The Best Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders
A beautiful yard can be time-consuming to achieve and maintain.
Therefore, people use lawn fertilizers to help spread the fertilizer quick and even.
Even though if you are very precise, manual spreading always results in less even grass.
Some lawn fertilizers can be moved manually, while others are designed to be hooked up on a tractor.
The lawn fertilizers differ in size most, and the appropriate size depends on the yard size.
To get the best one, you should check some reviews and compare products with similar specifications.
Here is our list of top ten lawn fertilizers.
Highest Rated Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Agri-Fab 45-0309 10-Gallon Spiker/Seeder/Spreader
- 2Earthway 2150 Commercial 50-Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
- 3Agri-Fab 45-0288 175-Pound Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
- 4Earthway 2050P Estate 80-Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
- 5Buyers Products ATVS100 ATV All-Purpose Broadcast Spreader
- 6Brinly BS36BH Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
- 7Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
- 8Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
- 9Chapin 8701B Garden Push Seeder
- 10Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
1
Agri-Fab 45-0309 10-Gallon Spiker/Seeder/Spreader
This unit from Agri-fab is a 3in1 – it spreads, spikes and spreads the products.
The capacity is 10 gallons or 100 pounds of dry product.
The item covers around 17,500-Square feet.
It comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy operation
- Even coverage
- Straightforward instructions
Cons
- To go deeper, you might need to add some weight
- Somewhat complex assembly
Jake's TakeThis machine will save you time for spiking and fertilizing.
It is sturdy and easy to use.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Earthway 2150 Commercial 50-Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
This fertilizer from Earhtway features a three-hole drop off system for even spreading pattern.
The design is convenient, so it cannot be clogged even when used with damp products.
The construction has a diamond chassis and steel “T” bar adjustable handle.
The capacity is 50 pounds of a poly hopper and 175-pound load-bearing frame capacity.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Rust-proof poly rims
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- Complex assembly
Jake's TakeTo get this unit assembled, you will need to follow the instruction carefully.
On the other hand, the fertilizer is easy to use and works for medium size yards.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Agri-Fab 45-0288 175-Pound Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
This Agri-Fab spreader is a behind-drop type with the 17-gallons and 175-pounds capacity.
It has a 42-inch controlled spread width.
The product has a universal hitch and simple controls with the on&off button.
The construction is made of a poly hopper and spreader plate and the steel agitator is galvanized.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Pneumatic tires
- Cover up to 1 acre
- Suitable for year-round use
Cons
- Hard to assemble
Jake's TakeIf you don’t have issues with assembling things, this one will be great for you.
However, if you are not the best with it, you might want to watch a video instruction or call someone to help you.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Earthway 2050P Estate 80-Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
This fertilizer from Earhways has a capacity of 80 pounds.
It is a walk-behind type, with a 3-hole drop system for even product distribution.
The fertilizer features a heavy-duty frame with 10″ high-flotation pneumatic tires.
The unit is great for medium size areas.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strong construction
Cons
- Non-adjustable handle
Jake's TakeThis spreader provides even distribution.
Also, you don’t have to worry about the product being stuck in the holes.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Buyers Products ATVS100 ATV All-Purpose Broadcast Spreader
This all-purpose spreader can be mounted to the existing rear utility rack on your ATV.
The poly hopper is durable and has 100 pounds capacity.
It is suitable for seed, feed or fertilizer.
The rain cover is useful to protect the material from weather conditions.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Multi-purpose product
- Simple mounting
- Comes with a rain cover
Cons
- Different performance with different materials
Jake's TakeThis all-purpose spreader has a large capacity.
It spreads the fertilizer quickly and the rain cover is a useful touch.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Brinly BS36BH Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
This tow-behind spreader from Brinly is made of durable polyethylene.
It provides a wide-spreading pattern with a 6:1 ratio.
You can pick the capacity that suits your yards – 125 pounds or 175 pounds.
The wheels improve mobility.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Straightforward use
- Wide spreading pattern
Cons
- A bit heavier
Jake's TakeWith the wide pattern, this spreader will get the work done quicker.
It is suitable for granular seed, fertilizer, ice melt, and other lawn chemicals.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
This Agri-Fab spreader has a hooper with 130 pounds capacity.
It saves time on refiling when working on larger yards.
The design of the spreader is convenient for rough terrain due to large tires with wide wheelbase.
The spreader comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Large capacity
- Stable base
- Suitable for many terrain types
Cons
- Protective cover purchased separately
Jake's TakeThis compact spreader is a time-saving option for working on a larger field.
It provides even material distribution and is easy to work with on all grounds.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
This Scotts Turf Builder is compact but provides high spreading performance.
The capacity is up to 5,000 square feet.
The smart design features blocking on the right side panels, for precise spreading and less product waste.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Even distribution of grass seed
- Lightweight
Cons
- Spreader dial on the bucket
Jake's TakeWhen you get used to spreader dial on the bucket, it will get easier to work with this spreader.
It is smaller, but it gets the work done efficiently.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Chapin 8701B Garden Push Seeder
This small spreader from Chapin International is a budget-friendly option for smaller yards and gardens.
It has a long-lasting powder-coated steel frame and a long handle with cushions.
The unit is suitable for 20 seed types due to 6 interchangeable seed plates.
It is easy to push across uneven terrain.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile product
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for larger areas
Jake's TakeThis Chapin International spreader works excellent with sunflower seeds, cucumber seeds, corn, and leafy green seeds.
