2,4-D is a selective herbicide that is part of the Phenoxy herbicide family and is used to control broad-leaved weeds in turfgrass, lawns, and ornamental plants. It works by inhibiting the growth of the weed’s cells, leading to stunted growth and death of the plant. The selective nature of 2,4-D ensures that it does not harm the desirable grass species, thus making it a popular choice for lawn care.
Registered in 1945, 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is a widely used herbicide that has been in use for over 70 years. It is one of the active ingredients in many weed killer products available in the market. The popularity of 2,4-D can be attributed to its effectiveness in controlling a wide range of broad-leaved weeds while being safe for use on grasses.
How Does 2,4-D Work?
2,4-D works by mimicking the growth hormone auxin, which is present in all plants. When applied to the weed, it enters the plant and disrupts the normal growth process, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. 2,4-D acts only on broad-leaved weeds and not on grasses, making it safe to use on lawns.
2,4-D Benefits for Lawns
- Effective Weed Control: 2,4-D is one of the most effective herbicides for controlling broad-leaved weeds, including dandelions, clover, and chickweed. When used as directed, it can effectively control these weeds without causing harm to the lawn.
- Selective Nature: The selective nature of 2,4-D ensures that it does not harm the desirable grass species, making it safe to use on lawns. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn.
- Easy to Use: 2,4-D is available in a variety of forms, including liquids, granules, and sprays, making it easy to apply. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other weed killers, making it an affordable option for homeowners.
- Long-lasting Results: 2,4-D is known for its long-lasting results, with the effects often lasting several weeks to a few months. This makes it a cost-effective option for maintaining a weed-free lawn.
Recommended Mix Ratio when using 2,4-D
The mixing ratio and application rate for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) will vary depending on the brand of herbicide you use and the concentration of the active ingredient in the product. However, here is a general guide for mixing amine 2,4-D:
- Mix 2.5 oz of 2,4-D weed killer (5 tablespoons) with 1 gallon of water.
- This mixture can be used to treat 400 square feet of weed-infested areas.
- To treat a larger area of 800 to 1000 square feet, double the amount of herbicide to 5 oz per 2 gallons of water.
It’s important to note that the recommended mixing ratio and application rate may differ between brands, so always refer to the product label for specific instructions.
For example, 2,4-D mixing ratio for small areas is:
- Use 3 to 4 fluid ounces (6 to 8 tablespoons) per 1,000 square feet.
- Mix 1 to 3 gallons of water and apply uniformly over the area when weeds are small and growing actively before the bud stage.
- The best time to apply is usually in the spring.
To make 25 gallons you would mix 62oz of 24d with 25 gallons of water.
When is the best time to apply 2, 4-D to a Lawn?
The best time to apply 2, 4-D weed killer to a lawn is when weeds are still young and just starting to grow. This is typically in the spring, although some weeds can also germinate in the fall and summer. Before applying 2, 4-D, it is important to wait at least 6 weeks after seeding or sodding a lawn to avoid retarding the grass growth.
When applying 2, 4-D, it is best to do so when the soil temperature in the lawn is below 90°F and on a windless day to prevent the herbicide from spreading to other plants. The ideal timing for application also depends on the specific brand and formulation of 2, 4-D being used, so it is important to carefully read and follow the label instructions.
What is the best application method for 2, 4-D on a lawn?
When spraying 2, 4-D, it is important to use a fan-type nozzle and to avoid applying the herbicide in windy conditions or when rain is expected within 6 to 8 hours of application. Most 2, 4-D products are formulated to be rainproof one hour after application, but it is always best to check the label for specific instructions and precautions.
Ester vs. Amine
For commercial applications and for crops, here is a comparison chart of the differences between the ester and amine forms of 2,4-D:
| Feature | Ester Form | Amine Form |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Action | Active ingredient is absorbed into the plant through leaves and stems. | Active ingredient is absorbed into the plant through roots. |
| Volatility | More volatile and can vaporize into the air, causing off-target damage. | Less volatile and less likely to cause off-target damage. |
| Water Solubility | Less soluble in water, making it easier to mix with other herbicides. | More soluble in water, making it harder to mix with other herbicides. |
| Persistence | Breaks down more quickly in the environment, reducing the risk of long-term residual effects. | Persists longer in the environment, increasing the risk of long-term residual effects. |
| Compatibility with Other Herbicides | Generally compatible with other herbicides. | Generally not compatible with other herbicides, and can reduce their effectiveness. |
| Recommended Mix Ratio | 1 to 2.5 pints per acre | 2 to 4 pints per acre |
It is important to note that both ester and amine forms of 2,4-D have the potential to cause harm to desirable plants and other non-target organisms if not used properly.
