For most 2,4-D concentrates, 1–5 ounces of 2,4-D per gallon of water are required to be mixed. Be sure to review the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and labeling. There are different levels of potency of 2,4-D concentrate sold by different manufacturers, so the ratio appropriate for one product may not be suitable for another.
2,4-D should be combined with a surfactant. Herbicides stick to plants better when they contain surfactants, which make them more effective. As a makeshift surfactant, combine 2,4-D with a commercial surfactant for use on your lawn.
Is 2,4-D Harmful if Mixed Incorrectly?
2,4-D is an effective post-emergent herbicide. When applied too heavily, it can harm grass, even though it is designed to attack broadleaf plants (weeds, garden plants, trees, shrubs). Overapplication of 2,4-D can be detected by the following signs:
- Grass that is brown or dead.
- Grass that looks “bleached” or “scorched”.
- There is a lack of water in the grass.
Make sure you properly mix 2,4-D liquid concentrate in the appropriate number of gallons of water to prevent damage to your lawn. It won’t kill more weeds if you apply too much of the mix in an area. Your yard will be overloaded and damaged as a result.
Tips and rates for 2,4-D dilution
Follow these simple rules whenever mixing 2,4-D:
- Dilute 2,4-D according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Different manufacturers may dilute 2,4-D differently. Before using them, review them.
- The amount of 2,4-D per diluted gallon should be applied according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
You can properly mix 2,4-D to rid your yard of weeds without damaging your lawn if you closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Application Rates for 2,4-D
Despite being properly mixed, 2,4-D can still cause unintended harm if applied incorrectly. It will be specified in the manufacturer’s information how to dilute 2,4-D as well as how many square feet the diluted mix should cover.
2,4-D Hi-Yield, for instance, should be diluted by 5 ounces per gallon. A gallon of the resulting mix should be applied per 1,000 square feet. This guideline must be followed. By spraying 1,4-D at a rate of 1 gallon per 500 feet, you will have applied twice as much 2,4-D as recommended. Your grass can and will be damaged by this.
If you apply diluted 2,4-D over too wide an area, it may not be present at high enough levels to kill weeds. Weed control results will be poor. When using 2,4-D, controlled application rates are crucial to success.
How to Mix 2,4-D for a Hand Sprayer or Backpack
Add 5 ounces of 2,4-D per gallon of water when mixing 2,4-D by Hi-Yield in your handheld or backpack sprayer. Despite being strong enough to kill broadleaf weeds, it won’t damage your lawn. Follow these simple steps when mixing 2,4-D:
- Herbicides should be handled and mixed with protective gloves, clothing, and goggles.
- Put the desired amount of 2,4-D into the sprayer first. When you add water, the ingredients will mix properly.
- Dilute 2,4-D with the correct amount of water.
When purchasing 2,4-D, review the product label and/or check online manufacturer resources. Different vendors sell 2,4-D in different potencies.
Mix Ratio for 2,4-D with a Water Hose Sprayer
Knowing how to use your hose-end sprayer properly is essential when applying 2,4-D with a hose-end sprayer. Both fixed-rate sprayers and metering sprayers allow you to control the amount of 2,4-D mixed with water that flows out of the hose. Review the operation specs of any new or unfamiliar hose-end sprayer before using it.
Mix the manufacturer-recommended amount of 2,4-D concentrate with the water flowing through your hose-end sprayer. Use 5 ounces of 2,4-D per gallon of water if you are using Hi-Yield 2,4-D.
2,4-D Mix Ratio for Spray Bottle Use
Use 2,4-D to spot treat weeds growing in your lawn, garden, or concrete seams. For this purpose, 2,4-D can be mixed in a chemical-resistant spray bottle.
Mix 1.25 ounces (2.5 tablespoons) of Hi-Yield 2,4-D into your 32-ounce spray bottle. You can cover 250 square feet of ground with the contents of this spray bottle. There are simple and easy ways to get rid of weeds.
Does 2,4–D Need a Surfactant?
Herbicides are mixed with surfactants that cause them to adhere to plant leaves. The use of surfactants with 2,4-D increases the chance of killing weeds and reduces the possibility of the herbicide washing away before it can be used.
To boost 2,4-D’s effectiveness at a low cost, mix a surfactant with it. Surfactants are readily available and have specifications for mixing rates.
Instead of using a commercial surfactant, use dish soap. 2,4-D will stick and kill weeds effectively with 1 tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water.
To ensure a proper combination of ingredients, always add 2,4-D and surfactant to the sprayer, hose-end reservoir, or spray bottle before adding water.
Does 2,4-D Perform Better When Combined with Other Herbicides?
Often mixed with other ingredients to increase effectiveness, 2,4-D is a selective broadleaf herbicide. To attack a wider range of weeds, mixes often contain 2,4-D and Dicamba (another herbicide).
In order to get better results when dealing with stubborn weeds, consider using a 2,4-D/Dicamba mix. These are both post-emergent herbicides that kill broadleaf weeds but won’t harm your lawn grass. Mixing the two herbicides gives you extra firepower to eliminate even the most tenacious weeds.
When using any product containing 2,4-D, always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions.
How Much 2,4-D Do You Mix per Gallon?
2,4-D mixing ratios depend on the potency of the 2,4-D concentrate. Before diluting and using 2,4-D, it is important to read all manufacturer labeling because 2,4-D comes in a variety of strengths. Furthermore, diluted 2,4-D must be applied to the square footage specified by the manufacturer. Turfgrass can be damaged by too much 2,4-D applied in a single area.
Whether you are mixing 2,4-D in a backpack sprayer, a hose-end sprayer, or a handheld bottle, follow the dilution specifications. Add a tablespoon of dish soap per gallon of water to help 2,4-D cling to weeds and kill them more effectively.