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When temperatures exeed 85 degrees, put away the broadleaf weedkillers. They should never be used when the forecast calls for hot temperatures within the next 72 hours. The reason for the precaution is that the phenoxy type herbicides containing 2,4D, Dicamba or MCPP are likely to volatize or turn into vapors. They will then drift to other areas where they are likely to damage desirable plants. Vapors or the gaseous form of the herbicide can often drift for hundreds of feet. That means spraying in your yard could damage plants several yards away. Be a good neighbor and avoid damage to surrounding plants by reading and following the label directions on all pesticides. Common trade names of broadleaf weedkillers include Weed-B-Gone, Trimec, Lawn Weed Killer and weed and feed products. The plants that are most cimmonly affected are tomaties and grapes. Other sensitve plants include squash, beans, peppers and many flowers. Plants are the most sensitive when they are young and actively growing. This includes all types of trees as they emerge in the spring. There is no antidote for the problem once the damage occurs. The symptoms include distortion of both flower and leaf buds and the curling and twisting of the leaves. In addition, the leaves often develop parellel veins. This makes them have a long ribbon-like look instead of th branching pattern they normally have. Now that it has gotten so warm, it is best to stop using these until fall, when temperatures cool off. That way your plants will not be damaged by volatile weedkillers.
