Spreader Essentials
Regardless of the model, the basics of using a lawn spreader (also known as a fertilizer spreader) are similar. A bin or hopper holds the seed or lawn-care product. As you move the spreader over your lawn, the product drops through an opening or series of openings onto the lawn. An application rate controller lets you set how much material the spreader applies.
- A push spreader, also known as a walk-behind spreader, is a wheeled model that's useful for covering an entire lawn. As the wheels rotate, they engage a mechanism that dispenses product.
- A tow- or pull-behind spreader is a large-capacity, wheeled model that attaches to a compatible riding mower or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Like push spreaders, the turning wheels engage the spreading mechanism. Some tow-behind options include both a spreader and an aerating component, allowing you to handle two lawn-care tasks with one attachment.
- A handheld spreader is a compact, crank-operated device that's an effective option for seeding a small lawn or repairing bare spots in a lawn.
You can also find spreaders that don't require you to pour product into the hopper. Instead, you simply load the package onto the spreader, lock it in place and begin applying the material. There's no need for calibration. These spreaders don't work with products that aren't specifically designed for them, so make sure you purchase the correct product.
All spreaders use either a broadcast or drop mechanism to disperse material.
Some spreader labels indicate the maximum square footage a single hopper load can cover. A larger-capacity hopper allows you to spread more material before you need to refill, but a compact model may be sufficient for a small lawn.
Broadcast Spreaders
Broadcast spreaders (also known as rotary spreaders) quickly distribute product over large areas, making them ideal for big lawns and landscaping areas. The material drops from the hopper onto a spinning disc, which tosses it over the lawn. These spreaders offer quick coverage but at the expense of some control. Without proper attention and technique, the spreader can scatter material into the wrong place such as a neighbor's yard, a flower bed or the street.
Some broadcast spreaders have a guard you can engage to block part of the distribution pattern. This mechanism allows you to work around the edge of your lawn or near planting beds and walkways without accidentally dispensing product. Keep in mind that the farther away from the spreader the material travels, the lighter the coverage, so you may need to overlap passes to spread the product evenly.
Drop Spreaders
Drop spreaders apply seed and lawn-care products with greater accuracy. The material falls straight down to the lawn at a specific application width, so it's simpler to control and keep track of the treated area. The increased accuracy of drop spreaders makes them good candidates for lawns that contain planting beds but since the distribution pattern is relatively small, you may need to make more passes to cover a lawn.
Remember to align each pass so you don't apply too much product or leave gaps. You'll have a distinctive pattern, known as striping, if you don't cover the area equally. Pay attention to the width of the hopper on a drop spreader because wider hoppers dispense materials in fewer passes.
Tips for Using a Lawn Spreader
Instructions for using a spreader vary by model and the material you're spreading. Some general tips are below, but always follow the instructions for your specific products.
- Plan your work for a day that’s not windy. Wind can spread material into planting beds or other yards.
- Calibrate the spreader according to the manufacturer's specifications. Follow the distribution rate and any pattern indicated on the seed or lawn-care product packaging.
- Load the spreader on a sidewalk or driveway.
- Move forward using a steady pace and maneuver carefully around obstacles. Stopping during a pass or reversing can apply too much material.
- Close the spreader opening when you make turns or stop.
- Sweep up any material left on surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways. You can pour it back into the hopper and apply it to your lawn.
You can get good coverage with a broadcast spreader by applying product in a crisscross pattern. To do this, reduce the application setting by half and make a first pass over the lawn. Then make a second pass over the lawn that runs perpendicular to the first pass.
Some lawn-care products are caustic and can promote rust. To avoid rust on your spreader, use a garden hose to clean it after each use. After it's clean and dry, apply light machine oil to metal parts in the wheels and spreader mechanism.
When using lawn treatments or lawn-care products, always follow package directions regarding proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures and safety precautions.
Lawn and Fertilizer Spreader FAQs
Using a lawn spreader for grass seed, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides is a key part of good lawn maintenance. The answers to these common questions will help you choose a spreader for your lawn.
What Is the Best Spreader for Fertilizer?
A broadcast spreader is often the best spreader for fertilizer if you’re a beginning do-it-yourselfer. The dispersal pattern can reduce the risk of overapplying the fertilizer and damaging your grass. If you’re experienced with lawn care, a drop spreader is a good choice. It will have greater accuracy, dispensing the fertilizer exactly where you need it, but you’ll need to be careful to apply the material evenly and avoid streaking or overapplication.
What Number Should a Fertilizer Spreader Be On?
The number setting for a spreader will vary depending on the spreader model and what you’re applying. A bag of grass seed, pesticide, herbicide, etc. should have a listing of number settings for common brands and models of spreaders. The spreader manufacturer may list general settings as well. If you’re spreading fertilizer and you’re unsure of the right setting, it’s better to underestimate and use less than you need. This minimizes the risk of damage to your lawn.
How Do I Choose a Lawn Spreader?
Choose a hand spreader for small areas and a push or tow-behind spreader for medium and large lawns. If you’re new to lawn care you might find it easiest to use a drop spreader to reduce the risk of overapplication. Or, if you have planting beds or want to avoid getting material in a neighbor’s yard, you might want the accuracy of a drop spreader. Look for helpful features such as locks to keep the hopper open and edge guards that help you apply the material where it belongs.
Is a Rotary or Drop Spreader Better?
Rotary spreaders are often the best choice for homeowners new to lawncare or homeowners with large lawns, while a drop spreader is best when you need accurate dispersal of seed, fertilizer, etc. A rotary spreader’s wide dispersal pattern lets you cover large areas quickly with less risk of overapplication, but you’ll need to be careful of flower beds and you’ll need to sweep up excess from driveways and sidewalks. The accuracy of a drop spreader makes it easy to keep material where it belongs, but you’ll need to work carefully to avoid overapplication or uneven application.
Finding the Best Lawn or Fertilizer Spreader
Broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders are both effective ways to plant grass seed, fertilize your lawn and control weeds or insect pests. Your experience and lawn type are two major factors in finding the best spreader.
If you want to cover lots of area quickly and reduce the risk of uneven application, a broadcast spreader makes an excellent choice. However, if you have experience using a spreader and your key concern is spreading material accurately, a drop spreader can be the right choice. Whichever you choose, proper setup and careful, steady application are keys to using a spreader correctly.
Find the spreader you need at Lowe’s, along with the right grass seed, fertilizer and lawn care products to keep your yard healthy and beautiful.