Smithco Turf Spraying Guide - Manual (Page 7)

For most operations, 1/2" (1 1/4 cm) inside diameter hose is adequate. Trees over 40 ft. (12
m) high require 3/4" (2 cm) inside diameter hose and a sprayer pump capable of delivering a
volume of at least 20 GPM (75 LPM) and a pressure of at least 400 PSI (28 BAR). Handgun
selection makes a critical difference as well. (see chart below)
C - BOOM SPRAYING
oom Spraying is the most effective, accurate and
efficient method of applying chemicals to large turf
areas.
It may be done my means of:
1. A dedicated spray vehicle
2. A sprayer mounted upon a utility vehicle
3. A sprayer drawn behind a tractor or other
towing vehicle
These sprayers are equipped with wide spray booms.
Generally these booms are between 15 feet (4.5 m) and 20
feet (6 m) in width. They are divided into 3 sections with
hinges, which permit the long outer sections to be moved out
of the way if an obstacle such as a tree or fence is struck.
There are essentially three types of booms in use today. The
first is called a “wet boom” (above) in that the material to be sprayed is carried to the individual
nozzles through a structural element of the boom. Secondly is a
“dry boom” (right) in which the structural elements are used to
support sections of hose between nozzle body sections. Lastly,
“boomless” nozzles are used to put out wider spray paths from a
single (or cluster of specialized nozzles) nozzles from a single,
center mounted location. The most typical boomless nozzles used
are a “flood-jet” or “field-jet” type nozzle. Also available is a
“Boom-Jet” (left) nozzle capable of delivering widths up to 70 feet.
They all have positives and negatives, but there is no right or
wrong boom type. Individual preference usually takes priority with the superintendent’s choice.
B
Smithco 16’ “wet boom” with 10” spaced Tee-Jet nozzles
4