Herbicide Damage

    I have been seeing lots of herbicide damage to trees, shrubs and tomato plants caused by exposure to herbicides.  Symptoms vary with the type of herbicide applied, the plants exposed and the concentration of the product and environmental factors such as heat.  Here is a list of the types of damage commonly seen:  2,4-D, triclopyr and dicamba.  These products are used to control broadleaf weeds and may volatilize (become a gas) at high temperatures and may drift and damage non-target plants. 
    Symptoms of herbicide damage may include twisting and distortion of plant foliage, leaf yellowing or blacking and in severe cases, dieback.  Curling of the leaves in tomatoes is very common.
    Trees and shrubs with damage from volatilization should recover over time, maybe not this season, but in time.  Trees and shrubs with direct spray damage or that from stump or sprout treatments is permanent.
    Water and extra tender loving care are about the only treatment recommendations for herbicide damage.  Extra water, within reason, can help the plant put on new growth and survive the other environmental stress that the hot July summer is putting on them.