How Long Does 2, 4-D Take To Work? | Obsessed Lawn (2024)

Quick Answer:On average, it takes about 10-20 days for 2, 4-D to take effect.

Are you using 2, 4-D weed killer in your yard?

If you are using 2, 4-D or thinking about it, you are among many lawn care people who are. However, like many others who use this product, you may not fully understand the chemical you are using and how it works.

FYI, if you are looking for a product recommendation, this is a good one: PB Gordon 2,4-D Weed Killer

How Long Does 2, 4-D Take To Work? | Obsessed Lawn (1)

Gordon's Amine 400 2,4-D Weed Killer, 1 Gallon, 8141072

  • Easy to use
  • High quality product
  • Manufactured in United States

So, let’s talk science for a second…

The 2, 4-D chemical, weed killing machine you are so familiar with, in scientific terms, is actually an organic compound called 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or (2, 4-D Dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid [1]. An organic compound is merely a chemical compound that has carbon in its chemical structure.

Though this is an organic compound, 2, 4-D is not a naturally occurring chemical. This just means that humans had to have their hands in it for this chemical to come about.

Since being introduced in 1945, 2, 4-D has been one of the most widely available herbicides. After other companies could start adding 2, 4-D to their products, it has become a main acting ingredient in thousands of herbicides.

Okay, that’s enough science, for now, …let’s talk the basics…

In This Article

  • What is a Herbicide?
  • What is “Persistence”?
  • What is “Means of Uptake”?
  • Last But Not Least, What is The “Mechanism of Action”?

What is a Herbicide?

Herbicides, i.e., weed killers, are chemical substances created with one of two primary goals in mind; either it is a selective herbicide (like SpeedZone), or it is a non-selective herbicide.

Selective Herbicides

Kills only “select” undesired weeds.

Non-Selective Herbicides (Total Ground Killer)

Kills any plant it touches – grass, flowers, weeds, etc.

What is “Persistence”?

Persistence, also called residual action, is a chemical’s ability to stay around and do its job. Meaning that an herbicide with a greater persistence will have more of an impact because it will remain on a plant longer.

What is “Means of Uptake”?

Means of uptake essentially talks about how a plant absorbs a chemical.

When applying a herbicide, you need to know where a plant absorbs it for it to be effective. Is it absorbed through the roots, leaves, or some other way?

Last But Not Least, What is The “Mechanism of Action”?

The mechanism of action is how a herbicide works.

So, how does 2, 4-D fit into these basics:

  • 2, 4-D is a selective herbicide
  • It has a high persistence.
  • It has various means of uptake because it is present in many widely used herbicides in the lawn care industry, though it is typically absorbed through the leaves.

Now that we know some basics let’s discuss the mechanism of action of 2, 4-D – how it works.

To truly be able to explain how 2, 4-D works, we will have to talk some science again.

2, 4-D is a synthetic auxin. Auxins, simply defined, are plant hormones that coordinate plant growth, development, and behavior. When 2, 4-D comes in contact with a plant, mainly broadleaf weeds (aquatic and terrestrial), it changes how a plant works.

Basically, 2, 4-D goes undercover inside a plant and starts giving new orders on how things should be run.

This auxin takeover means 2, 4-D is running the show and telling the plant how it should grow. Instead of doing what you’d think, 2, 4-D doesn’t tell the plant to stop development, on the contrary, this synthetic auxin tells the plant cells to grow, grow, and grow some more.

It makes the vascular cells of a plant (the cells that carry water and nutrients) kick it into overdrive. This high gear of nutrient and water passage forces the plant to grow out of control, which results in plant death.

In summary, 2, 4-D is an effective herbicide ingredient because it changes the way a plant grows which causes it to die.

As fascinating as the superficial, interworkings of this chemical are, you probably just want to know how long it takes for it to work.

On average, it takes about 10-20 days for 2, 4-D to take effect.

