According to recent studies, nearly three-quarters of homeowners use some type of spreader at least once a year to maintain their lawns.
But with so many different models of spreaders, which spreader is best for your yard?
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular models on the market including their pros and cons in order to help you choose the perfect spreader for your backyard.
So gear up, grab a beverage and let’s get started with our search for the ideal spreader for your yard!
Types Of Spreaders
When it comes to yard work, the type of spreader you use can make a huge difference. There are five main types of spreaders.
Drop
Drop spreaders have an enclosed hopper that drops seed or fertilizer onto the ground as you walk along.
Rotary
Rotary spreaders are wheeled machines with spinning discs that evenly distribute material across the lawn.
Hand-held
Hand held spreaders are great if you need more control over where materials end up on your lawn and they’re easy to store when not in use.
Broadcast Spreaders
Broadcast spreaders allow you to cover a large area quickly by throwing material in all directions at once instead of walking back and forth with a handheld model.
Tow Behind
Tow behind spreaders attach to riding mowers and offer large capacity tanks so you don’t have to stop working frequently to refill them.
Having identified the types of spreaders, let’s take a look at why using one would be beneficial for your yard.
Benefits Of Using These Equipment
Using a spreader is like having an extra pair of hands in the yard.
Saves Time And Effort
It can save you time and effort while also providing superior results when it comes to grass seed, fertilizer application, and weed control.
Spreaders make life easier as they simplify your lawn care routine with their efficient nutrient distribution capabilities.
Improved Lawn Aeration
Not only does using a spreader save precious time and energy, but it can also help bring out the best in your landscape.
For example, it can improve aeration benefits which helps water penetrate the soil more easily – leading to healthier plant growth over time.
Even Distribution
Spreaders make it easier to apply material – fertilizer, seed, salt, etc. – on your lawn evenly as such maximizing coverage for better results than if you were to do it manually.
Consistency
Spreaders are beneficial not just for their efficiency, but also because they provide consistent results that would be difficult to achieve without them. This ensures that your efforts will pay off in terms of beautiful landscapes and healthy plants all season long!
Factors To Consider When Choosing Best Spreader For Your Yard
To make the best choice out of the myriad of spreaders available in the market, think about 5 things, namely:
- Size of your yard
- Availability of accessories
- Ease of use
- Budget/Cost factors
- Product reviews
Let’s discuss each of these in detail.
Lawn Size Considerations
When choosing a spreader for your yard, it’s important to consider the size of your lawn.
The bigger your lawn is, the larger the spreader you’ll need.
You should also take into account how much fertilizer or seed you need to apply over that area. Different types of spreaders are designed for different amounts and sizes of fertilizer or seed.
TIP: A handheld broadcast spreader is best suited for smaller yards, while a tow-behind or walk-behind model can cover more ground in less time if you have a large property.
Availability Of Parts And Accessories
It’s like a jigsaw puzzle to find the right spreader for your yard. You want one that not only fits into your budget and space, but also has all of the parts and accessories you need.
Check out what kind of parts and accessories are available before making a purchase. Some spreaders come with an array of add-ons while others may be limited in selection.
It pays to do some research beforehand so that you know exactly which parts and accessories will keep your spreader running smoothly year after year.
When looking at different types of spreaders, consider how easy they are to maintain and repair if needed – without having to hunt down hard-to-find parts or extras further down the line. Doing this legwork upfront can save time, money and frustration later on when something goes wrong!
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
Understanding how a spreader works and following the operation instructions can make all the difference in getting the job done right. So, you can’t afford to ignore this while deciding which spreader is best for your yard.
Spreaders come with different features that may affect their ease of use and maintenance requirements.
Automated models require less effort on your part; they do most of the work themselves by spreading material evenly across your lawn or garden area.
Manual models offer more control over where materials are distributed, but can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or around obstacles.
TIP: Check out storage tips from manufacturers before buying to make sure you have enough room for whatever type of spreader you choose.
Cost Factors
Are you looking to buy the best spreader for your yard, but don’t know where to start? Budget considerations are important when deciding which spreader is right for you.
Here’s a look at some cost factors that will help you make an informed purchase decision:
Spreader Prices
Spreaders come in all shapes and sizes, with prices ranging from around $50 up to several hundred dollars.
Costs Over Time
A more expensive model may save money over time because it should last longer than cheaper models due to its superior construction quality.
Price Comparison Shopping
Compare prices online or visit local stores to check out what your options are before you buy one.
Using Your Budget Wisely
Consider how often you plan on using the spreader, so you can decide if it’s worth investing in a higher-end model or not.
No matter which type of spreader you’re looking for, there’s something available within almost any budget range if you take the time to compare costs and features carefully!
