Herbicides work well in controlling unwanted vegetation growth such as weeds or grass. Areas in the landscape where herbicides are useful include walkways, between pavers, driveways, stoned areas and the garden. Once applied, the targeted plant's foliage absorbs the herbicide and it passes through the plant into its root system, killing it. Most home improvement and garden centers carry multiple varieties of herbicidal products. They also carry sprayers to apply the herbicide. Some products come in ready-to-use, premixed containers. Concentrated herbicides require mixing. Follow the specific herbicide's product label directions concerning amounts when mixing.
Things You'll Need
- Tank sprayer
Mix and spray the herbicide on a hot, sunny, wind-free day for best results and application control. Spraying on a windy day can result in death or injury to desirable plants.
Apply and mix the herbicide in a tank sprayer. Use a sprayer manufactured out of plastic, fiberglass or lined stainless steel.
Unscrew and remove the tank sprayer's top. Turn the top counterclockwise to release it from the tank.
Fill the tank 1/2 full of water. Place water into the tank sprayer before adding herbicide, as recommended by The Ohio State University.
Shake the closed bottle of herbicide to mix the ingredients together. Pour the label's recommended amount of herbicide into the tank of water.
Fill the remainder of the tank with water. Allow enough room between the tank's top and the herbicidal liquid for the product to flow properly and the tank to pressurize when pumped.
Screw the top of the tank sprayer back in place. Shake the tank sprayer to mix the herbicide and water.
Adjust the tip of the sprayer's wand to achieve the desired spray pattern. Twist the nozzle left or right to increase or decrease the amount of herbicide released. Test the spray pattern on a safe surface such as concrete before applying in the garden.
Tips & Warnings
- Mix only the amount of herbicide required to treat the area in question.
- Clean the tank sprayer after using the herbicide. Wash off the sprayer and all its parts with water. Add clean water to the tank, pump it up, and allow it to spray through the nozzle and wand.
- Wear gloves, glasses and a long-sleeved shirt to keep the herbicide from getting on your skin.
- Wash your hands after using any herbicidal product.
- Pets and people can enter areas treated with an herbicide usually after the product has completely dried. Read the specific product label's directions concerning drying times and other precautions.
- Iowa State University Extension; 1994 Herbicide Mixing Guidelines; Mike Owen et al.; April 1994
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Herbicide Application Best Management Practices for Citrus Grove Workers; Brian Boman et al.; March 2009
- The Ohio State University Extension: Controlling Weeds in Nursery and Landscape Plantings
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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