You have to keep in mind the way this herbicide works is reliant on how quickly a plant can overgrow and die. Some plants, even when forced to grow quickly, will still grow rather slowly.

Growth in a plant, even when given orders to grow quickly, can only grow so fast. Their growth is reliant on the amount of nutrients, sunlight, amount of water, and more available to them.

If you want 2, 4-D weed killer to work faster, you can always apply a surfactant.

A surfactant, in this case, is a compound that changes the surface properties of a plant and allows liquids to adhere more easily. Essentially, a surfactant will cause liquids like 2, 4-D to stay on a leaf and not roll off onto the ground. Since 2, 4-D is absorbed through leaves, using it with a surfactant that keeps the chemical on the leaves will help it work faster.

Side Note: If you are considering or currently using 2, 4-D to kill the weeds or crabgrass in your lawn, please do your research first. Know what you’re using before you use it!

Last update on 2022-12-20 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Long Does 2, 4-D Take To Work? | Obsessed Lawn (2024)

FAQs

How quickly does 2,4-D work? ›

On average, it takes about 10-20 days for 2, 4-D to take effect. You have to keep in mind the way this herbicide works is reliant on how quickly a plant can overgrow and die.

How long does it take for 2,4-D to kill weeds? ›

A typical application of 2,4-D can kill weeds like dandelion, clover, crabgrass and other invasive grassy and broadleaf weed species in as quickly as 2 months.

How long do you have to stay off grass after spraying 2,4-D? ›

Many companies that use these chemicals warn that people should stay away from sprayed surfaces for six to 24 hours.

How long does 2,4-D need to be on before rain? ›

2,4-D No delay indicated on label. A 6- to 8-hour rain-free period is suggested for the amine formulations, while the suggested rain-free period for the ester is one hour. Herbicide Delay Assure II Do not apply if rain is expected within one hour of application.

Does 2,4-D need to be watered in? ›

Answer: You should wait to irrigate at least 24 hrs following application of Hi-Yield 2, 4-D Selective Weed Killer. 98 of 101 people found this answer helpful.

Should I mow before applying 2,4-D? ›

For best control, herbicide should generally be applied in September or October, and current recommendations for systemic broadleaf herbicides are to withhold mowing at least 2 days before or after an application.

Will 2,4-D kill weeds and not grass? ›

2,4-D kills broadleaf weeds but not most grasses. 2,4-D kills plants by causing the cells in the tissues that carry water and nutrients to divide and grow without stopping. Herbicides that act this way are called auxin-type herbicides.

How often can you spray 2,4-D on lawn? ›

Answer: According to the label of Amine 400 2,4 - D Weed Killer, the minimum amount of time between treatments is 30 days but you cannot apply more than 2 times in a calendar year.

How long does 2,4-D stay active in the soil? ›

2,4-D amine salts and esters are not persistent under most environmental conditions. Typically, the ester and amine forms of 2,4-D are expected to degrade rapidly to the acid form. Soil half-life values have been estimated at 10 days for the acid, diethylamine salt, and ester forms.

What's the best time of day to spray weeds? ›

In both the burndown and in-crop studies, the most effective timing was usually midday, followed by midnight. Coles says, “Since night spraying was usually more effective than dawn, night spraying could be a good option when daytime opportunities for spraying are limited.”

Does 2,4-D persist in the soil? ›

The 2,4-D amine salts have been shown to dissociate rapidly in water. However, 2,4-D esters may persist under sterile acidic aquatic conditions and on dry soil.

Can you spray 2,4-D when its hot? ›

Some herbicides may injure crops if applied above 85 F. Avoid applying volatile herbicides such as 2,4-D ester, MCPA ester and dicamba during hot weather, especially near susceptible broadleaf crops, shelterbelts, or farmsteads. Temperatures following herbicide application determine crop safety or injury.

Will 2,4-D hurt my grass? ›

Is 2, 4-D safe for lawns? 2,4-D is safe for lawns since herbicides containing as the active ingredient control most broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. You can spray it on your lawn in the right ratio to eliminate various non-grassy weeds.

