Do Dandelions Have Fibrous Roots?

Root Type

• Taproots are thick roots that dive deep into the soil with only a few feeder roots growing horizontally off them. Because dandelions find almost any space to germinate and grow, their roots must be strong to compete with nearby plant life to survive until seeding. Dandelion taproots easily grow to 15 feet long if they are left undisturbed for several seasons. If the dandelion is constantly mowed or weeded, it will usually have a small taproot only 10 inches long.

Benefit

• Although seen as a garden nuisance, dandelion taproots help your soil by reducing compaction. As rain falls or people walk across your soil, the particles slowly compact together. Your soil becomes hard with limited air and moisture for thirsty plant roots. Plants with fibrous roots in compacted soil tend to suffocate and die back. Dandelion taproots continually push through the soil to aerate it and to move deep-seated nutrients to the soil. The surrounding plants benefit from the soil aeration, as long as there aren't too many dandelions.

Drawbacks

• When they grow in your yard, especially in a lawn, dandelions' taproots make them difficult to eradicate completely. As you pull the dandelion from the ground, any broken root pieces left in the soil can grow a new plant. This form of reproduction makes dandelions highly successful. You need to completely remove the root from the ground to stop dandelion growth. Whenever possible, dig the dandelion out before it has a chance to flower and form a seed head. The lightweight seeds easily germinate in your garden for a huge population explosion.

Controlling Seedlings

• Dandelion seedlings start with subtle leaf structures spreading along the soil. Pull the dandelions from the ground when they are seedlings, before they have a chance to develop a taproot. Lasting up to 15 weeks, the seedling stage is your chance to control the dandelion population before the plants grow large taproots and produce seeds. You have more time for seedling removal if the weather is cool because dandelions grow more slowly in low temperatures.