Boom and Boomless Sprayers

Boom sprayers are useful for treating weeds or small shrubs (less than 4-feet tall) where obstructions do not restrict the boom. Boomless sprayers are used where booms are impractical. Boomless sprayers generally must be used when winds are relatively calm. Nozzle manufacturer’s websites or catalogs list nozzle types, sizes, spray patterns, nozzle spacings and height placements, and outputs in gallons/minute at various pressures. Many nozzles are color coded to prevent the use of an improper nozzle size. Spray output and speed determines application rate (gallons/acre [gpa]) which is usually 10 to 20 gpa for ground spraying. Production rates (acres/hour) vary widely depending on the width of the boom and speed of the sprayer. Ground spraying gives uniform coverage with minimal drift. However, caution should always be observed for potential drift from the target area. Mist blowers have very strict regulations for herbicide applications; they are used more for orchard spraying. Rangeland ground spraying is practical on sites of less than 200 acres or where aerial applications are not available or feasible. State pesticide applicator licenses are required if restricted-use herbicides are used. All applications should follow the chemical’s Product Label. An innovation is spraying herbicide on the blade of a shredder for a stem application at the time of cutting. Additional information available in the Shredder and Rotobeater section.