Lawn and Garden Sprayers are an important tool for product application that every gardener or farmer should consider in their pest-control plan. Lawn and garden sprayers come in many designs for different kinds of applications. In general, lawn sprayers are designed to have larger capacities, and special features for easy transport throughout the target area. Sprayers designated for garden use usually have a smaller capacity, and unique features that support the precise application of chemicals. 

Types of Sprayers

Hose-End

Hose-end sprayers are the most basic type of sprayer, usually used for spot-treatment in small gardens. The hose-end sprayer attaches to the end of a garden hose, and includes a nozzle attached to a small tank. The flow can be adjusted on the nozzle, and is controlled by the water pressure coming through the hose.

Hand-held/Compression Sprayer

Hand-held sprayers, which may also be called Compression or Tank sprayers, are portable garden sprayers that pressurize the air in the tank after being filled with liquid product. The user pumps the pump handle in order to pressurize the air, and release liquid product. Handheld sprayers are economical, and easily portable for smaller-area application. Usually for garden use.

Backpack

Backpack sprayers include all of the main components that compression sprayers have, but the additional convenience of backpack straps. This makes them easier to transport around large areas, thus making them a great choice for lawn application or large garden fields. 

Wheeled Sprayers

Wheeled garden sprayers are best-suited for the treatment of large areas like yards, fields, and driveways. They are not intended for garden use, as they can not be used for spot-treatment. Wheeled garden sprayers may be outfitted on a cart, which can be pushed by hand, or on a trailer, which can be hitched to any tractor or lawnmower. Wheeled sprayers can distribute chemicals throughout a large area at a consistent application rate, thus providing economical and efficient treatment to large areas. 

Powered Sprayers

Some sprayers may have a power-operated system that drives the pump. These pumps may be battery or gasoline powered, and are ideal for applying a large volume of liquid throughout a lawn or a field. Hand-held powered sprayers may be outfitted with hoses, booms, nozzles, spray guns, hose reels for optimal performance. 

Choosing Your Lawn and Garden Sprayer 

Consider the options above and decide whether you will be using the sprayer to target a large area or small infestation. Also consider the frequency of use, and your own physical limitations for transporting the filled-system throughout your lawn or field. If you plan on applying more than one herbicide, fungicide, or pesticide to the target area, purchase one sprayer per chemical. This will limit cross-contamination, assure enduring sprayer performance, and support plant health and yields.

Learn more about weed sprayers and roundup sprayers.