Pesticide spraying in wind

We can't see the face, but we know right away they didn't read the label because they did not wear a long sleeve shirt and rubber gloves, so this person is breaking the law and exposing themselves to chemicals.

The other issue is how much wind are they dealing with?

Wind and pesticides are a serious problem.

Wind drift will kill off-target plants, and if this is over a neighbors property line, you are now chemically trespassing which is a liable offense. If their tree dies, you will be in court paying for that tree.

So how much is too much wind when spraying chemicals. Professionals, and most labels in most states, have 10mph as the cut off point. This is not the average but the maximum gusts. You need to check your local law to know for sure.

If a farmer or a professional sprays in wind over the label or state recommendation, they are liable for a fine from the department of agriculture and the EPA.

I know; you see it all the time, it's only because there is not enough enforcement to stop them. You have the right to call these organizations if you see the law being broken and they will investigate. The professional has to keep a log of when they sprayed and at which time, if they are honest on that log, it is all recorded. If they are not honest on that log, it's another serious fine.

The home owner needs to be just as careful when they have a DIY spray job to do. Many phone apps will tell you what the nearest weather station is saying for wind. If you are in doubt, don't spray. Home owners kill more of their own plants every year than all the professional sprayers in the world.

The problem is that often there is no wind when you start and a gust comes up unexpectedly. Ways to avoid this is to spray early in the morning when the ground is the same temperature as the air so there is less chance of wind. Watch out for mini-wind tunnels between houses and at the corner of the house. Go around that corner first and see if you feel any wind on your face, before pulling the trigger.

There are devices that apply chemical without spraying. The Dept of Ag has not really given a ruling in many states on these devices, so check with your local office if it is okay to use it in windy conditions.

The device pictured is called the Red Wand and it has a cloth that soaks with the herbicide so you can wipe in on the plant.

A old farmer trick is to use an old oil funnel cone over the end of the spray wand so you cover the entire plant with the cone and the wind can't affect it, but again, ask your local office if this qualifies to be used in windy conditions.

Wind is a real pain when spraying out doors, but don't ignore it and think you'll get away without doing damage.