2,4-D

While to the novice, “2, 4-D" looks like a weird combination of letters and numbers, but to those who are experienced in the agricultural industry or are landscapers, 2, 4-D is regarded as one of the most helpful chemicals in eliminating troublesome broadleaf weeds. 

In fact, 2, 4-D is perhaps the most utilized broadleaf weed killer worldwide and in the US it is among the top three most used herbicides to treat for weeds on residential and commercial lands. 2, 4-D comes in a variety of different formulations--from liquids to dusts and granules. 

Solutions Pest & Lawn is proud to carry a number of herbicides that contain 2, 4-D. On this page, you can exclusively see and shop our recommended 2,4-D based herbicides as well as learn more about the history and science behind this herbicide and why it works so effectively.

What is 2,4-D?

2,4-D (also known by its full name: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is a chemical herbicide that kills plants by affecting their growth pattern.  The chemical mixture was believed to be developed by American scientist Dr. Franklin D. Jones who was trying to look for a solution to combat the effects of poison ivy that was growing in his yard in which his children were very sensitive to the plant.

His experimentation led him to the naturally occurring plant growth hormone, indoleacetic acid (IAA). However, Dr. Jones found that the chemical was far too unstable. A synthetic alternative was needed that had more stability. The synthetic version he developed would end up being called 2, 4-D. 

2,4-D has since then become a solid solution to human problems such as food scarcity, infrastructure management, and invasive and potentially poisonous weeds.

How Does 2,4-D Work?

Mode of Action

2,4-D is a selective herbicide that it basically works like a harmful cancer to targeted plants. The 2,4-D chemical causes the plant to grow uncontrollably without stopping to the point that it dies. The way this occurs is the chemical creates a sort of unregulated growth that leads to the destruction of the broadleaf weeds vital tissues that it needs to survive. 

Another reason that 2,4-D  is such a popular product is that it is very affordably priced. There are over 1,500 herbicide products that contain 2. 4-D, and it's often mixed with other active ingredients like dicamba.

Benefits of 2,4-D

2,4-D is affordable, effective and most of all selective meaning it will only target the specific weeds you want gone and will not harm your desired plants and vegetation. 2,4-D is best used when you have weeds popping up that are in close proximity or among your desired turf and plants and you don't want to worry about the chemical getting on those plants and doing damage.

Drawbacks of Permethrin

While 2,4-D is effective there are cases where some desired vegetation will have a low tolerance for the active ingredient. There are also cases where stubborn weeds will be resistant to 2,4-D.

Do not use 2,4-D for weeds that are not specifically labeled to be controlled by the active ingredient.

Is 2,4-D Safe?

Solutions Pest & Lawn experts can assure you that 2,4-D is safe to use and as long as you wear the proper safety gear and equipment when handling this product, you will have nothing to worry about when applying it to your lawns. Read the label carefully and follow it accordingly.

What To Expect

Whether it’s a harmful weed like poison ivy, or just an unsightly broadleaf weed like dandelion, stinkweed or clover, using herbicides which contain the 2,4-D active ingredient is highly recommended to keep your lawn looking neat and uniform. Use 2, 4-D as a spot treatment of any emerging weeds you don’t want growing on your property. On average it should take 2 to 3 weeks for the 2,4-D to take effect and totally kill the target weed. In some cases, repeat applications may be needed when the weed is particularly persistent.

Featured Products

2,4-D Amine Selective Weed Killer - Our best-selling 2, 4-D herbicide product. 2, 4-D Amine is an industrial weed killer for the control of broadleaf weeds in grasses. It is a systemic post-emergent herbicide and is safe for use on most southern grasses when the temperature is below 90 degrees. 2,4-D weed killer will control weeds in St. Augustine and Bermuda lawns.

Dicamba Plus 2,4-D Herbicide - A generic brand of popular herbicide, Weedmaster, Dicamba Plus 2,4-D Herbicide by Alligare LLC is a selective post-emergent herbicide used for controlling a wide spectrum of annual, biennial, and perennial broadleaf weeds and brush in grass forages and selected row crops

3-D Herbicide Triplet Alternative - this 3-way herbicide from Quali-Pro contains dicamba, 2,4-D and Mecoprop-P and can be used to control clover, dandelions, henbit and many other broadleaf weeds in non-residential lawns.