The Ortho Dial 'N Spray is a small, homeowner-use sprayer designed for a variety of spraying tasks including lawns and ornamental plants. Although it's relatively small, it will hold 32 ounces of your chosen pesticide spray. It attaches to the end of your garden hose, which allows you to move around your landscape and use the water directly from your spigot. This product replaced the Ortho Tree & Shrub Spray-ette.
Because it attaches directly to your hose, you don't have to worry with mixing your chosen pesticide with water. To get the proper mix ratio, simply turn the dial to the number of ounces or teaspoons per gallon of water. The sprayer has 14 settings from 1 teaspoon to 8 ounces. Once the dial is set, the sprayer will automatically allow the correct amount of water to flow through with the product. The nozzle on the sprayer allows for a sweeping spray; removing the nozzle allows for a jet stream that shoots up to 25 feet for spraying taller items, such as trees.
This product is intended to use with concentrate products. Pour undiluted pesticide concentrate into the sprayer and set the dial to the correct setting. For example, if the label on your chosen pesticide concentrate states to mix 2 fluid ounces per gallon of water, you would adjust the Dial 'N Spray dial to 2 ounces. Remove the nozzle tip to allow for a 25-foot jet spray to get to your trees. Attach the sprayer to your garden hose and turn the spigot on. Spray your trees in a sweeping motion to ensure proper coverage. Most pesticides recommend wetting the upper and lower parts of the leaves completely but not to the point of dripping.
While tree spraying is preferred for treating or preventing numerous insect pests and fungal diseases, pesticides often have adverse affects on non-target organisms. When you spray your tree, you're also spraying any wildlife that may be living in your tree. Many landscape trees, particularly shade trees, are much taller than 25 feet, although this distance will cover most fruit trees and ornamental trees. If you have a taller tree, consider calling in a professional. Most tree service companies, such as those that offer pruning and other services, offer tree spraying.