How to Use 2,4-D Herbicides

The chemical 2,4-D is an excellent herbicide for broadleaf weeds and woody plants. But what makes this herbicide helpful is that it is not harmful to grasses. It can be used as a pre-emergence herbicide on corn and sugar cane, when applied early in the spring. It can be a postemergence herbicide on wheat, barley, oats, and rye. You can use it along fence rows, ditch banks, and roadsides but do not apply around cotton, grapes, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants. Also avoid applying around water sources and when using always wear protective gear.

New 3-gallon construction acid sprayer with coarse nozzle

Permanent marker

Watering hose

Protective clothing

Chemical-resistant shoes with socks

Chemical-resistant headgear

Waterproof gloves

Goggles

Container of 2,4-D herbicide

Old wooden yardstick

Take the 3-gallon construction acid sprayer and label it with the name "2,4-D" using a permanent marker.

Put on protective clothing, protective shoes with socks, protective headgear, gloves and goggles. Fill the 3-gallon sprayer halfway with water.

Add the required amount of 2,4-D according to the package. Stir with an old yardstick and add additional water until the sprayer is full.

Spray a uniform layer of 2,4-D over weeds during a day that is sunny and warm. Applying this herbicide on a bright sunny day helps the plants take it up quicker.

Finish all prepared 2,4-D solution at one time. Remove headgear, shoes and protective clothing. Wash off the gloves, hang them to dry and take a shower to reduce the chance of pesticide exposure.

To reach weeds that are in sensitive areas, paint the 2,4-D solution on the leaves with a small paintbrush.

When spraying the 2,4-D, use low pressure for better control.

Apply this pesticide at the lowest dosage and reapply as needed.

To reduce drift, only apply when the wind is calm.