Common lawn weed you should never get rid of is 'beneficial' for healthy grass

Dandelions are hard to miss thanks to their bright yellow heads, which can look like flowers to some.

But others despise these vibrant weeds, which have no place in a perfectly green, striped lawn.

Known to crop up in large clusters on the perimeter of flowerbeds and in the middle of garden grass, gardeners may find dandelions difficult to get rid of while trying to perfect their summer garden.

Jack Sutcliffe, a gardening expert at Power Sheds, argues that there’s no need to even try, as the weeds can have a surprisingly beneficial impact on the health of those green leafy blades.

Speaking previously to Express.co.uk, he said: “While many people may consider dandelions to be a nuisance, due to their ability to spread quickly and take over lawns, they offer several benefits to the environment and your grass.”

Unsurprisingly, one of the main benefits of leaving dandelions to grow is the huge source of nectar they provide to bees and other pollinators.

But Jack noted that there’s more to it, adding: “Their deep roots help to aerate the soil and bring nutrients to the surface.”

The structure of dandelions beneath the ground’s surface creates a more favourable environment for new grass growth rather than taking away from it.

Most surrounding plants will benefit from the increased nitrogen levels when dandelions are present.

According to a gardening expert and blogger at Garden Betty, dandelion roots do more good than harm when left to grow alongside fresh lawn seedlings. The yellow weeds protect exposed soil by acting as a barrier against wind and water erosion.

The gardening expert explained: “Since the plants grow so quickly, they spread widely to cover bare soil and act as a natural mulch or ground cover by providing shade and conserving moisture. Dandelions also draw calcium, iron, and potassium from deep in the earth into their leaves.

The blogger continued: “When they die and decompose, they leave behind mineral-rich organic matter that nourishes the soil.”

For pollinators, vibrant dandelions act as a fruitful source of food thanks to each ‘weed’ containing around 100 flowers on average.

While aesthetic gardeners may prefer a green space without insects buzzing around, those concerned about the health of their green space will know they are crucial for food security and the growth of new plants.

However, Jack from Power Sheds did point out that there is a gentle way to reduce the number of dandelions without causing too much harm.

He said: “One of the best ways to get rid of dandelions and prevent them from coming back is to pull them up by the roots. Be sure to remove the entire root, as any remaining pieces can give rise to new dandelions.”