Product Reviews
When it comes to choosing the best spreader for your yard, you’ll want to do some research and read reviews.
Product comparison is a great way to narrow down options and get an idea of what’s available on the market.
You can find brand reviews, user ratings, and model reviews online. It’s also worth asking around in your community if anyone has had personal experience with different models.
Doing a bit of homework ahead of time will help save you money in the long run. Compare products by their features, warranties, price point and more before making a purchase decision. Consider how much area needs to be covered, as well as any specific areas that may require special attention like slopes or hills.
TIP: Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on product reviews, see if there are any demonstration videos so you can visualize how each one operates. This will give you an even better understanding of which one would suit your needs best!
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right spreader for your lawn isn’t always easy. With so many types to choose from including drop spreaders, broadcast spreaders and more, it can be overwhelming when trying to pick one that meets your needs.
Luckily there are key factors to consider that will help you make the best decision for your yard. They include: the size of the yard, budget/cost, product reviews, accessibility of parts and accessories as well as the ease of use and maintenance.
With the information provided in this article, I’m confident you can proceed to find one that fits you and your yard’s needs best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Type Of Spreader For My Lawn?
The answer here is that it depends. There’s no single type of spreader that’s best for all users. It depends on different factors.
For instance, the size of your lawn. If you have a small area then a drop spreader may be the best option as they require less walking around to cover the same amount of ground compared to other models. However, if you have a large lawn or acreage, then a broadcast spreader might be better suited since they can cover larger areas quickly and efficiently.
The best type of spreader for your lawn also depends on what type of seed or fertilizer you’ll be using with the spreader. Drop Spreaders usually work well with smaller seeds like grass seed while Broadcast Spreaders typically handle larger items such as fertilizers and ice melt products better.
What Are The Safety Precautions For Using A Spreader?
There are a number of safety tips to consider when using a spreader. They include:
- Make sure that there is adequate space between the user and anyone else in the vicinity.
- Keep all pets away from the area while you’re working with fertilizer or pesticides.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling fertilizer or pesticide chemicals
- Make sure that you understand the instructions for each product before applying it
- Read up on local laws related to spreading chemical products so that you don’t run afoul of regulations concerning their application.
- Inspect your spreader for signs of damage like missing parts or rust spots due to weathering
- Check inside the hopper too—sometimes insects can hide in there!
What Is The Difference Between A Drop Spreader And A Broadcast Spreader?
Drop spreaders are one type of spreader used for fertilizers and seed distribution. This type has an opening at the bottom from which fertilizer is dropped directly underneath the hopper as it moves along.
The advantage of using this type is that it gives precise control over coverage since each drop will land in a specific spot on the ground below. As such, it works well for smaller yards with narrow pathways, flower beds, and other areas with intricate shapes because of its precision accuracy.
In contrast, broadcast spreaders disperse their contents more generally onto a larger area in front of them. They do not direct material into any particular location like drop spreaders do; instead they cast out materials across a wide swath as they move forward so they cover more ground faster than drop spreaders do.
Broadcast spreaders work great for large lawns with even terrain due to their ability to cover greater distances quickly compared to drop-style models.
How Often Should I Use A Spreader?
The frequency of using a spreader depends on the task/material it’s being used for. Knowing this can help ensure your grass stays healthy and vibrant year-round.
For instance, fertilizers need to be applied every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, so using a fertilizer spreader at least that frequently will help keep your lawn looking its best.
On the other hand, grass seed needs to be distributed evenly across the yard in order to get full coverage, which means the spreader should be used more often than with fertilizers – preferably about once or twice per week until all the seeds are gone.
Weed control products usually don’t require frequent applications. They’re typically done just once or twice each season as needed. However, always follow product instructions carefully when applying weed control materials.
If you live in a cold climate and use ice melt during winter months, then having access to a spreader will make your life much easier! Ice melts should generally be reapplied after heavy snowfall or if temperatures dip below freezing again soon after application.
It’s important to remember that these tips are just general guidelines. Always consult manufacturer directions regarding usage frequency before operating any equipment related to lawn care tasks such as spreading ice melt or fertilizer.
Does The Spreader Need To Be Calibrated For Different Types Of Lawns?
Calibrating a spreader is essential for getting the desired results from using it, but luckily, not all spreaders require calibration in order to be used effectively with different types of lawns.
While some spreaders don’t require any adjusting when changing between different grass types, others do need some tuning up before they can be used safely and efficiently with various kinds of turfgrass.
Knowing what sort of spreader works best for your yard isn’t rocket science — it just requires knowing a few key points about calibrating them properly for different types of lawns. Taking the time to research which model is suitable for your own situation can save you both money and hassle down the road!
Photo by Susannp4.
