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Sprayers
The way that pesticides and chemicals are applied to the lawn does make a difference in achieving the right results and protecting the environment. Low doses of sprayed material protect against weeds, plant disease and insect damage when applied properly. Always remember to wear protective clothing when operating a sprayer with chemical materials inside.
Basic features to look for include:
- A wide opening for easy filling
- An easy to close, positive sealing cap
- A full-size pump for quick pressurizing
- A pressure release valve to indicate when maximum psi is reached
- A comfortable grip handle
- A hose that is long enough to allow the sprayer to be held at side while spraying
- An in-line filter to prevent clogging
- An extension wand long enough to reach in and under plants
- And a fully adjustable nozzle tip
- Not all sprayers have all these features, but sprayers are easier to use with the help of many of them.
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The most popular sprayer used by the do-it-yourselfer is the tank or pump sprayer. When the sprayer is pumped, air pressure builds through the tank and forces the spray material through the hose and to the nozzle. The nozzle can be adjusted to fit into hard to reach places, such as under leaves and branches. Some compression sprayers can be carried by hand or over the shoulder. Typically they are made from heavy-duty polyethylene and galvanized or stainless steel. Keep in mind that galvanized steel sprayers are not recommended for use with strong acidic solutions. Polyethylene tanks offer corrosion resistance to volatile chemical mixtures and are lightweight and easy to handle.
Note: never fill the tank more than the indicated level. This gap leaves room for the air that will be compressed on top of the spray material when it is hand-pumped. Also make sure not to leave it in the sun or near a heat source. |
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| Hose-end Sprayers are typically glass or plastic with a spray nozzle designed to be attached to the end of a hose. This sprayer is best for feeding your flowers or applying fertilizers and insecticides to lawns or gardens where large volumes must be distributed. The sprayer should come with an anti-siphon backflow protector that will prevent chemicals backing into the water supply if the water pressure was to drop. High quality sprayers have nozzles that can change the dilution ratio. |
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| Knapsack or backpack sprayers, as the name states, are carried on the gardener's back. Polyethylene models are lightweight and comfortable to use when having to cover a large area. They operate as a compressed air sprayer but, with steady pumping, they maintain a constant pressure to distribute the material in an even spray pattern and at a constant rate. |
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| There are several different types of hand sprayers available for gardening use depending on the desired effect. Hand sprayers, depending on type, can produce a fine mist that is great for controlling insects or a heavier spray that controls where insects feed and crawl. There are sprayers available that concentrate their use on trees and shrubs or indoor plants. Look for the different options available that offer continuous, pumping or intermittent spraying action that can work best for your needs. |
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