How to Use Fertilizer Spreaders (The Right Way!)
No matter which fertilizer spreaders you consider buying, uniform coverage is the key to success. And that comes down to the quality of the spreader.
Using cheap, plastic spreaders often produces poor spreading results. And that’s a waste of seed, fertilizer, time, and money. There’s also a good chance it will harm (or burn) your lawn.
So, if you’re going to do fertilize your lawn yourself (rather than hire a professional), it’s important to buy the best fertilizer spreader you can afford and follow these instructions.
Table of Contents
- What are Fertilizer Spreaders?
- 3 Types of Fertilizer Spreaders
- How to Set Up a Fertilizer Spreader
- How to Spread Fertilizer
- Conclusion
- Related Resources
- Need More Help?
What are Fertilizer Spreaders?
Fertilizer spreaders are essential tools for any do-it-yourself homeowner who wants to maintain a healthy, thriving yard.
A fertilizer spreader distributes fertilizers evenly over lawns and gardens, so your grass and plants get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and beautiful.
The size of the area covered by each type of device varies depending on its design. Some models are suitable only for small spaces while others can cover larger lawns without wasting any product in between applications.
3 Types of Fertilizer Spreaders
There are two kinds of fertilizer spreaders: rotary spreaders and drop spreaders.
1. Rotary Spreaders (or Broadcast Spreaders)
These measure the granules (or seed) and throw them out in a broad swath that is usually several feet wide.
Consider buying or renting a rotary-style spreader if:
- You have a large or extra-large lawn.
- You don’t have flower beds or other garden areas in the middle of the lawn that will be fertilized accidentally by the wide spread put out by the rotary spreader.
- You like to get the job done as quickly as possible.
2. Drop Spreaders
Drop spreaders measure out the fertilizer and then drop it in as wide a space as the spreader is wide. The fertilizer does not get “thrown out” across a wider path; it just gets dropped onto whatever area the spreader goes over.
It’s a good match for you if:
- You have a small lawn.
- You have gardens or other areas in the middle of your lawn, and you need precise fertilizer placement.
- You can take the time to do a precise placement. (Drop spreaders are a bit slower and they don’t cover as much area in a single pass.)
3. Liquid Spreaders (or Spray Spreaders)
Liquid fertilizer spreaders use a pump or pressurized tank to force the liquid through a sprayer or nozzle that delivers a fine mist onto your lawn.
Although the liquid fertilizer and the spreader can be more expensive than granular spreaders, they do provide many advantages. Consider using a liquid spreader if:
- A consistent, uniform coverage over your lawn is important to you.
- You want to save time; they cover large swaths of grass quickly and efficiently.
- You’re looking for a quick boost of nutrients to be applied to specific issues, such as plant stress or nutrient deficiencies.
How to Set Up a Fertilizer Spreader
Do the following if your spreader’s label has the recommendations for setting your spreader:
- Turn the spreader setting to OFF.
- Turn the setting to what is recommended by the manufacturer. (By first turning off the spreader, you’ll ensure that the fertilizer gate is closing and opening properly).
- Fill the spreader. Do this on a driveway or sidewalk, not on the lawn. CAUTION: If you spill fertilizer, you’ll burn the lawn.)
If your spreader does not have a label with recommendations (being good with math is a plus…this is one good reason so many homeowners opt for a professional).
- Calculate how much fertilizer you need to apply to achieve the amount of nitrogen you need to put on 1,000 square feet of lawn. Divide this number by two. For example, if you were to put 5 pounds of fertilizer on the lawn per 1,000 square feet, then put 2.5 pounds in the hopper.
- Set the bottom of the spreader to half open.
- Put the fertilizer into the hopper.
- Begin fertilizing your lawn using the coverage recommendations below.
- Measure the area of the lawn you covered. If this area (width x length) is close to 500 square feet, then you have it set correctly. Continue fertilizing.
- If you’ve covered less than 500 square feet, close the opening slightly to slow down the flow and repeat the measurement of your lawn on an unfertilized area.
- If you’ve covered more than 500 square feet, open the spreader to increase its flow. Again, repeat the measurement on an unfertilized area.
How to Spread Fertilizer
Follow these guidelines to ensure fertilizer spreading patterns that prevent damage (or poor results) to your lawn.
1. For Regular-Shaped Lawns
- Make two passes with the spreader at each end of the lawn. These are called header strips. This two-spreader width gives you a turnaround space at each end of the lawn.
- Push the spreader back and forth between the header strips. Shut off the spreader just before you ender the header strip and turn it on again after you make your turn but just before you leave the header strip.
- If you are using a drop spreader, your spreader will be a bit wider than the area the fertilizer is dropped on. So, make sure the wheel marks slightly overlap.
- If you’re using a rotary spreader, make sure to avoid uneven, streaky applications (and results) by creating a small overlap along the previous drop area.
2. For Irregular-Shaped Lawns
- Make a header strip that is two passes wide around the entire edge of the lawn.
- Go back and forth with the spreader along the longest direction.
- Make sure you turn off the spreader before hitting the turnaround header strip, then turn it on again just before leaving the strip.
Conclusion
Safely fertilizing your lawn is more difficult than it looks. It requires quality equipment, knowledge about nutrients such as nitrogen levels, spreading patterns, and even math calculations.
But if you follow the above guidelines for properly using fertilizer spreaders, your efforts should result in a healthy, growing Cincinnati lawn.
Related Resources
- Fertilizer & Weed Control page
- When Should I Seed My Lawn for Best Results?
- What You Need to Know About Lawn Maintenance
- Seasonal Lawn Care Guide
Need More Help?
Need help with a fertilizer spreader or fertilizing your Cincinnati lawn? Just contact American Landscapes here for a free, no-obligation estimate. Or call us at (513) 947-8727.
You can also learn more about our lawn care, landscaping, and outdoor lighting services by reading our blog. In addition to fertilizer and weed control, we also provide mosquito control, lawn aeration, lawn seeding, and much more.
