2,4-D

While to the novice, “2, 4-D" looks like a weird combination of letters and numbers, to those experienced in the agricultural industry or 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. In the US, it is among the top three most used herbicides to treat 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 several herbicides containing 2, 4-D. On this page, you can exclusively see and shop our recommended 2,4-D-based herbicides and learn more about the history and science behind them and why they work 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 have been developed by American scientist Dr. Franklin D. Jones, who was looking for a solution to combat the effects of poison ivy 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 needed to be developed. The synthetic version he developed would end up being called 2, 4-D. 

Since then, 2,4-D has 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. This occurs because the chemical creates a sort of unregulated growth that destroys the broadleaf weed's vital tissues that it needs to survive. 

Another reason 2,4-D is such a popular product is its affordable price. Over 1,500 herbicide products 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 going and will not harm your desired plants and vegetation. 2,4-D is best used when you have weeds nearby or among your desired turf and plants, and you don't want to worry about the chemicals 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 explicitly 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. 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 containing the 2,4-D active ingredient is highly recommended to keep your lawn neat and uniform. Use 2, 4-D as a spot treatment for 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 kill the target weed. Repeated applications may sometimes be needed when the weed is remarkably 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 that is safe for 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. It can be used to control clover, dandelions, henbit, and many other broadleaf weeds in non-residential lawns.