The strength of dandelions is in their tap roots. One theory is that dandelions do best in poor, hard soil that other plants have a hard time taking root in.

The strength of dandelions is in their tap roots. One theory is that dandelions do best in poor, hard soil that other plants have a hard time taking root in. Let the dandelions grow and they will breakup compacted soil and you will eventually have thick grass and no dandelions, assuming you do the high mowing, infrequent deep watering, and organic fertilizer only in the fall. It will probably take more than a few years, but I've been doing this for twenty years and I'm quite happy with the results.