What is the best spraying method or technology for killing weeds?

At a glance

• • The best weed-control method depends on the application, available budget and need for non-herbicide options.
  • Mankar controlled droplet application (CDA) with ultra-low volume (ULV) equipment targets low-volume herbicide application; Nomix uses ready-to-use formulations.
  • Foamstream and steam treat weeds with heat, while mechanical methods remove them physically.
  • Compare purchase costs with ongoing chemical, water, energy and labour requirements, alongside access and the scale of the job.

There are a number of excellent spray technologies on the market for weed spraying. This post rounds up (no pun intended!) the main methods, including our own Mankar CDA/ULV sprayers, so you can choose the best option for your particular application. Most of these technologies are for medium-large scale spraying such as in amenity settings.

Mankar CDA/ULV Sprayers
www.prosprayers.co.uk/products/mankar

• • • How it Works: Combines Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) with Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) technology to apply undiluted herbicides in precise droplets, minimising waste and drift. Mankar sprayers are lightweight, portable, and available in handheld, wheelbarrow, or vehicle-mounted models for flexibility.
    • Advantages:
      • Up to 80% herbicide savings due to precise, targeted application.
      • Lightweight and independent of a water supply, reducing operational hassle
      • No special mixed chemical formulations needed, neat herbicide is sprayed
      • Less refills needed (4 refills for 8 hours spraying compared with 16 for conventional sprayers) so more time efficient
      • Environmentally friendly with low drift potential
      • High coverage consistency, even in uneven terrains
      • Operator safety improved: no mixing or diluting means reduced exposure to chemicals, fine droplets almost entirely eliminated thus reducing risk of drift and respiratory contamination
    • Disadvantages:
      • Initial cost is higher than conventional sprayers, though savings on herbicides offset this.
      • Limited to herbicides that can be applied undiluted​

Nomix Sprayers
www.nomixenviro.co.uk

• • • How it Works: Closed transfer system applies pre-mixed, ready-to-use herbicide solutions, eliminating mixing and measuring onsite.
    • Advantages:
      • Simple to use with pre-dosed cartridges, reducing operator error.
      • Reduces exposure to chemicals during application.
      • Ideal for smaller or irregular spaces.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Higher ongoing cost due to reliance on proprietary cartridges.
      • Less flexibility in herbicide choice compared to other systems​.

Foamstream Spraying
www.weedingtech.com/foamstream

• • • How it Works: Uses a hot water and biodegradable foam solution to kill weeds by thermal shock. Often deployed on hard surfaces, parks, and near sensitive areas.
    • Advantages:
      • Non-toxic and chemical-free, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.
      • Effective on a wide range of weeds, moss, and algae.
      • Suitable for urban settings, schools, and playgrounds.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Equipment is costly, and the operational speed is slower than chemical spraying.
      • Requires substantial water and energy, making it less efficient for very large areas​

Other Methods

Traditional Sprayers:

• • • High-volume systems using diluted herbicides.
    • Advantages: Cost-effective for large-scale, uniform applications.
    • Disadvantages: High drift potential, inefficient water use, and greater environmental impact.

Steam Weeding:

• • • Involves applying steam to kill weeds.
    • Advantages: Non-chemical, suitable for organic farming.
    • Disadvantages: Slow and resource-intensive.

Mechanical Weed Control:

• • • Includes hoeing or brushing systems.
    • Advantages: No chemical use, safe for all environments.
    • Disadvantages: Labour-intensive and not feasible for all terrains.

Cost Comparison

• • 1. Mankar CDA/ULV Sprayers: Higher initial investment than other sprayers but lower herbicide costs over time.
    2. Nomix Sprayers: Medium initial cost, with higher recurring costs for cartridges.
    3. Foamstream: Very expensive initial equipment cost and operational costs but ideal for non-toxic requirements.
    4. Traditional Sprayers: Lowest upfront costs but inefficient in herbicide and water usage.

We hope you find this a useful comparison of technologies and solutions for successful weed spraying.