The herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is quite effective at killing annual clovers and reasonably effective at killing perennial clovers.
It also has broad applications for use against a wide variety of unwanted plants, including dandelions, Purslane, horsetail, nutgrass, and cattails (, along with a dazzling array of other weeds) without harming the grass.
In this article, we discuss the use of 2,4-D, focusing on its use against clover. Read on to learn more.
How Does 2,4-D Work?
This auxin-type synthetic herbicide is very effective against broadleaf weeds because it kills them by altering their growth patterns and habits.
Rather than desiccating weeds, as many herbicides do, this product causes rampant, uncontrolled growth, which essentially exhausts the plant, killing its roots and causing its demise.
How Effective Is 2,4-D Against Clovers?
This selective herbicide is very good at targeting clover (and other broadleaf weeds) in your lawn without harming your grass. This post-emergent herbicide can be used with good results on white and red clover.
Because this is a comparatively safe herbicide, it is a good choice for eradicating large clover stands from your lawn or pasture land. It can also be used as a spot-on product to target individual plants.
In many cases, a single application will take care of your problem. Even so, keep a sharp eye out. If you have a weighty infestation of weeds, you may need to make a second general application.
If you see individual weeds popping up after treatment, you can target them.
Is This Product Safe For All Types Of Grass?
Mixed in the correct ratios, 2,4-D is safe for most types of popular lawn grasses in all seasons. With equal effectiveness in both cool and warm weather, you can safely use it with just a couple of exceptions.
Unlike many other herbicides, you should not use this product on Bermuda grass (or other seasonal grasses) during the dormant season (winter). Doing so can cause damage to the grass blades.
As with many types of herbicides, 2,4-D is not recommended on Saint Augustine and similar grasses. Additionally, it would help if you did not use it in your vegetable garden or your flower beds.
Avoid using this chemical (or any herbicide) on freshly sown or sodded lawns. Wait until your grass is well established (having been mown 3-4 times) before applying any herbicide.
How Safe Is 2,4-D For People, Pets & The Environment?
This chemical has been used in the United States since the 1940s, and, and it is mostly non-toxic to beneficial pollinators, such as bees.
As with all herbicides and other chemicals, you should take great care to keep this product out of the waterways. Depending upon the form, 2,4-D can be very toxic to fish and other aquatic life, and having chemicals in our water is never a good idea.
Its toxicity level for humans is generally relatively low. However, it’s still wise to avoid contact with the chemical and keep kids and pets away from treated areas 24 hours after application.
Products containing 2,4-D are generally safe when used correctly. The degree of danger it presents corresponds directly to the amount of the present chemical.
Always read the ingredients list to ensure that all ingredients are safe for your intended use. Follow packaging directions closely for best results. The label is the law.
What Products Contain 2,4-D?
This common herbicide is present in many different weed-killing products in many other forms (e.g., liquid, granule, dust, acids, salts, esters, and various commercial herbicides).
Examples of products containing 2,4-D include:
- Helena Crossbow Herbicide is a very flexible, safe, general-purpose herbicide that can be used to battle a wide range of weedy plants from clover to poison oak.
- Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer is a good, general-purpose herbicidal mixture used in both southern and northern lawns.
- Hi-Yield 2, 4 – D Selective Weed Killer, a money-saving, post-emergent herbicide concentrate.
- Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide is a combination product specially formulated for use on cool-season grasses.
- Tordon RTU Specialty Herbicide is an excellent cold-weather product that challenges woody growth, such as pest trees.
- Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide is a quick-acting, economical, flexible combination that is safe to use on the cold season and warm-season grasses.
- EndRun Herbicide with Trimec is a versatile, economical product effective against over eighty varieties of broadleaf weeds.
- Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer is a combination product that contains 2,4-D along with other herbicides to target crabgrass and do away with various broadleaf weeds, including clover.
Is It Better To Buy A Pure Concentrate Or A Combination Herbicide?
Your choice of the product depends upon your intended use. It can be very economical to purchase a pure 2,4-D concentrate and dilute it for help with your handheld or backpack sprayer, and it is a good idea if you have a lot of lawns to treat.
On the other hand, purchasing a commercial combination product may get better results depending upon your situation. Other pros of this approach include convenience and the inclusion of a disposable applicator.
When Are The Best Times To Apply This Herbicide?
Even though 2,4-D can be used in cool or warm weather, it’s best not to use it when temperatures drop below 60° degrees Fahrenheit or rise higher than 90° degrees Fahrenheit. It will still be effective, but not quite as effective as when used within this range.
Applying the product in the autumn and again in the spring for best results. As with all herbicides, it’s best to use it on a dry, still day. This chemical is pretty water-resistant; however, you should give yourself at least an hour before any predicted rain is due.
Does It Take Long For 2,4-D To Work?
This is a very rapidly acting chemical. You may see results before you are finished with your complete application. You will surely see complete success within a couple of days.
Can 2,4-D Be Broadcast Over Large Areas?
This product is ideal for generalized use over lawns and in large open areas, such as the banks of drainage ditches. It can also be used along fence lines and in places that don’t want any vegetative growth, such as on gravel driveways or between pavers.