“Dimension” is a widely used brand of pre-emergent herbicide. Its primary function is to prevent weed growth in various settings like lawns and gardens. It controls weeds before they emerge from the soil. Dimension herbicide is formulated to offer a way to maintain landscapes by targeting specific weed species without harming desirable plants.
Targeted Weed Control
Dimension herbicide is particularly effective at controlling a wide range of grassy and broadleaf weeds, with a strong focus on crabgrass. It provides both pre-emergent and early post-emergent control of crabgrass, preventing seeds from sprouting and controlling young plants that have already emerged.
Beyond crabgrass, Dimension is also effective against over 40 other common weeds, including goosegrass, foxtail, annual bluegrass (Poa annua), spurge, chickweed, henbit, and purslane. This broad spectrum of control makes it suitable for various application areas such as established lawns, golf course fairways, roughs, tee boxes, commercial sod farms, and even around field- and container-grown landscape and nursery ornamentals.
How Dimension Herbicide Works
The active ingredient in Dimension herbicide is dithiopyr, a selective herbicide. Dithiopyr is categorized as a Group 3 pyridine herbicide by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). This classification indicates its specific mechanism of action within plant cells.
Dithiopyr primarily acts as a mitotic inhibitor, meaning it interferes with the normal process of cell division in susceptible plants. It specifically disrupts the formation and function of microtubules, which are cellular structures essential for cell growth and division. By preventing microtubule assembly, dithiopyr stops root elongation and inhibits cell division in germinating weed seeds. This disruption effectively prevents weed seedlings from developing beyond their initial stages, thus stopping their growth before they emerge from the soil.
Safe Application Practices
Applying Dimension herbicide correctly involves understanding optimal timing, application rates, and safety measures. For pre-emergent control, the herbicide should be applied before weed seeds germinate, typically when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F.
Application rates vary based on the specific formulation (liquid or granular) and the target weed, but generally range from 0.28 to 0.73 ounces per 1,000 square feet for liquid products. Granular forms might have different rates, such as 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet for approximately four months of protection. It is important to apply about 0.5 inches of water through irrigation or rainfall immediately after application to move the herbicide into the soil for activation.
When handling Dimension, wearing protective gear, including impervious gloves, boots, and safety glasses, is advised. Avoiding inhalation of dust or spray mists is also recommended. The product should be stored in a cool, dry place, and spills should be contained to prevent contamination of waterways, as it is toxic to aquatic organisms. Dimension can be safely used around established cool- and warm-season turfgrasses and over 440 ornamental plants without causing harm when applied as directed. Pets can usually return to treated areas once the product has dried, which typically takes about an hour.