A multitude of products are applied to turfgrass by spraying. Sometimes products are sprayed to deliver essential nutrients that promote dense and healthy turfgrass. Other times products are sprayed to protect the key playing surfaces from damage caused by diseases, weeds or insects. Ultimately, the goal of spraying is to help maintain high-quality playing conditions on tees, fairways and especially putting greens.
Superintendents use a variety of sprayers ranging from simple backpack sprayers to extremely sophisticated, computer-assisted, mechanical sprayers. New spraying technology – such as GPS guidance, auto steer and ultrasonic sensors – helps superintendents apply products with extreme precision, even over large areas and irregular terrain. However, it is important to remember that even high-tech sprayers do not take care of themselves. Sprayers and their components require continual maintenance and calibration to ensure top performance.
