When you need something a little more potent than Roundup, 2,4-D, short for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, is one of the best go-to herbicides.
This potent lawn protector was first discovered during WWII in four separate labs simultaneously.
Today, it is the active ingredient in more than 1,000 different herbicides.
You may wish to use 2,4-D in its concentrated form.
What Is the Mix Ratio for 2,4-D?
The basic ratio is 2.5 ounces per gallon of water.
Ratios may depend on different application methods. Each manufacturer also may have slightly different concentrations.
A Note Regarding 2,4-D
Older folk might get a bit upset when you use 2,4-D due to its early use.
During WWII, it was mixed with 2,4,5-T, diesel fuel, and kerosene to create the deadly Agent Orange.
But now, 2,4,5-T is banned, and 2,4-D is quite safe to use. It contains almost no trace of dioxins.
It has low toxicity to humans but may cause eye irritation or prove mildly toxic to some aquatic life.
Even better, it’s safe for use around honeybees.
For more information on the environmental impact of 2,4-D on the environment, check out the EPA’s ongoing research.
Ratios for Most General Application Methods
Now let’s look at mixing the concentrate.
If the container has mixing instructions, always follow those first to ensure you’re getting the right amount of 2,4-D out of the concentrate.
When Using a Backpack or Pump Sprayer
If there are no ratios listed on the container, mix 2.5 ounces (or 5 tablespoons per gallon) water for 400 square feet.
As the area gets larger, the ratio remains the same.
Thus, for an area of 800 square feet, this equates to 5 ounces (10 tablespoons) per 2 gallons. You’ll need 7.5 ounces (15 tablespoons) in 3 gallons of water for a 1,200 square foot area.
Hi-yield concentrates will need a smaller ratio, thanks to the higher levels of 2,4-D present in the concentrate.
The ratio, in this case, will usually be 3 to 4 ounces (6 to 8 tablespoons) of concentrate in 1 to 3 gallons of water for a roughly 1,000 square foot area.
When Using Hose-End Bottle Sprayers
It’s a little harder to come up with a ratio when working with a constant stream of water.
These applicators generally do the mixing for you once you set the ratio.
Depending on the applicator type, use 6.5 ounces of concentrate for 1,000 square feet, or put up to 16 ounces in the reservoir.
Unless otherwise directed by the packaging, set the dial to provide 2.5 ounces per gallon. Don’t add any water to the reservoir, as the applicator will handle all the mixing itself.
Sixteen ounces can treat up to 2,500 square feet of lawn.
When Doing Spot Treatments
Up until now, we’ve been dealing with large surface areas, but what about when you just need to do some spot treatments?
As always, follow any instructions given by the manufacturer when available.
If there are no mixing instructions, add 1.5 ounces to ½ gallon of water and pour the mixture into a misting or spray bottle.
This will allow you to get up close and personal with the weeds that dared invade your lawn. It also allows going after anything growing in sidewalk or driveway cracks.
As 2,4-D absorbs into the soil, you shouldn‘t apply it near broadleaf plants you wish to keep, even when doing spot treatments.