A lush, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners. Achieving that perfect turf requires more than just mowing; it demands proper fertilization. While fertilizer provides essential nutrients, simply scattering it by hand is inefficient and can lead to uneven growth, burns, and wasted product. The solution? A fertilizer spreader. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a fertilizer spreader effectively, from choosing the right type to calibrating for optimal results.
Understanding Fertilizer Spreaders: Types and Applications
Before you even think about applying fertilizer, it’s crucial to understand the different types of spreaders available. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, making it suitable for different lawn sizes, terrains, and fertilizer types. Choosing the right spreader will significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your fertilization efforts.
Drop Spreaders: Precision and Control
Drop spreaders are known for their precision. They dispense fertilizer directly downwards in a narrow band, ensuring that the granules fall exactly where you walk. This minimizes waste and the risk of fertilizer ending up on sidewalks or driveways.
Ideal Use: Drop spreaders are best for smaller lawns, rectangular areas, and situations where precise application is necessary, such as near flower beds or water features. They are also useful for applying seed or weed control products where accuracy is paramount.
How They Work: Drop spreaders have a hopper that holds the fertilizer and a rotating agitator that feeds the granules through a series of openings at the bottom. The width of the spread is determined by the width of the hopper. You control the flow rate by adjusting a setting that changes the size of the openings.
Pros:
- Precise application reduces waste and minimizes the risk of over-fertilizing.
- Excellent for small to medium-sized lawns.
- Good for applying seed and weed control products.
Cons:
- Can be slower to use than broadcast spreaders, especially on larger lawns.
- Requires careful overlapping to avoid striping.
- Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Broadcast Spreaders (Rotary Spreaders): Efficiency and Coverage
Broadcast spreaders, also known as rotary spreaders, are designed for covering larger areas quickly and efficiently. They use a spinning disc to scatter fertilizer in a wide arc, allowing you to cover more ground with each pass.
Ideal Use: Broadcast spreaders are best for large, open lawns where speed and efficiency are more important than absolute precision. They are also suitable for applying fertilizer to uneven terrain.
How They Work: Broadcast spreaders have a hopper and a spinning disc (the “broadcaster”). Fertilizer granules fall onto the disc, which then flings them outwards. The spread width and application rate are controlled by adjusting the disc speed and the size of the opening that feeds fertilizer onto the disc.
Pros:
- Covers large areas quickly.
- Efficient for uneven terrain.
- Reduces the risk of striping due to the wide spread pattern.
Cons:
- Less precise than drop spreaders; fertilizer can easily end up on sidewalks or in garden beds.
- More likely to waste fertilizer.
- Can be difficult to control the spread pattern in windy conditions.
Handheld Spreaders: Small Jobs and Spot Treatments
Handheld spreaders are small, portable devices that are ideal for spot treatments and small areas. They are typically crank-operated or battery-powered and dispense fertilizer through a small opening.
Ideal Use: Handheld spreaders are perfect for applying fertilizer to small patches of lawn, flower beds, or vegetable gardens. They are also useful for applying seed or weed control products in hard-to-reach areas.
How They Work: Handheld spreaders typically have a small hopper that holds the fertilizer. A crank or motor turns an agitator that feeds the fertilizer through an opening. The spread pattern is usually a narrow band.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Portable and easy to use.
- Good for spot treatments and small areas.
Cons:
- Limited capacity.
- Can be tiring to use for large areas.
- Not as precise as drop spreaders.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer: Granular vs. Liquid
The type of fertilizer you choose also influences how you use your spreader. Granular and liquid fertilizers require different application methods and have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Granular Fertilizer: Slow-Release and Easy to Apply
Granular fertilizer is the most common type of fertilizer used in home lawns. It comes in the form of small pellets or granules and is applied using a spreader.
Pros:
- Slow-release formulas provide nutrients over a longer period.
- Easy to apply with a spreader.
- Less prone to burning the lawn than liquid fertilizer.
Cons:
- Can take longer to see results.
- Requires watering to dissolve the granules and release the nutrients.
- Can be dusty and messy to handle.
Liquid Fertilizer: Quick Results and Precise Application
Liquid fertilizer is applied as a spray and is absorbed quickly by the grass blades and roots.
Pros:
- Provides quick results.
- Can be applied with a sprayer or hose-end applicator.
- Allows for precise application.
Cons:
- Can burn the lawn if applied incorrectly.
