Pros and Cons of Lawn Spreader Types

This page is a general DIY article that discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with each spreader type. By learning the pros and cons associated with each spreader type you can efficiently and quickly apply any pesticide or fertilizers without complications or wasted product.

The secret to a lush, and beautiful lawn depends on the amount of care you put into it. Beginning homeowners or gardeners will find that watering once a week with an inch of irrigation is one of the first steps they can take. However, watering can only go so far and some homeowners have found that adding the right of fertilizers or granule formulation pesticides play a huge factor in the lawns appearance.

With the different project or treatment area needs, the type of spreader to use depends on the size, shape, terrain, availability of your time, and if there are immovable objects such as statues or birdbaths in your treatment area. Most importantly, the specification you are desiring will also help to determine which fertilizer spreader is best suited for your project needs.

Most spreader types belong to one of the three categories which is broadcast, drop, or handheld lawn spreader. Each spreader comes with its own set of benefits, drawbacks, and the level of effectiveness achieved. If you are applying any type of granule pesticide formulation or fertilizer then read on to learn more about each spreader type and how to appropriately select one for your treatment area needs.

How to Choose A Broadcast Spreader

As the name implies, a broadcast spreader will broadcast seeds, granule formulation products, and fertilizer products in large swaths. This product may be used by either manually pushing or carrying behind a lawn mower or ATV. While there are several types of broadcast spreaders available on the market they will all share the same size. Due to their size, broadcast spreaders are ideal for quickly covering large scale areas.

The product material will disperse from the bottom, front, and side. A broadcast spreader can be adjusted by its dial which will affect the amount of product being released. For appropriate application rates, refer to the label of the product you are spreading.

Pros:

• Covers large areas in a short amount of time.
• Easily adjust the speed and distance of the product spreading.
• Saves time and amount of energy being used during application.

Cons:

• Difficult to control the flow pattern of product and may throw product in areas where it is not needed. Due to the unpredictability of the swath and product effects, applications near or around flowerbeds will prove to be difficult.
• Clean up time may be increased if product is on undesired areas.
• Need to move at a steady even pace to increase accuracy of application.

How to Choose A Drop Spreader

Like broadcast spreaders, a drop spreader can be spread by pushing or being towed from behind with the exception that the product material is coming directly from the bottom. Drop spreaders will appear lower than broadcast spreaders and will have a bottom compartment only. Based on your project needs you can have precise coverage with this type of spreader by having the product disperse in one application or altering the flow rate.

Nevertheless, drop lawn spreaders provide a more detail-focused application of seed, weed killer, fertilizer, or granule formulated product in small treatment areas. This also means that you would have to revisit the areas to be treated to treat the entire area. However, while the amount of product dispersed is less than broadcast spreaders this does make applications in gardens and other small treatment with obstacles areas more ideal.

Pros:

• Allows more control and precised application of granule based products, seeds, or fertilizers.
• Avoids overlapping materials and product from being applied in undesired areas due to wind since it is applied directly from the bottom.
• Ideal to treat near trees and small areas under 5,000 sq. ft. with few obstacles such as statues, birdbaths, and immovable objects.

Cons

• Distribution from product is lesser than broadcast and may result in multiple passes to cover entire treated area leading to time consumption.
• Spreading material in large areas is not recommended.

How to Choose A Handheld Spreader

Compared to the other spreaders listed in this article, a handheld lawn spreader is the most portable and affordable option. This piece of equipment is most suitable for small yards, flowerbeds, gardens, and areas with impending objects.

This tools operates by manual cranking to disperse the seed, fertilizer, or granule product. Compared to drop spreaders, the product will also release from the downward facing compartment with the exception that is it being manually cranked. As the product is being released from the handheld spreader the rotary paddle will push the material in small and precise swaths.

Unfortunately, due to their size these type of spreaders are not ideal for treating medium to large scale treatment areas and best suited for small areas and landscape beds. 

Pros:

• Handheld Spreaders are ideal for treating small, areas that require precise application.
• Often comes conveniently pre-assembled in the box.
• Compared to other types of spreaders it is the cheapest option.
• Easy to use as you will only hand crank the tool apply product.

Cons:

• Not suited for medium to large scale areas and will result in fatigue if attempts in these areas are made.
• Treats only small areas such as flowerbeds, landscape beds, and around gardens.
• Product application is likely to be inaccurate due to higher risk of drift since handheld spreaders can be held higher off the ground than other spreaders.

It is always recommended to know the formulation of the product you have selected as well as evaluating the needs of your project as this will help to lead your decision. Despite the model of spreader you are using it is best to move at a steady pace when using the spreader model. When using any type of product and spreader you will have to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Takeaways

What are the Main Types of Spreaders?

• Spreaders will be either a broadcast, drop, or handheld model.

When to Use Spreaders

• Broadcast spreaders will be used for large scale areas around 1,000 sq. ft. such as fields or acres of property. Drop spreaders are best suited for small areas with few obstacles whereas handheld spreaders should be used in and around small areas like flowerbeds with objects that cannot easily be moved.

Products to Use for Spreaders

• Spreaders are ideal for seeds, granules, some fine-granules, and fertilizers.