawn with one trip around the yard, this is the easiest option available.
Be cautious: Check the bottle seal and connection before buying, as some units have arrived defective.
5. Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn (Dandelion, Clover, & Crabgrass Killer), 24 fl oz
Spray this on individual dandelions and pull the whole root out by hand a week later without any tool.
For the gardener who patrols the lawn with a spray bottle, this Scotts TouchUp is built for spot-treating single weeds. The 24.0 Fluid Ounce ready-to-use spray kills dandelion, clover, and crabgrass without harming the surrounding grass. One reviewer describes the process: the weed wilts, dies, and a week or so later you pull up the whole weed, root and all, with no tool — and that dandelion does not come back the next year. It also got strong marks for tackling Canada thistle in a seriously neglected lawn.
The bottle is small and convenient. One reviewer with a 3,500 sq ft lawn buys one spray bottle per year for dandelions only. It is lighter than the BioAdvanced concentrate at 24.96 Ounces versus 32 Ounces, and the ready-to-use format means zero setup. Unlike the PBI/GORDON Trimec gallon, this is not for blanket coverage — it is your precision tool for the weeds that pop up here and there.
The main criticism from negative reviews is that a minority of users saw no effect at all — the weed did not even turn brown, and new flowers appeared after the second spray. That could be a batch issue or user error with timing (rain shortly after application washes it off). It is also expensive per square foot compared to concentrates. For the patient spot-treater who does not mind waiting a week to pull dead weeds, this is an effective option.
Spot-kill strengths
- Kills the entire root, making hand-pulling easy after a week
- Precise trigger spray for protecting nearby plants
- Repeated users report a dandelion-free lawn over multiple seasons
Potential issues
- Some bottles appear to be ineffective — inconsistent quality control
- Expensive per-square-foot compared to concentrates
Perfect for the dedicated spot treater: Use this when you want to kill individual dandelions at the root and pull them up cleanly a week later without any tools.
Best to skip if: Your lawn has a widespread dandelion invasion — you will save money and time with a concentrate instead.
6. Southern Ag – 13502 – Lawn Weed Killer with Trimec – Herbicide – 16oz
This 16-ounce bottle of Trimec concentrate covers only 400 square feet, but it is the cheapest way to get proven root-killing chemistry for a tiny lawn.
If you have a small patch of lawn or just want to test a Trimec-based product without committing to a gallon, this Southern Ag 16-ounce concentrate is your low-risk entry point. At 16 Fluid Ounces, it covers only 400 square feet covering 400 square feet versus the BioAdvanced Weed Killer’s 16,000 square feet. The active ingredients are Dicamba, Herbicide, and Trimec with a surfactant (a sticking agent that helps the spray cling to weed leaves), giving you the same potent chemistry as the larger jugs. One buyer mentioned it killed a dandelion invasion in 2 weeks with no harm to the lawn, with about 10% of weeds needing a respray.
The 16 Ounce weight is the lightest of all six products. It is designed for use on 9 turf types and works with conventional and hose-end sprayers. For the budget-conscious shopper who needs to clean up a small area, this is a practical way to get Trimec-level results without the price or volume of larger bottles.
However, multiple reviews point out that while this product knocks weeds down fast initially, they tend to come back relatively quickly, requiring reapplication every few weeks. It is not great with clover according to some, and it lacks the staying power of larger concentrates. For the shopper with a small dandelion problem and a small yard, this works well.
Good for small jobs
- Lowest-cost Trimec option for small yards or first-time users
- Includes surfactant for better leaf adhesion
- Works on 9 different turf types
Trade-offs
- Only 400 sq ft coverage — 40x less than the BioAdvanced concentrate
- Weeds may return faster, needing frequent reapplication
Good for small spaces: If your lawn is tiny (under 500 sq ft) and you just need a quick dandelion fix, this bottle is the cheapest way to get Trimec.
Only for small areas: For larger lawns, the cost per square foot is higher than bigger concentrates — upgrade to a 32oz or gallon size.
Understanding the Specs
Coverage Area
This number tells you how many square feet one bottle treats at the recommended mix rate. A 32-ounce concentrate covering 16,000 square feet works for a typical quarter-acre lot. A 24-ounce ready-to-use bottle covering 500 square feet is only good for spot-spraying. Always measure your lawn (length times width in feet) before picking a bottle — you need enough concentrate for at least two applications per season for thorough dandelion control.
Active Ingredients: Trimec vs. Single-Herbicide
Trimec is a branded blend of three herbicides — 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p (MCPP), and Dicamba — that work together to attack broadleaf weeds from different angles. Products with just one active ingredient (like Dicamba alone) may miss certain weeds and leave dandelions alive. If the label says “Trimec” or lists all three components, you have the most reliable formula for killing dandelions in a lawn without damaging the grass.
FAQ
Will a dandelion killer harm my grass?
How long before I see results on dandelions?
Can I reseed after spraying a dandelion killer?
Is liquid concentrate better than ready-to-use?
Will rain wash away the weed killer?
Why do some dandelions survive the spray?
Can I use a dandelion killer on a newly seeded lawn?
What is the difference between Weed B Gon and Trimec?
How do I apply a concentrate evenly across the lawn?
Are these products safe for pets to walk on after spraying?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the dandelion killer for lawns winner is the PBI/GORDON Trimec one gallon because it delivers the most proven Trimec formula at the lowest cost per square foot for large and medium lawns. If you want a mid-sized concentrate that covers a standard suburban yard without the heavy gallon jug, grab the BioAdvanced Weed Killer 32oz. And for fast spot treatment of individual dandelions with visible results in hours, the standout is the Ortho Weed B Gon.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Lawn Gear Lab earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.