The ester form of 2,4-D can be used when:
- Quick Control is Needed: The rapid absorption of the ester form through the leaves and stems makes it ideal for situations where quick control of the target weed species is desired.
- Rainy Conditions: The improved rainfastness of the ester form makes it a good choice in areas with frequent rainfall, where other herbicides may be less effective.
- Tank Mixing: The compatibility of the ester form with other herbicides makes it a good choice for use in tank mixtures to control multiple weed species in a single application.
- Residual Concerns: The lower persistence of the ester form in the environment reduces the risk of long-term residual effects on non-target species, making it a good choice for use in sensitive areas.
Products that use the ester form of 2,4-D as the active ingredient:
- Shredder 2, 4-D LV4 Herbicide include amine, ester and acid…
- Shredder 2, 4-D LV4 Herbicide offers effective control of weeds in a…
- PastureGard HL
- Redeem R&P
- Finale Herbicide
- Tordon 22K
- Accord XRT II
The amine form of 2,4-D can be used when:
- Lower Volatility: The amine form has a lower volatility compared to the ester form, reducing the risk of off-target drift. This makes it a good choice for use in areas with sensitive non-target species.
- Cooler Temperatures: The amine form is more effective at lower temperatures compared to the ester form, making it a good choice for use in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
- Tank Mixing: The compatibility of the amine form with other herbicides makes it a good choice for use in tank mixtures to control multiple weed species in a single application.
- Persistence: The longer persistence of the amine form in the environment can provide longer-lasting control of weeds, making it a good choice for use in areas where long-term control is desired.
Products that use the Amine form of 2,4-D as the active ingredient:
There are several products that use the amine form of 2,4-D as the active ingredient. Some examples include:
- Broadleaf Weed Control
- Safe for lawns
- 2.5 GALLON JUG
- Active Ingredient: 2,4-D, dimethylamine salt 46.8%
- NOT FOR SALE TO: CA, PR CT, LA, ME, TX, VT
- Application: 1/4 to 3 Pints per Acre Spot Treatment: 2 to 3 oz. per 3…
- Weedone LV4
- Distinct
- Garlon 4 Ultra
- Polaris AC
- RTU 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer
Is 2, 4-D Good For Killing Crabgrass & Dallisgrass?
No, 2,4-D does not kill crabgrass or Dalllisgrass. 2,4-D is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is used to control broadleaf weeds, but it will not harm most grass species, including crabgrass and dallisgrass.
The reason is that these are a type of grass and therefore will not be affected by 2,4-D. If you have a crabgrass problem in your lawn, you will need to use a different type of weed killer specifically designed to control grassy weeds.
I’ve listed some alternative weed killers that you can use instead of 2 4-D to kill crabgrass and dallisgrass:
- Prodiamine 65 WG: A pre-emergent herbicide that prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating.
- Dithiopyr: A pre-emergent herbicide that provides long-lasting control of crabgrass and other grassy weeds.
- Quinclorac: A post-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of crabgrass and other grassy weeds.
- Mesotrione: A selective herbicide that provides excellent control of crabgrass while not harming the desired turfgrass.
Can 2,4-D Control Nutgrass?
2,4-D is not effective in controlling nutgrass, also known as nutsedge. Nutsedge is a type of grass weed that is difficult to control and is often resistant to many herbicides, including 2,4-D.
Can 2 4-d kill trees?
Yes, 2,4-D is a herbicide that can kill trees by disrupting their normal growth processes. The herbicide works by mimicking the plant hormone auxin, which regulates cell elongation and division. When 2,4-D is taken up by the tree, it causes uncontrolled growth and eventual death of the affected cells. This leads to distortion of the tree’s growth, yellowing and wilting of foliage, and death of the tree if enough of the tree is affected. The specific symptoms and the rate of death will depend on the dose of 2,4-D and the species of tree.
Will 2 4-d kill sand spurs?
Yes, 2,4-D is effective in killing sand spurs, also known as grassburrs, by interfering with their growth hormone levels.
Will 2 4-d kill pigweed?
Yes, 2,4-D is effective in killing pigweed, also known as redroot pigweed. Keep in mind that some pigweed populations have developed resistance to 2,4-D and other herbicides, so it may not be effective in all cases.
Will 2 4-d kill clover?
