Guards

About Guards

Guards for pressure sprayers are essential attachments designed to control and direct the spray pattern when applying herbicides, pesticides, and other liquid treatments. These cone and drift guard accessories fit onto the lance of your pressure sprayer, helping to protect surrounding plants, surfaces, and areas from accidental overspray whilst concentrating the treatment exactly where it's needed. Whether you're targeting weeds between paving slabs, treating individual plants, or applying selective herbicides in your garden or on site, the right guard attachment can dramatically improve application accuracy and reduce chemical waste.

Available in various shapes and sizes, spray guards serve multiple purposes beyond simple protection. Round cones are ideal for treating individual weeds or small patches, whilst oval drift guards provide broader coverage for treating larger areas or rows of plants. Many guards feature adjustable designs to accommodate different spray patterns and application requirements. Professional landscapers, groundskeepers, and keen gardeners rely on these accessories to ensure precise application whilst minimising environmental impact and protecting desirable vegetation from damage.

Quality guards from trusted brands like Hozelock and Solo are manufactured from durable, chemical-resistant materials that withstand repeated exposure to herbicides and pesticides. They're designed for quick attachment and removal, allowing you to switch between general spraying and precision applications as your task requires. Investing in the appropriate guard attachments for your pressure sprayer not only improves application efficiency but also helps you comply with responsible pesticide use guidelines and COSHH regulations on professional sites.

Jargon Buster

• Drift Guard: A shield attachment that surrounds the spray nozzle to prevent wind from carrying spray droplets beyond the target area, reducing contamination of surrounding plants and surfaces.
• Spray Cone: A funnel-shaped guard that concentrates and directs the spray pattern downwards onto a specific target area, typically used for spot-treating individual weeds or small patches.
• Weedkiller Cone: A specialised cone designed specifically for herbicide applications, often colour-coded or marked to prevent cross-contamination with other spraying tasks.
• Overspray: Unintended spray that misses the target area and lands on surrounding plants, surfaces, or the environment, which guards help to minimise.
• Spot Treatment: The practice of applying herbicides or pesticides only to specific problem areas or individual plants rather than broadcasting over a wide area, made more efficient with guard attachments.
• Lance Attachment: The connection point where guards and other accessories fit onto the spray lance or wand of a pressure sprayer.

Who Uses Guards?

• Landscape Gardeners: For selective weed control around ornamental plants and established gardens
• Groundskeepers: Treating weeds in public spaces, parks, and commercial properties whilst protecting desirable plantings
• Agricultural Workers: Spot-treating problem weeds in crops and pastures without affecting surrounding vegetation
• Local Authority Maintenance Teams: Managing weeds on pavements, car parks, and public areas with precision
• Golf Course Superintendents: Targeting specific weeds on greens, fairways, and pathways without damaging turf
• Facilities Managers: Controlling weeds around buildings, car parks, and industrial sites safely
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home gardeners wanting professional-level control when treating patios, driveways, and garden beds
• Allotment Holders: Managing weeds between plots and pathways without affecting neighbouring vegetables

How to Choose the Right Guards

Selecting the appropriate guard depends on your sprayer model, application requirements, and the type of treatment you're applying. First, ensure compatibility with your pressure sprayer brand and model – Hozelock guards work with their range of Standard, Plus, Pro, and Killaspray pressure sprayers, whilst Solo offers universal-fit options for their equipment. Check the fitting mechanism to confirm it will attach securely to your existing lance.

Consider the shape and size based on your typical applications. Round cones excel at pinpoint accuracy for individual weeds or small clusters, making them perfect for treating between paving slabs or targeting specific problem plants. Oval drift guards provide wider coverage whilst still offering directional control, suitable for treating rows of weeds or larger patches. Extra-large cones give extended reach and coverage for bigger treatment areas whilst maintaining spray containment.

Think about your working environment and conditions. If you frequently work on windy sites or near sensitive plantings, drift guards become essential for preventing spray contamination. For applications requiring strict separation between herbicides and other treatments, consider dedicated weedkiller cones to avoid cross-contamination risks. Material quality matters too – look for chemical-resistant plastics that won't degrade with repeated exposure to concentrated herbicides and pesticides.

Professional users should consider keeping multiple guard types on hand for different scenarios. Having both round and oval options, plus various sizes, allows you to optimise your application technique for each specific task, improving efficiency and reducing chemical usage and environmental impact.

Popular Accessories

• Pressure Sprayers: Knapsack and handheld models from Hozelock and Solo that guards attach to
• Replacement Nozzles: Various spray patterns for different applications and coverage requirements
• Extension Lances: Longer reach for treating hard-to-access areas without bending
• Filter Kits: Prevent blockages when using wettable powder formulations
• Seals and O-rings: Maintenance parts for keeping sprayers leak-free and functioning properly
• Measuring Jugs: For accurate dilution of concentrated herbicides and pesticides
• Protective Gloves: Chemical-resistant PPE for safe handling of treatments
• Storage Containers: For organising guards and preventing cross-contamination between uses

Safety Information

When using guards with herbicides or pesticides, always follow COSHH regulations and wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and suitable clothing. Guards help control spray application, but proper PPE remains essential for operator safety. Store guards separately from those used for non-herbicide applications to prevent cross-contamination, and consider colour-coding or clearly labelling equipment dedicated to weedkiller use.

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the guard attachment and the chemicals being applied. Clean guards thoroughly after each use, particularly when switching between different chemical treatments. Dispose of rinse water responsibly according to the product label instructions and local regulations. Never spray in windy conditions even when using drift guards, and maintain awareness of surrounding areas, water sources, and desirable plants throughout application.

Keep guards and all spraying equipment out of reach of children and store in a secure, well-ventilated area away from foodstuffs. Regularly inspect guards for cracks, damage, or wear that could affect their protective function, and replace worn components promptly to maintain safe, effective application control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spray guards universal, or do I need a specific brand for my sprayer?
Most guards are brand-specific, designed to fit particular sprayer models. Hozelock guards fit their range of pressure sprayers, whilst Solo offers guards for their equipment. Always check compatibility with your sprayer model before purchasing. Some aftermarket options claim universal fitting, but brand-matched guards typically provide the most secure, reliable attachment.

Can I use the same cone for both weedkillers and fertilisers?
Whilst physically possible, it's strongly recommended to keep separate guards for herbicide and non-herbicide applications to prevent cross-contamination. Even thorough cleaning may leave trace residues that could damage plants during subsequent applications. Consider purchasing dedicated weedkiller cones and marking them clearly for herbicide-only use.

What size cone do I need for treating patio weeds?
For weeds between paving slabs and in tight spaces, a standard round cone provides excellent precision and control. If you're treating larger patio areas with multiple weeds, an oval drift guard might offer better efficiency whilst still protecting surrounding surfaces. For extensive hard surface treatments, consider an XL cone for improved coverage.

Do guards work in windy conditions?
Drift guards significantly reduce wind-blown spray, but they cannot eliminate drift entirely in strong winds. Best practice is to avoid spraying when wind speeds exceed light breezes, even when using guards. Early morning or late evening applications often provide calmer conditions for more controlled, effective treatments with minimal drift risk.

How do I clean and maintain spray guards?
Rinse guards thoroughly with clean water immediately after use, paying particular attention to the rim and any crevices where chemical residues might accumulate. For herbicide applications, triple-rinse with water and dispose of rinse water according to product label instructions. Periodically inspect for cracks or damage, and store guards away from direct sunlight which can degrade plastic materials over time.