Lilac Plants, Flowering Tulips, Honeysuckle Bush, Ash and Oak Trees

Question: Customer sprayed his lawn to get rid of dandelions and in doing so his lilac plants wilted, flowering tulips wilted, and his honeysuckle bush died.  His ash and oak tree leaves are curling and wilting.  Is it because of the spray he used on his lawn?  I have include a copy of kind of spray he used.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 8:52 PM EDT
response: Hello,  It’s unfortunate that the customer experienced damage to their plants after spraying herbicide on their lawn. Let’s break down the situation:  Herbicide Choice:  The herbicide used was Lovol Ester Emulsifiable Liquid Herbicide.  Ester formulations generally have better penetration through the waxy cuticle of plant leaves, making them effective for controlling weeds. However, they can be more volatile and potentially harm nearby plants through drift. More information at this link:   24-D-Amine-or-Ester-2004-Purdue.pdf  Effects on Different Plants:  Lilac Plants, Flowering Tulips, and Honeysuckle Bush:  These are broadleaf plants, and herbicides like 2,4-D (found in Lovol Ester) are effective against broadleaf weeds.  However, if the herbicide drifts or volatilizes, it can damage non-target plants like lilacs, tulips, and honeysuckle.  Ash and Oak Trees:  These are not broadleaf weeds, so 2,4-D has little effect on them.  If the herbicide reached their roots or foliage, it might cause symptoms like leaf curling and wilting.  Application Considerations:  Timing: Fall is ideal for herbicide application because weeds transport nutrients to their roots during this season.  Selective Spraying: Focus on weedier areas rather than the entire lawn to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.  Conditions: Avoid spraying in windy conditions (above 5 MPH) or extreme heat (near 90°F) to prevent drift and damage to desirable plants. More information at this link:   Managing Dandelions In Your Lawn With Herbicide | NDSU Agriculture  Remember that herbicides can have unintended effects, so careful application and consideration of nearby plants are crucial  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2024, 9:16 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,   Thanks so much.  Please have a wonderful weekend!   Joanne   Joanne Silvia Office Manager MSU Extension – Saginaw County Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Center of Hope 723 Emerson Street Saginaw, MI  48607 Phone: 989.907-6520 Email: <personal data hidden>          MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.   Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:52 PM To: Silvia, Joanne <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Lilac Plants, Flowering Tulips, Honeysuckle Bush, Ash and Oak Trees (#0143862)