How to Choose a Lawn Spreader

In Georgia, our lawns are a source of pride. Most homeowners spend hours each week working to ensure that theirs is the best it can be. This requires a lot of tools on hand: mowers, hoes, edgers, and more.

One that you might have overlooked when filling your garden shed? A lawn spreader.

If you aren’t working with a lawn service in Cumming, you need to purchase your own. But how can you select the right lawn spreader for your needs?

First, Understand the Differences in Lawn Spreaders

Lawn spreaders aren’t the most complex of tools, but despite this, there is plenty of variety. So, step number one in how to choose a lawn spreader is to know what choices you have.

Broadcast Spreaders

The broadcast spreader gets its name from the way it disperses material. In essence, it “broadcasts” it from the front and sides of the machine. You use the dial to determine how much output you desire and it pulls material from the chamber into the shoot, then pushes it out.

These spreaders can handle a large volume but they aren’t super accurate in where they place their material. In most cases, they are manual tools that you must push. However, they can usually disperse many different materials, including seeds, lawn food, and fertilizer.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders are somewhat similar. Both can distribute multiple types of materials and do so quickly. The difference is where the material exits the machine.

With a drop spreader, the material comes out of the bottom, which allows for greater control over placement. When choosing the right spreader, this level of control could make a big difference to you. However, this precision does mean that it might take longer to get the job done. If you have a lot of property, this may be an issue. Drop spreaders come in both push and pull-behind models.

Handheld Spreaders

A handheld spreader is pretty much what you’d expect: a small, highly portable tool that allows you to walk around spreading the material over your lawn. These typically use the broadcast spread method, shooting material out from the front and sides of the tool. Usually, you turn a crank to disperse material and adjust the flow with a dial.

These spreaders will get the job done and are much cheaper than broadcast or drop spreaders. However, using them on larger lawns can be a pain.

Second, Select Your Lawn Spreader

Broadcast Spreaders Are Best If You…

• Have a large yard
• Want to spread different types of materials
• Need to work quickly but not precisely

Drop Spreaders Are Best If You…

• Have a medium-sized yard
• Want precision is your placement of material
• Are OK with devoting a little more time to getting the job done

Handheld Spreaders Are Best If You…

• Have a small lawn
• Want to work mostly with fine materials like seeds
• Don’t want to invest in an expensive tool

Of course, if you want to enjoy the environmental benefits of a healthy lawn, Absolute Lawn Pros is here for you.