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Alternatives to 2-4-D?

5K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  mclayton 
#1 ·
The weeds are winning! We stopped using weed'n'feed because we believe it to be harmful. How harmful is it really? I'm losing my yard to the weeds. Only the front yard it seems, which I'm finding sooooo embarassing. Plus we'd like to sell our home, but who'd look at it now, I can't imagine.

Is there an organic alternative to weed'n'feed? I'm on my way this afternoon to have the soil tested.

I need help! Otherwise dh is threatening to treat the yard again.

Thanks,

Jen
 
#2 ·
2,4D is really nasty bad stuff.

What I would reccomend is mowing more often. Do NOT let the weeds go to seed. Amend your soil and build it. Remember when you add soil, you will inadvertantly add weed seeds. Most weeds are annuals meaning they will die after the season, it is thier seeds that will survive just about anything.

You could always start from scratch. Cover the lawn in black plastic and kill off everything and then reseed your lawn or lay sod. This is an expensive solution.

In my opinion 2,4D should be illegal to use and I am pretty relaxed about things. Heck, use Round-Up before you use that crap.

Here are some links about it-
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contami...amfs/24-d.html

http://infoventures.com/e-hlth/pestcide/24d.html

http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Fact...fs14.2_4-D.cfm

The last one is of interest if you have a dog there is a link between 24d and canine lymphoma.

Hope this helps
 
#3 ·
I am a Master Gardener with the University of California and we recommend to people that they only use pesticides, herbacides, etc. as a last resort. Check with you local state university cooperative extention before using ANY chemicals, there are many alternatives. A good IPM (integrated pest managemnet) system will help too.

Just read Silent Spring if you want to know how bad 24D is.

You weren't to specific in your description of your yard. Im going to assume you are having problems with your lawn and in reality it's the lawn that is the problem. Lawns require and use a lot of water so they facilitate weeds. You might want to try replacing the lawn with some other kind of ground cover.

I don't know what region of the world you are in but one of my favs is creeping chamomile, it's really sturdy, spreads quickly and is a lot prettier than grass.

Good luck and happy gardening
 
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