Yes, 2,4-D can kill clover, although it is generally considered less toxic to clover than to many other broadleaf plants. When 2,4-D is applied to clover, it leads to distortion of the plant’s growth and eventual death if enough of the plant is affected. The specific symptoms and rate of death will depend on the dose of 2,4-D and the species of clover.
Will 2 4-d kill Bermuda Grass?
No, 2,4-D is not effective in killing Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that is commonly used for lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. 2,4-D is a herbicide that is commonly used to control broadleaf weeds, but it is relatively selective and does not usually cause significant harm to grasses such as Bermuda. This is because 2,4-D does not affect grasses in the same way that it affects broadleaf plants. In some cases, applying 2,4-D in too high a dose or too frequently can cause some injury to Bermuda grass, but this is generally not a major concern. Additionally, using 2,4-D in combination with other herbicides may increase the risk of injury to Bermuda grass.
Can you use 2 4-d on St Augustine grass?
Yes, 2,4-D can be used on St. Augustine grass, although it is relatively selective and does not usually cause significant harm to the grass. However, it is important to follow the label instructions carefully when using 2,4-D to ensure that it is used safely and effectively. In some cases, applying 2,4-D in too high a dose or too frequently can cause some injury to St. Augustine grass. Also if mixed with other herbicides could lead to yellowing of St. Augustine.
Does 2,4-D work in cold weather?
2,4-D can be effective in cold weather, but its efficacy may be reduced in extremely low temperatures. In cold weather, weed growth may slow down or stop altogether, reducing the effectiveness of the herbicide. In addition, 2,4-D is a water-soluble herbicide that can freeze in extremely low temperatures, making it difficult to mix and apply.
List of Weeds that 2,4-D Can Control
- Dandelion
- Clover
- Plantain
- Chickweed
- Purslane
- Mallow
- Thistle
- Oxalis
- Knotweed
- Black Medic
- Ground Ivy
- Goldenrod
- Ragweed
- Burdock
- Creeping Buttercup
- Wild Carrot
- Shepherd’s Purse
- Wild Onion
- Speedwell
- Wild Garlic
- Prickly Lettuce
- Wild Radish
- Wild Beet
- Horsetail
- Ironweed
- Wild Mustard
- Cocklebur
- Nightshade
- Joe-Pye Weed
- Crown Vetch
- Wild Yam
- Stinging Nettle
- Wild Fern
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Wild Indigo
- Vetch
- Spotted Knapweed
- Wild Cucumber
- Common Ragweed
- Alfalfa
- Giant Ragweed
- Russian Thistle
- Dogbane
- Poison Hemlock
- Wild Parsley
- Henbit
- Wild Helianthus
- Wild Grape
- Wild Geranium
- Hops
- Wild Lupine
- Wild Rye
- Wild Sorghum
- Black Locust
- Lespedeza
- Wild Honeysuckle
- Wild Senna
- Wild Pea
- Bitter Dock
- Wild Radish
- Wild Carrot
- Wild Mustard
- Wild Yam
- Wild Fern
- Wild Cucumber
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Poison Sumac
- Bittersweet
- Buckthorn
- Multi-Flora Rose
- Wild Cherry
- Kudzu
- Wild Apple
- Wild Blackberry
- Wild Raspberry
- Wild Grape
- Wild Strawberry
- Wild Blueberry
- Wild Currant
- Wild Gooseberry
- Wild Honeysuckle
- Wild Senna
- Wild Pea
- Wild Radish
- Wild Carrot
- Wild Mustard
- Wild Yam
- Wild Fern
- Wild Cucumber
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- English Ivy
- Wild Garlic
- Wild Onion
- Wild Fern
- Wild Mustard
- Wild Yam
- Wild Radish
- Wild Carrot
- Wild Pea
- Wild Senna
- Wild Honeysuckle
- Wild Grape
- Wild Cucumber
- Wild Fern
- Wild Apple
- Wild Blackberry
- Wild Raspberry
- Wild Blueberry
- Wild Currant
- Wild Gooseberry
- Kudzu
- Wild Cherry
- Multi-Flora Rose
- Buckthorn
- Bittersweet
- Poison Sumac
- Poison Oak
- Poison Ivy
- Wild Parsley
- Henbit
- Wild Geranium
- Wild Lupine
In conclusion, 2,4-D is a widely used herbicide that offers several benefits for lawn care. It is effective in controlling a wide range of broad-leaved weeds while being safe for use on grasses. Its selective nature, ease of use, and long-lasting results make it a popular choice for homeowners. However, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using 2,4-D, and to avoid overuse, as this can lead to harm to the environment and other non-target species.
