Backpack sprayer recommendation?

[zuren]

I have 2.5-3 acres land contaminated with buckthorn, multi-floral rose, and purple loosestrife, along with many more acres of neighboring acreage. I'm slowly making headway with physical removal of the buckthorn but I'm having mixed results with the "cut stump" treatment method using RoundUp. I have too many buckthorn trees to deal with so I can't be circling back for 2nd and 3rd applications. I am stepping up my attack and hope to get some advise.

I'm planning to move to the basal bark method using Garlon4 (or generic version) and a backpack sprayer. It seems that there are many sprayers on the market so I am hoping to hear about what is good and what to avoid. I've read that Solo brand sprayers tend to be good. I'm not doing this as a profession but will probably be spraying for a few years so I would like something that will last and can be repaired.

Any suggestions or info will be appreciated!

 

[ATH]

If you want the best get a Birchmeier....on sale now at Midwest Arborist Supply. Otherwise the other major brands seem to be relatively on par with each other. Make sure you get one with viton seals.

If you do any more cut stump treatments, consider switching those to Gordon, Gallon, or Crossbow instead of Roundup. Roundup is fine for foliar spray, but doesn't do as well on cut stump as the others.

 

[Del_]

I've had Birchmeier and they are great sprayers.

I suggest a 4 gallon Solo backpack. Read up on the various nozzles for spraying herbicides. I've found the 'fan' shape spray nozzles work best for herbicides as they allow you to spray closer to non target plants without hitting them.

 

[MzHopsing]

On a side note, I'm hoping the OP is only removing the invasive buckthorns? Those would be the common buckthorn and glossy buckthorn. There are several other native species of the genus, such as carolina buckthorn that is beneficial to birds and other wildlife. Michigan Univ. Extension has a helpful page on the range of plants that are invasive there.

While we're not too far south of you, on our property here in IL we're primarily dealing with bush honeysuckle (times a million), autumn olive, and some species of hop vine among others. Thank god the honeysuckle is pretty much easy to pull from the ground when small. The rest are cut and then a direct application of herbicide to the stump(s) usually does the trick.

Major kudos for clearing out your invasives! It's a never ending job, but our native plants, and hence our ecosystem, will be so much happier.

 

[sweetjetskier]

The best reasonable priced back pack sprayer that is built like a tank and user friendly would be any of the Jacto back pack sprayers.

I have used them for well over 12 years, very happy.

Stay away from Solo, always disappointed with them, not user friendly at all

 

[BroncoRN]

I will have to disagree. I've had a Solo for 10 years at least if not longer with zero issues.

OP - if you are having issues and roundup is not working, have you tried Honcho Plus?

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I'm going to recommend the stihl sg 20 for one very good reason : dealer support. Its a good design, but most importantly, you'll always have access to parts. Most sprayer malfunctions are bad seals or orings, and being able to just run to your local dealer and grab the right one is huge.

 

[CR888]

Solo backpacks are fantastic, there design has been copied by many but if you want a quality sprayer buy a diaphragm pump Solo.

 

[BroncoRN]

IMHO Stihl sprayers are nice but they don't tolerate not being cleaned and can be finicky and parts are expensive. I've run pesticides and herbicides through my Solo with no issues. I try to wash it out every time but sometimes get busy or forget and it just keeps on truckin'.

 

[BC WetCoast]

IMHO Stihl sprayers are nice but they don't tolerate not being cleaned and can be finicky and parts are expensive. I've run pesticides and herbicides through my Solo with no issues. I try to wash it out every time but sometimes get busy or forget and it just keeps on truckin'.

Minor derail, but if you run insecticides/fungicides and herbicides from the same tank you are running a risk. Herbicide residue in the tank when you are spraying insecticide/fungicides can kill plants, either your target plants or ones hit by overspray. It's good practice to have a separate sprayer for herbicides.

 

[CR888]

Solo sells a special cleaner concentrate you use to properly clean your sprayer out.

 

[redlawn 78]

I have used a solo backpack that was given to me as a gratuity maybe 4 or 5 year ago and its been great. Parts are inexpensive and pretty easy to acquire. Check out the solo website for their different options.

 

[Tafi Nami]

You may want to take a look at the Dramm powered backpack sprayer. I have ordered one upon seeing them demonstrated for my greenhouse business. I do not have it yet. A little pricey, but another option at least. It has a better adjustment of droplet size than my hand pump solo. I

 

[andrew002]

I think you should go with a battery powered backpack sprayer. At present I am using Solo Piston Backpack Sprayer. Because my lawn is not so big. It's enough for me. You should try motor powered and I hope you will be satisfied. For reference here is the best backpack sprayer from amazon.

 

[andrew002]

I think you should go with a battery powered backpack sprayer. At present I am using Solo Piston Backpack Sprayer. Because my lawn is not so big. It's enough for me. You should try motor powered and I hope you will be satisfied. For reference here is the best backpack sprayer from amazon.

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