{"id":5856,"date":"2020-06-11T15:45:29","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aboutmpswr.wpengine.com\/?p=5856"},"modified":"2023-12-21T21:29:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T21:29:40","slug":"the-fight-against-dandelions-lawn-care-and-pesticides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aboutmps.com\/blog\/the-fight-against-dandelions-lawn-care-and-pesticides\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fight Against Dandelions, Lawn Care and Pesticides"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Yellow<\/p>\n

What are Dandelions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Are dandelions overtaking your lawn? You\u2019re not alone, since Ontario passed the cosmetic pesticide ban in 2009, it\u2019s become increasingly common to see lawns covered in dandelions. \u00a0Bright yellow Dandelions are most commonly referred to as weeds, but they\u2019re actually herbaceous perennials. \u00a0Although it seems as if dandelions are here to stay, by understanding their life cycle and what products are available, you can reduce dandelions on your lawn.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Dandelion Life Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dandelions grow from a thick, unbranching tap root and were originally native to Eurasia, but have since been introduced to North America. Dandelions grow from seeds and do reproduce asexually by seed. In other words, it only takes one Dandelions to cover your entire lawn.<\/p>\n

Dandelions flower in the spring, but can re-flower in the fall, too. It\u2019s easier to spot the yellow dandelion flowers during the day, as they tend to close up at night. Dandelions will flower for a couple of days and then close to develop their seeds inside the closed head. The seeds have their own set of feathery bristles that catch in the wind and ensure the seeds are distributed.<\/p>\n

\"Dandeloin<\/p>\n

After taking flight and landing on the ground, the seed germinates produces a cluster of tiny leaves close to the ground and establishes its deep tap root. By the time you see a dandelion flower the plant is well established, which is why it can seem like dandelions are overtaking your lawn. Dandelion plants can grow for up to 5-10 years!<\/p>\n

The Pesticide Ban<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Historically Dandelions were treated and controlled with pesticides to stop the spread and maintain lush green lawns. This changed when the province of Ontario passed its cosmetic pesticide ban on March 4, 2009. When the provincial-wide ban came into effect in April 2009, it outlawed more than 250 products and over 95 ingredients for cosmetic uses, making it one of the toughest pesticide laws in Canada. This pesticide ban targeted use on lawns, residential vegetable and ornamental gardens, patios, driveways, cemeteries, and in parks and school yards. It also superseded any local municipal pesticides bylaws.<\/p>\n