- Requires more frequent applications than granular fertilizer.
- More expensive than granular fertilizer.
This guide focuses primarily on applying granular fertilizer using spreaders.
Preparing Your Lawn and Spreader for Fertilization
Before you start spreading fertilizer, it’s essential to prepare both your lawn and your spreader. This ensures even application and prevents damage to your grass.
Lawn Preparation: Mowing and Watering
- Mow your lawn: Mow your lawn a few days before fertilizing. This removes excess grass blades and allows the fertilizer to reach the soil more easily.
- Water your lawn: Water your lawn thoroughly a day or two before fertilizing. This helps the fertilizer to dissolve and penetrate the soil.
Spreader Preparation: Cleaning and Calibration
- Clean your spreader: Remove any debris or fertilizer residue from the hopper and spreader mechanism. This ensures that the spreader works properly and prevents clogging.
- Calibrate your spreader: This is the most important step. Calibration ensures that you apply the correct amount of fertilizer. Over-application can burn your lawn, while under-application won’t provide the necessary nutrients.
Calibrating Your Spreader: The Key to Success
Calibration involves determining the correct setting on your spreader to apply the recommended amount of fertilizer per square foot.
- Read the fertilizer label: The fertilizer label will provide information on the recommended application rate. This is usually expressed in pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.
- Consult your spreader’s manual: Your spreader’s manual will provide a calibration chart or instructions on how to calibrate the spreader for different fertilizers.
- Perform a test run: Fill the hopper with a small amount of fertilizer. Set the spreader to a low setting and walk a measured distance (e.g., 10 feet) over a tarp or paved area. Weigh the amount of fertilizer dispensed.
- Adjust the setting: Compare the amount of fertilizer dispensed to the recommended application rate. Adjust the setting on your spreader and repeat the test run until you achieve the desired application rate.
Alternatively, use the “catch-and-weigh” method:
- Mark off a known area (e.g., 10 ft x 10 ft = 100 sq ft).
- Based on the fertilizer instructions, calculate the amount of fertilizer needed for that area.
- Set your spreader to a starting point (usually a low setting).
- Walk the marked area with the spreader, aiming for even coverage.
- Collect any remaining fertilizer in the spreader.
- Compare the amount used to the calculated amount. Adjust the setting and repeat until you are dispensing the correct amount.
Applying Fertilizer: Techniques for Even Coverage
Proper application technique is crucial for achieving even fertilizer coverage. Whether you’re using a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader, follow these tips to avoid striping, burning, and wasted product.
Drop Spreader Technique: Overlapping for Uniformity
With a drop spreader, it’s vital to overlap each pass slightly (by a few inches) to avoid leaving untreated strips. Walk at a steady pace and maintain a consistent direction. Turn off the spreader when you reach the end of a pass to prevent over-application at the edges.
Broadcast Spreader Technique: Pattern and Pace
When using a broadcast spreader, walk in a consistent pattern, such as overlapping passes or a grid pattern. Maintain a steady pace and avoid stopping or slowing down, as this can lead to uneven application. Be mindful of windy conditions, as wind can affect the spread pattern.
General Tips for Fertilizer Application
- Start and stop the spreader on a hard surface: This prevents fertilizer from being dropped on the lawn when you are not moving.
- Avoid over-applying fertilizer near water sources: This can contaminate the water supply.
- Clean up any spilled fertilizer immediately: Sweep or vacuum up any fertilizer that spills onto sidewalks or driveways.
- Water your lawn after fertilizing: This helps the fertilizer to dissolve and penetrate the soil.
Post-Fertilization Care: Watering and Maintenance
After you have applied fertilizer, it’s important to water your lawn to help the fertilizer dissolve and penetrate the soil. This also helps to prevent burning.
Watering After Fertilization: Activating the Nutrients
Water your lawn thoroughly immediately after fertilizing. This helps the fertilizer granules dissolve and reach the soil. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of fertilizer and the weather conditions.
Ongoing Lawn Maintenance: Mowing and Watering
Continue to mow and water your lawn regularly to maintain its health and appearance. Avoid mowing too short, as this can stress the grass. Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter problems when using a fertilizer spreader. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Uneven application: This can be caused by an improperly calibrated spreader, inconsistent walking speed, or windy conditions. Recalibrate your spreader, maintain a steady pace, and avoid fertilizing on windy days.
