Fertilizer Spreader Buying Guide

The three types of lawn spreaders are scoop-style spreaders, broadcast spreaders and handheld spreaders.

• Handheld spreaders distribute fertilizer, seeds or ice melt over small areas.
• Broadcast-type handheld spreaders have a small hopper, handle, dial and crank. Some models offer adjustable arm support. The dial adjusts the spreader and determines how much product is released. For ice melter, use the highest setting. Because broadcast-type handheld spreaders have a small hopper, they need frequent refills.
• Scoop-style handheld spreaders have a canister with a handle and a scoop-shaped mouth. They're suited for spot applications.

Because handheld spreaders are compact, they are easy to store.

A drop spreader has a bucket hopper mounted on two wheels. The distribution is limited to the area between its wheels. It’s good for precise application on small lawns and areas around garden beds and shrubs.

There are two types of drop spreaders: tow and push. The push-type is also known as a walk-behind. It has a handle with a squeeze-control applicator mounted to the top. Squeeze the applicator lever as you walk to release the product. Most models have a dial or lever at the bottom of the hopper to adjust the flow rate.

A tow-type drop spreader attaches to the back of a lawn tractor. Most have a manual lever to control the application rate. It sits at the front of the drop spreader so the driver can reach it from the seat of the lawn tractor. Some models have an attached aerator for single-pass aeration and grass seed or fertilizer.

A broadcast spreader differs from a drop spreader in that it has a fan or wheel that casts the product wider than the wheel base. The margins created with each pass overlap to provide uniform coverage. Broadcast spreaders are better for large lawns and spaces where the coverage doesn’t need containment.

Broadcast spreaders commonly come in three types: handheld, push and tow. The tow type works similar to the drop spreader tow-type model.

Push-type broadcast spreaders require a steady walking speed to ensure even distribution. Like push-type drop spreaders, the hopper has a handle with a squeeze lever to control the stop-start flow function and a dial at the bottom of the hopper to control the rate of distribution.

Make sure the spreader hopper is closed before adding fertilizer, grass seed or weed killer.

If you're using fertilizer, fill the spreader on a sidewalk or driveway to prevent spilled fertilizer from burning your lawn.

Set the spreading rate, start walking and pull the trigger to apply. Some spreaders allow you to lock the spreader in the open position.

Some lawn spreader application tips include:

• Apply the first pass around the perimeter of the lawn so you have a place to turn around. This is known as a header strip.
• Apply the product back and forth in the longest direction first.
• Turn the spreader off at the end of the strip to prevent uneven application.
• Before starting back, set the spreader in motion before opening the device in the header strip.
• Steer slowly and smoothly around trees and other objects in your path.
• For a broadcast spreader, keep the wheel about four feet away from the area you don’t want to seed or fertilize. Overlap the strips to prevent missing spots.
• When applying fertilizer, push forward, not backward. Excessive amounts of fertilizer can damage the lawn.
• Avoid spreading products on a windy day.