How to Mix Simazine for a Backpack Sprayer
Simazine is a pre-emergent herbicide used to protect tree seedlings from weeds, grasses and other vegetation. Simazine acts on the seeds of undesired plants before they germinate. For maximum effectiveness, use Simazine during site preparation before tree seedlings are planted. Simazine may also be safely sprayed over newly planted seedlings. Recommended spraying times are in April, before weeds reach a height of four inches, and in October to control weeds the following spring. The active ingredients of Simazine remain effective in the soil for approximately two years following application. The amount of solution dispensed by backpack sprayers varies widely. Calibration of the sprayer must be determined first to arrive at the correct mixing ratio.
- Simazine is a pre-emergent herbicide used to protect tree seedlings from weeds, grasses and other vegetation.
- For maximum effectiveness, use Simazine during site preparation before tree seedlings are planted.
Calibrating the Sprayer
Verify that the backpack sprayer is equipped with a TeeJet 8003-E flat spray tip or equivalent. These are available from farm supply stores or hardware stores.
Mark off a 1-yard-by-1-yard square of ground and divide it down the middle.
Spray the marked square with two smooth, 20-inch-wide strokes of one-second duration each. Continue until the sprayer is empty. Keep count of the number of squares it takes to empty the sprayer.
Repeat this process five times, refilling the sprayer with approximately 67.6 ounces (two liters) of water each time it empties and recording the total number of squares sprayed.
- Verify that the backpack sprayer is equipped with a TeeJet 8003-E flat spray tip or equivalent.
- Repeat this process five times, refilling the sprayer with approximately 67.6 ounces (two liters) of water each time it empties and recording the total number of squares sprayed.
Divide the total number of squares sprayed by 10 to calculate the number of squares the sprayer covers for each 33.8 ounces (one liter) of solution.
Mixing Simazine
Mix .25 fluid ounce of Simazine with every 33.8 ounces (one liter) of water if the sprayer covers 10 squares.
Mix .50 fluid ounce of Simazine with every 33.8 ounces (one liter) of water if the sprayer covers 20 squares.
Mix .70 fluid ounce of Simazine with every 33.8 ounces (one liter) of water if the sprayer covers 30 squares.
Mix one fluid ounce of Simazine with every 33.8 ounces (one liter) of water if the sprayer covers 40 squares.
Mix 1.15 fluid ounces of Simazine with every 33.8 ounces (one liter) of water if the sprayer covers 50 squares.
Warning
Before mixing and spraying any herbicide, read and comply with all safety and health precautions on the manufacturer's label.
References
Warnings
- Before mixing and spraying any herbicide, read and comply with all safety and health precautions on the manufacturer's label.
Writer Bio
Gus Stephens has written about aviation, automotive and home technology for 15 years. His articles have appeared in major print outlets such as "Popular Mechanics" and "Invention & Technology." Along the way, Gus earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications. If it flies, drives or just sits on your desk and blinks, he's probably fixed it.