Can I spray for weeds in July? ›

Now, and until the weather turns much warmer with the onset of summer, is perfect weather for getting rid of all the broadleaf weeds in your lawns. One treatment with TRIMEC liquid herbicide will do the trick.

Is it too late to get rid of weeds in lawn? ›

Fertilizers and weed sprays are harsh on lawns during the summer dormant period, so it may be best to layoff treatments until that period is over. For those who haven't been fertilizing and/or using weed control, it's never too late.

Should I mow or spray weeds first? ›

The best rule of thumb is mowing, fertilising and spraying weed control. Mowing, ideally leaving at least one week between each stage. Taking this time will allow the lawn plants to strengthen, the weeds to die off and the turf to repair and recover.

When should you not spray weeds? ›

Herbicides cannot work properly if there is abundant moisture in the weeds. Avoid administering weed killer in the early morning when dew is present and wait to apply herbicides within 24 hours before or after expected rainfall.

Is 2,4-D absorbed the roots? ›

2,4-D is absorbed through the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. It is toxic to most broad leaf crops, especially cotton, tomatoes, beets, and fruit trees.

How do you mix 2,4-D for lawns? ›

2,4-D Mixing Ratio. Generally, use five tablespoons (2.5 oz) of 2,4-D per gallon of water for 400-square feet of weed-laden grass.

How do I stop my 2,4-D from drifting? ›

Drift can be minimized by spraying on a morning or evening with low but not zero wind conditions (3–10 mph), keeping the spray boom and nozzles close to the ground, reducing pressure (less than 30 psi), and using low drift nozzles that generate large droplets.

How often should I apply 2,4-D? ›

According to the label of Amine 400 2,4 - D Weed Killer, the minimum amount of time between treatments is 30 days but you cannot apply more than 2 times in a calendar year.

Can 2,4-D be sprayed at night? ›

Nighttime application of 2-4-D is typically more efficient than application at dawn, as morning dew can dilute the mix. But a midday application is considered the best time to spray. However, your region has high wind speeds during the day, spraying at night may be your best option.

Can you use too much 2,4-D? ›

2,4-D is safe for most types of grass as long as it is used properly. If you apply too much, however, it may kill areas of grass. If you see dead or “scorched” grass in areas where you've sprayed 2,4-D, you probably used too much. It is also possible that you did not mix in enough water when preparing the herbicide.

How do you spray 2,4-D on a lawn? ›

Mix three tablespoons (2.5 ounces) of the concentrate with 3-4 gallons of water. This mixture should cover 500-1,000 square feet of lawn space. A portable pump sprayer is the easiest way to apply a liquid herbicide. Sweep the spray evenly over the grass, but do not spray so much that it leaves puddles!

What kills crabgrass but not grass? ›

If you only have a few crabgrass plants in your lawn, you can treat them with a ready-to-use product like Scotts® Spot Weed Control - For Lawns. This spray kills listed weeds, including crabgrass, down to the root without harming your lawn, when used as directed.

How many acres will a gallon of 2,4-D cover? ›

A gallon of 2,4-D will treat up between 2 to 4 acres of land depending on the rate being used. 2,4-D Amine Selective Herbicide Weed Killer will produce results within 1 to 2 weeks. The type of vegetation will determine the amount of time it takes to completely eliminate unwanted vegetation.

What kills crabgrass? ›

How to Kill Crabgrass Organically
  • Soak the Soil. Water the problem area with a sprinkler or garden hose, then wait about 30 minutes to allow the water to soak in. ...
  • Pull Out the Crabgrass. ...
  • Add Compost. ...
  • Topseed with Turf Grass Seed. ...
  • Keep the Soil Moist. ...
  • Switch to Deep Watering. ...
  • Mow the New Grass. ...
  • Weed as Needed.
Nov 22, 2022

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 6228

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.