- Burning: This is caused by over-application of fertilizer. Immediately water the affected area to dilute the fertilizer.
- Clogging: This can be caused by damp fertilizer or debris in the spreader. Clean the spreader thoroughly and use dry fertilizer.
- Streaking: With a drop spreader, streaking is often due to gaps between passes. Ensure adequate overlap. With a broadcast spreader, streaks could be caused by an uneven spread pattern or a faulty spreader mechanism.
- Spreader malfunctions: Refer to the spreader’s manual for troubleshooting tips. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.
Using a fertilizer spreader effectively is a critical component of lawn care. By understanding the different types of spreaders, choosing the right fertilizer, calibrating your spreader correctly, and applying fertilizer using proper techniques, you can achieve a lush, green lawn that you can be proud of. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take precautions to protect your lawn and the environment.
What type of fertilizer spreader is best for my lawn?
There are two main types of fertilizer spreaders: broadcast (rotary) and drop spreaders. Broadcast spreaders are ideal for large lawns as they distribute fertilizer in a wide arc, covering a significant area quickly. They are less precise but more efficient for overall coverage, making them suitable when you need to fertilize a large space without worrying about absolute precision.
Drop spreaders, on the other hand, offer more accuracy by dropping fertilizer directly between the wheels. This makes them better for smaller lawns or areas where precision is crucial, such as near flowerbeds or walkways, as they minimize the risk of over-fertilizing sensitive areas. The downside is that they require more passes and can take longer to cover larger lawns.
How do I calibrate my fertilizer spreader?
Calibration is crucial for even fertilizer distribution and prevents over- or under-fertilization. Start by consulting your fertilizer bag for the recommended application rate and then refer to your spreader’s manual for calibration settings. Most spreaders have a dial or lever to adjust the opening size, controlling the amount of fertilizer dispensed.
To fine-tune, perform a test run over a small marked area using a known amount of fertilizer. Weigh the fertilizer before and after the test to determine the application rate and adjust the spreader settings accordingly. Repeat until the application rate matches the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal results.
What is the best time of year to fertilize my lawn?
The best time to fertilize depends largely on your grass type. Cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass generally benefit most from fertilization in the fall and spring, as these are their peak growth periods. Fall fertilization helps prepare the grass for winter and promotes strong root growth, leading to a healthier lawn in the spring.
Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia thrive with fertilization in the late spring and summer when they are actively growing. Avoid fertilizing warm-season grasses too early in the spring before they have fully emerged from dormancy. Consult local experts or your county extension office for the best timing for your specific grass type and climate.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
The frequency of fertilization depends on several factors, including the type of grass, soil conditions, and desired level of maintenance. As a general guideline, lawns typically benefit from fertilization one to four times per year. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, thatch buildup, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
For cool-season grasses, one to two applications in the fall and possibly one in the spring are often sufficient. Warm-season grasses may require more frequent fertilization during their active growing season in the summer. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and tailor your fertilization schedule accordingly for optimal lawn health.
What safety precautions should I take when using a fertilizer spreader?
Safety should always be a priority when handling fertilizers. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection, to prevent skin and eye irritation. Avoid inhaling fertilizer dust by wearing a dust mask, especially when filling the spreader.
Always read and follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Keep children and pets away from the area during application and for at least 24 hours afterward, or as directed on the product label. Store fertilizer in a dry, secure location out of reach of children and pets.
What do I do if I accidentally over-fertilize an area?
Over-fertilizing can damage your lawn, causing “fertilizer burn” which appears as brown or yellow patches. If you accidentally over-fertilize an area, immediately water the affected area thoroughly and deeply to help dilute the fertilizer and flush it through the soil. This can help to prevent or minimize damage to the grass.
If the area is small, you can also try removing the excess fertilizer with a rake or by carefully scooping it up. In severe cases, you may need to re-seed or sod the damaged areas after the excess fertilizer has been removed and the soil has been leached. Avoid fertilizing that area again until the grass has fully recovered.
How do I properly store fertilizer after use?
Proper fertilizer storage is essential for maintaining its effectiveness and preventing environmental contamination. Store unused fertilizer in its original packaging, tightly sealed, to prevent moisture absorption and degradation. Keep it in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Store fertilizer out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or contact. If the original packaging is damaged, transfer the fertilizer to a durable, airtight container labeled clearly with the contents and date. Never store fertilizer near food, feed, or water sources to avoid contamination.