A Matter of Choice: Liquid vs. Granular Pesticides

Typically, Mentzer’s Greenscape puts down one application of pesticide in the spring. Some early summer crabgrass infestations the past few years may change that as the company is looking into offering a second application.

The Washingtonboro, Pa., company usually uses a granular form of pesticide with a fertilizer, but this year it is switching to a liquid application because “we are trying not to use too much,” explained Wade Smith, supervisor/foreman. “We just want to keep the worst of the problem out.”

Most contractors like Smith are experimenting with both liquid and granular pesticide applications and instead of using one or the other, are attempting to fit both into their programs.

“Ten years ago, there was probably a good argument going that a better job could be done while using granular applications vs. liquid applications,” commented Bob Andrews, president, Greenskeeper, Indianapolis, Ind. “But that’s not the case anymore. Products are made better and the technological sophistication of the applicator is also more advanced. Today, you can do as much bad with the wrong components of granular as you can with the wrong components of liquid.”

Pointing out the pros and cons of using liquid and granular applications, contractors and manufacturers shared their approaches to controlling insects, weeds and diseases in the landscape.

THE APPROACH. Greenskeeper offers a five-step program comprised of three granular and two liquid applications. “We like to use the liquid program in the spring (April, May and early June) and fall (September, October and mid-November),” Andrews said. “Those are the best times for us to get weed control, and we like to do that with liquid applications.”

Tim Doppel, president, Atwood Lawn Care, Sterling Heights, Mich., uses two approaches. “In our all-natural/organic program, we do not apply pesticides of any type unless we see a problem in the lawn or landscape,” Doppel said. “Our traditional program schedule includes preemergent crabgrass control, broadleaf weed control and preventative grub control.”

While granular and liquid pesticide applications are incorporated into both Andrews’ and Doppel’s programs, one or the other is favored at different times of the year based on weather, the insect, disease or weed being controlled and labor availability.

Doppel said liquid applications work for him when time is a concern. “They give us the ability to do more lawns in any given day,” he pointed out. “Also, depending on what kind of application is being performed – weed control, for example – the results may be better after using a liquid application because I can get better coverage and the application is, therefore, more effective.”

In addition to saving time, liquid applications require less effort, according to Cristi Palmer, turf and ornamental product manager, FMC Agricultural Product Group’s Specialty Products Business office, Philadelphia, Pa. “Liquid applications may require less physical effort by technicians and are favored during the hot summer months,” Palmer said. “Plus, they provide coverage for both foliar and soil applications.”

Another advantage of using liquid applications is being able to add other products into the spray mix, such as a liquid fertilizer, and putting all the products down in one application, pointed out Curtis Clark, business development and marketing manager, Riverdale Chemical Co., Glenwood, Ill.

“On the other hand, a disadvantage to using liquid,” noted Palmer, “is that the product may be more difficult to contain in case of a spill. Ensuring the appropriate dilution for small volumes can also be more difficult.”

Granular applications, Palmer said, are easier to apply and tend to be easier to contain in case of a spill. She also said granular applications have a similar result to liquid applications in terms of labor savings. “Often, granular materials, being ready-to-use, offer an appealing savings in time and preparation,” Palmer said. “The reasons being that loading the spreader can be done in a short time and some granular products do not require irrigation after application.”

Andrews agreed. “We use granular applications when we want to use the product that is going to allow us to get the most coverage in one pass across the yard,” he said. “A second pass stunts productivity and adds unnecessary time to the job.”

The biggest advantage to using granular applications for Doppel is the flexibility the product offers an applicator. “Several kinds of granular products can be on the truck at the same time, allowing the applicator to choose what is needed at the job site,” he pointed out.

A disadvantage of using granular applications, pointed out Palmer, is that they tend not to be used for foliar applications on landscape plantings, and spreaders can be difficult to push through dense lawns in hot summer weather.

Most contractors and manufacturers agree that either liquid or granular applications can be used in preemergent, postemergent and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

“IPM requires the applicator to think,” Doppel added. “Once the decision to make an application has been made, the applicator should choose the best product and the best method of application to do the job.”

But some landscape contractors have preferences based on what has worked successfully for them. “For us, preemergent and broadleaf weed control is better achieved with a liquid formulation,” Doppel said. “Fungicides also will work better if they are applied as a liquid application. Insecticides can be applied successfully either in a liquid or granular form.”

PURCHASING TRENDS. Andrews makes product decisions based on what he is trying to control. “In weed control, I look for a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills many varieties of weeds for a long period of time,” Andrews explained. “With insecticides, the decision is tough. So many insecticides have been removed from the market, so the decision is more difficult and depends on the current pest problem and whether it needs to be controlled. Few insects actually damage the lawn, so killing them may be a waste of time. Contractors have to determine what insecticide to purchase based on whether the insect is damaging the turf and if there is a sufficient quantity to warrant control.”

From a manufacturer standpoint, the popularity of liquid and granular applications varies depending on product technology and formulation ingredients.

According to Clark, there is a trend toward granular applications vs. the sprayable kind because contractors can’t spray in windy conditions and in tight backyards where they can run out of hose.

“The trend in liquid formulations is a move from solvent-based emulsifiable concentrates to water-based products, which reduce solvent-based odors,” Palmer explained. “As far as dry formulations, one of the newest types is a wettable dry granular. This type of granule will disperse when placed into solution, plus it does not have the dust associated with wettable powder.”

Palmer said end users often prefer liquid products because they leave little residue on plant foliage and are easy to re-suspend if they are left in the tank overnight. But she also said the public perceives granular materials as less threatening to nontarget organisms, which is why some landscape contracting companies are moving toward that application method.

The final choice, Clark concluded, is always based on personal preference.

The author is Associate Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine.

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