Herbicides containing the chemical 2,4-D kill weeds without killing your lawn, but you have to get the mixture right for an effective and non-harmful treatment. Before mixing, keep in mind that 2,4-D is post-emergent, meaning the chemical has to come into contact with a leaf during the active growing stage, so you can only apply when weeds are growing. In mild, frost-free climates where everything grows all the time, you can apply 2,4-D anytime of year; otherwise, only use it in spring, summer and fall. Use this effective pesticide on lawns, but keep it away from the food garden and off the flowerbeds.
Step 1
Put on coveralls over your clothes, or wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Put on protective goggles of a face shield and heavy waterproof gloves.
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Step 2
Fill a handheld or backpack style herbicide sprayer half full with clean water.
Step 3
Mix 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce) of 2,4-D weed killer for every 1 gallon volume in your sprayer and then fill the sprayer up the rest of the way with water.
Step 4
Use 1 gallon of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of 2,4-D weed killer to cover 1,000 square feet of lawn or grass. Mix 4 tablespoons in 2 gallons of water to cover 2,000 square feet and 6 tablespoons in 3 gallons of water for 3,000 square feet of lawn.
Step 5
Mix 1 tablespoon in 1/2 gallon of water for small spot treatments. Spray the weeds directly until the leaves are saturated.
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