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!