The different types of lawn spreaders are broadcast, drop, and handheld. Each one has different qualities that make them better for certain situations; for example, broadcast spreaders are great for wide, open spaces.
What is a lawn spreader? You may know them as fertilizer spreaders, but lawn spreaders can be used for more than just fertilizer. Lawn spreaders are versatile tools to disperse granular lawn care products, like herbicides, grass seeds, and even ice melt.
Broadcast spreaders: Best for wide, open yards
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Covers a large area quickly ✓ Some models have side shields that can close half of the spreader ✓ Larger hopper capacity means fewer refills | ✗ Disperses less product at the edge of its range ✗ Distribution is affected by the wind ✗ Can send granules to undesirable areas like walkways, flowerbeds, and pavement |
Also called rotary spreaders, broadcast spreaders disperse fertilizer and other products in a semi-circle around the spreader. They work by dropping the granules on a spinning plate, which flings the granules out the way they do. Broadcast spreaders also throw out granules far beyond their width, so a single broadcast spreader can cover a lot of ground in a very short time.
The rate of distribution is affected by hole size and walk speed. Louisiana State University (LSU) says that pushing your lawn spreader at a rate of 2.75 mph should get you the most accurate spread using most run-of-the-mill spreaders. Professional lawn spreaders should be pushed at 3 mph.
However, the “effective range” of these spreaders is smaller than their actual range. Also called the effective swath, the effective range is the area that receives an even distribution of granules – usually, upfront. Dr. Gregg Munshaw of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension says that the effective range of rotary spreaders is usually 75% of its total throw width.
How do I find out the effective range of my broadcast spreader? Check out this handy guide by Pennsylvania State University Extension.
When using your broadcast spreader, overlap your passes. You can make sure by going edge to edge using the effective range. Going edge to edge with the total range will result in an uneven spread at the edges.
Broadcast spreaders are not the best for precise jobs, like in smaller yards with a lot of obstacles. They scatter granules all around, which can land in flowerbeds and driveways; thankfully, some models have side shields that block off one side from dispersing material. The wind also can blow granules away in mid-air.
When to use a broadcast spreader
You should consider using a broadcast spreader if:
- Your yard is large (2,000 square feet or more).
- Your lawn has little to no obstacles.
- Your lawn is very even or level.
- You want to fertilize, seed, or apply herbicide quickly.
- You don’t want to exert a lot of effort.
Drop spreaders: Best for precision
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Very accurate ✓ User-friendly ✓ Not affected by wind | ✗ Covers less area per pass, so it’s more time-consuming |
If you’re looking for precision, then a drop spreader will be more appealing. This type of lawn spreader drops granules directly beneath the hopper, so you know exactly where you’re spreading the product. Drop spreaders are typically mounted on two wheels on either side of the hopper.
However, what you get in accuracy you pay for in the range of application. A smaller spreading range means slower spreading compared to rotary spreaders. Use a drop spreader if you have a smaller yard or if you don’t mind taking longer to spread the product.
Drop spreaders are quite user-friendly as you don’t have to worry about fertilizer, seeds, or weed killer going where they’re not supposed to; plus, they’re easy to maneuver. The wind also doesn’t affect their spread like it does with broadcast spreaders because drop spreaders are quite low to the ground.
However, the speed at which you walk with a drop spreader also affects its application rate. Aim for a walking speed of 2.75 mph when using a drop spreader. “Only a 10 percent change in speed can cause a 5 percent to 7 percent change in [application] rate,” according to LSU. Going slower means you apply more product, and going faster means you apply less.
When to use a drop spreader
Using a drop spreader is better for these conditions:
- Your yard is medium to small in size (less than 2,000 square feet).
- Your lawn has a lot of obstacles that you need to maneuver around.
- Your lawn has slopes and other irregular terrain.
- You don’t mind making multiple passes with a lawn spreader.
- It’s windy out and you can’t find (or don’t want to wait for) a windless day.
Handheld spreaders: Best for small areas
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight and takes up very little space ✓ Very easy to use ✓ Some models can disperse material over a medium-sized lawn ✓ Great for smaller areas | ✗ Smaller hopper means more refills ✗ Broadcast models have the same cons as larger rotary spreaders ✗ Not ideal for large yards |
Handheld spreaders typically spread fertilizer and other products in an arc like a broadcast spreader – just at a smaller scale. However, some of them are designed to be shaken and cover only a very small area.
Handheld spreaders can be manual or battery-operated:
- Manual models typically require two hands to use: One to hold the spreader, and the other to turn the crank. Some manual models are one-handed and need to be shaken to distribute granules; these models are better suited for very small areas.
- Battery-operated spreaders have a trigger that dispenses the granules.
When to use a handheld spreader
Consider using a handheld spreader if you’re dealing with these conditions:
- Your yard is on the smaller side (1,000 square feet or less).
- You need to spread granules in a very tight spot.
- You don’t have a lot of space to store a lawn spreader.
FAQs about lawn spreaders
How do you use a lawn spreader?
The process of using a lawn spreader is similar across all types. You fill your hopper with the desired amount of material (based on lawn size) and make passes across your yard, typically in a bidirectional manner (one half from north to south, then the other half from east to west). When in doubt, you can consult your lawn spreader’s manual.
For more detailed instructions on how to use a lawn spreader, check out these guides. All of these lawn care use lawn spreaders:
- “Fertilizer 101: How to Fertilize Your Lawn”
- “How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides”
- “How to Plant Grass Seed”
- “How to Overseed a Lawn”
What is the best lawn spreader?
The best lawn spreader will depend on your needs. We found that the John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, Scotts Elite Spreader, Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader, and Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini were the best lawn spreaders for over ½ acre, ¼ to ½ acre, ⅛ to ¼ acre, and under ⅛ acre, respectively.
What if I want to apply liquid and not granules?
You can apply liquid fertilizer and other liquid lawn care products using a sprayer. Some will come with their own hose attachment, so you can use them without buying a sprayer.
Hire a pro to fertilize, seed, and weed your lawn
Using a lawn spreader isn’t very difficult if you’re using the right one for the job. However, it can take time to spread fertilizer, grass seeds, and herbicides, especially if you have a larger yard. If you can’t do it yourself, we can connect you with a lawn care professional who can.
Lawn Love has pros all over the country who can fertilize your lawn, spread seeds, and even prevent weeds from popping up. Hire a local pro through Lawn Love today.
Sources
- Louisiana State University AgCenter
- “Calibrating Fertilizer Spreaders for the Home Lawn” by Dr. Gregg Munshaw (hosted on the website of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment)
- Pennsylvania State University Extension
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