Hi Rod,

Thank you for writing to CSU Extension with your question about dicamba, which may be found in many herbicides. It's great that you're carefully reading the labels on products you're interested in using.

The use of herbicides is the use of chemicals that disrupt key physiological processes in plants, leading to plant death. Among the many various herbicides, many different modes of action are found. Here are pros and cons of herbicides in general. I'll include the link to information about dicamba at the end of this email.

Pros: Use of herbicides is generally effective (if the correct herbicide is used), cost effective, and provides quick control.

Cons: Use of herbicides can be environmentally problematic when incorrectly applied. Proper use includes proper selection of the specific herbicide for the weeds and for the growing crops in the area, timing of application, correct application rates, correct application procedures, and application safety measure to protect the application and non-target plants. Some require special licensing and may not be used in a home landscape or garden setting.

Be sure to follow the label, it is the law.

Components of the herbicide label include the following:
* Trade Name
* Common name
* Chemical name
* Signal Words (Danger, Warning, Caution)
  * Use instructions
  * Weeds controlled
  * Plant tolerances
  * Application rate(s)
  * Application timing
  * Application technique
  * Application restrictions
  * Safety, including applicator, bystanders, pets, wildlife, and non-target plants

Here is the link to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) fact sheet about dicamba:
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/dicamba_gen.html

Please don't hesitate to contact us for any additional questions you may have about home horticulture.

Regards,
Boulder County Master Gardener
CSU Extension

Dear Master Gardener,