Drop fertilizer spreaders are highly effective tools for precise application, delivering granular products in a straight line directly beneath the hopper to ensure targeted feeding and weed control.
How to Use a Drop Fertilizer Spreader
Using a drop fertilizer spreader correctly is crucial for achieving an evenly fertilized lawn without stripes, burns, or missed spots. This method ensures accurate product distribution, making it ideal for applying lawn food, grass seed, or weed and feed products.
1. Preparation Before You Spread
Thorough preparation is the foundation for a successful application.
Choosing the Right Product
Always select a fertilizer or seed appropriate for your lawn type and the current season. Read the product label carefully for specific application instructions and safety precautions.
Calibrating Your Spreader
Most fertilizer bags will list the correct setting for various spreader models. If not, consult your spreader's manual or the manufacturer's website. This setting determines the rate at which the product is dispensed.
Tip: Perform a small test application on a hard surface to verify the flow rate before treating your lawn.
Safety First
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
- Avoid spreading on windy days, which can blow granules off target, especially with lighter products like grass seed.
- Ensure children and pets are off the lawn during application and follow the product's recommended waiting period before allowing them back.
Pre-Application Lawn Care
For optimal visibility of your path and to ensure proper overlap, it's beneficial to apply a light application of water to your lawn prior to applying the products. This helps highlight the wheel tracks from your previous trips, making them easier to follow. Clear your lawn of any debris, such as leaves or twigs, that could obstruct the spreader or interfere with product distribution.
2. The Application Process
Precision is key when using a drop spreader.
Filling Your Spreader
Always fill your spreader on a hard surface like a driveway or patio, not on your lawn. This prevents accidental spills from creating concentrated patches of fertilizer that can burn your grass. Ensure the hopper's gate is closed before filling.
Starting Your Application
Begin by pushing the spreader along one edge of your lawn, making sure the hopper gate is closed. Once you reach the end of the lawn or the designated starting point for your first pass, open the hopper gate and begin walking at a consistent, steady pace.
The Walking Pattern & Overlap
The most critical aspect of using a drop spreader is maintaining a consistent walking speed and ensuring proper overlap.
- Consistent Speed: Walk at a brisk, natural pace. Changing speeds will result in uneven application—too fast and you'll spread less product, too slow and you'll spread more.
- Precise Overlap: To avoid gaps or double-application, align the line of the wheel of the hopper with the wheel mark on the previous trip. The pre-watering you did will make these wheel marks visible, guiding your next pass perfectly. This ensures that each new pass slightly overlaps the edge of the previous one, providing complete and even coverage.
- Creating a Border: For best results, first make one or two passes around the perimeter of your lawn. This creates a border that you can then fill in.
Turning and Stopping
When you reach the end of a pass and need to turn around or stop, immediately release the trigger or close the hopper gate. This stops the flow of product, preventing accumulation and potential burning in one spot. Lift the spreader slightly when turning to avoid digging into the grass and to ensure no product is dropped during the turn.
Navigating Obstacles
When approaching obstacles like flower beds or sidewalks, close the hopper gate a few feet before reaching them. This prevents fertilizer from being spread into unwanted areas. Reopen the gate once you've passed the obstacle and are back on the lawn.
3. Post-Application Tips
After you've finished spreading, a few steps ensure the longevity of your equipment and the health of your lawn.
Cleaning Your Spreader
Empty any leftover product back into its original bag. Thoroughly clean your spreader with a hose, especially the hopper and the distribution mechanism, to prevent corrosion and product buildup. Allow it to dry completely before storing.
Watering Your Lawn
Many granular fertilizers require watering shortly after application to help them dissolve and move into the soil, preventing turf burn. Always check the product label for specific watering instructions.
Storage
Store leftover fertilizer in a cool, dry place, sealed tightly in its original packaging. Store your clean spreader in a dry location.
Key Considerations for Drop Spreader Use
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Precision | Delivers product directly in a straight line, ideal for exact coverage and avoiding non-target areas like sidewalks or gardens. |
| Coverage Area | Best suited for smaller to medium-sized lawns due to the necessity of precise, overlapping passes. For larger areas, a broadcast spreader might be more efficient, though less precise at edges. |
| Evenness | Provides very even coverage if used correctly, thanks to the controlled drop mechanism and the technique of aligning the wheel of the hopper with the previous wheel mark (especially visible after pre-watering). |
| Product Types | Excellent for all granular products, including fertilizers, seeds, and pest control granules. |
| Learning Curve | Requires a bit more attention to detail regarding overlap and turning compared to broadcast spreaders, but yields superior results when done right. |
By following these steps, you can effectively use a drop fertilizer spreader to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn. For more information on lawn care, consider resources like the EPA's healthy lawn care tips or university extension programs like Clemson Extension's lawn care guides.