If you need something for your smaller garden, this one is for you.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
This handy Scotts Turf Builder spreader uses special EdgeGuard technology for precise spreading.
It keeps the product away from sidewalks and driveways, maintaining zero product waste.
The spreader comes fully assembled.
The handle can be folded for easier storage.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Zero-product waste
- No assembly
- Foldable handle
Cons
- Takes a bit more time to finish the yard
Jake's TakeIf you have been worrying about assembly, make sure to check this product from Scotts Turf Builder.
It is lightweight, easy to use and precise.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders Buying Guide
If you want to take care of your garden or lawn, then you have probably considered getting a fertilizer spreader.
Lawn spreaders or fertilizer spreaders are handy units, no matter how large your garden or yard is.
There are various types and models, purposes, designs, and price tags.
Getting your first fertilizer spreader may need a bit of research.
If you get the spreader that is too big or too small and doesn’t have suitable features for your needs, you will make things even worse.
Our buying guide is here to help you to determine the type, the capacity, the material, and the ultimate design features that your ideal fertilizer spreader should have.
Keep reading if you want to know a bit more about garden devices – lawn fertilizer spreaders.
What is a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader?
If you have never owned one, let’s quickly go through the fundamental characteristics and purpose of a fertilizer spreader.
A fertilizer spreader has something like a bin or a hopper in which you place the material.
In most cases, the bin holds the seed.
As you move the spreader, on one or the other way, it distributes the seed across the surface in openings or opening series.
The main purpose of the fertilizer spreader is to save you time from spreading the seed manually and to ensure even distribution.
When you spread the seed by hand, you can be precise but, the machine will do it quicker, and better.
Some spreaders also prevent material waste.
Style of Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders
There are three main types of spreaders.
The three categories feature similar operation, use, and purpose.
However, we may say that there is one, an additional category with narrow use.
Walk-Behind Spreader
A walk-behind spreader or a push-spreader usually has two wheels and a hopper.
The spreading mechanism depends on the rotation of the wheels.
As you push it, walking behind and holding the unit for handles, the wheels rotate and the mechanism releases the seed.
When you stop, the machine stops as well.
They are rather easy to use and suitable for covering the entire lawn with the material.
Tow-Behind Spreader
The tow-behind spreader or pull-behind spreader is designed for larger areas.
The mechanism is similar, but they can hold better capacity.
You attached it at the backside of your motor vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
As the vehicle moves, it moves the spreader and it dispenses the material onto the yard.
You can use some models of tow-behind spreader with solid seed or with an aerating part.
Hand-Held Spreader
The hand-held lawn fertilizer spreader is a small and compact model and has a crank.
It is suitable for smaller yards and personal use.
Ice-Melt Spreader
Even though you can use salt with some of the regular fertilizer spreaders to dispense it during the winter, there are models specially designed for that purpose.
They can spread the salt evenly and quickly and need no maintenance at all.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Now when you know the different types of fertilizer spreaders, let’s talk about other factors aspects of it.
Those include the material, the area size, the spreading method, etc.
Spreading Method
There are two main spreading methods all spreaders feature.
Those are drop spreading and broadcast spreading.
Drop spreader distributes the material in a pattern, evenly within the width of a hopper.
It operates slower, and there are spreaders with the patterns of various wide.
You have to be precise as well, to follow the pattern and started row if you want to prevent striping.
Striping is the result of non-equal seed in the lawn and the gaps.
On the other hand, the broadcast spreader cannot spread the material in straight lines, and it can simply scatter the material over a larger surface.
You don’t have the control, like with the drop spreader.
Therefore, it can result in the material in the wrong place – neighbor area, road, etc.
We recommend getting a broadcast spreader with a guarding mechanism.
The guarding mechanism is on the sides, and it prevents the material to go on the wrong places.
So you can easily work around edges of your lawn or flowers row without worrying that the grass seed will end up in the flowers.
Also, sometimes to get even distribution, you will have to go over some areas a few times.
The Yard Size
For practical reasons, the area is a significant factor when choosing a suitable spreader.
For example, if you have a larger area to cover you will have better results with the broadcaster.
You will finish the job sooner and you can pick the tow-behind type.
Attach it to your ATV and it is a simple way to fertilize your lawn.
For practical reasons, we recommend a drop spreader for the smaller surface.
Hand-held spreaders can give you the control.
However, you can pay attention to capacity.
Even though you have a smaller surface to cover, you wouldn’t want to fill the hopper every few minutes.
The Hopper Material
The two most common materials for hoppers are steel and poly.
Steel hoppers are very durable and can have better-holding capacity.
On the other hand, a poly hopper is a budget-friendly choice with high performance as well.
Hoppers Capacity
The capacity of a hopper determines how many times you have to refill it.
For example, a capacity of 80 pounds is decent and you use it for yards of all size.
However, if you have a smaller lawn to cover with the grass seed, you don’t have to buy such a large spreader.
Something more compact will work for you.
Useful Tips
When getting a spreader, it is easy to look over a few things.
For example, if you get a hand-held spreader, make sure it has padded handles.
Therefore, you won’t get calluses after first use.
Also, the handle should be adjustable to fit people with different heights.
Also, don’t forget to find the one with a stable and sturdy frame.
Ideally, it should be a stainless steel frame, but powder coating can do the work for the smaller capacity spreaders.
Conclusion
Lawn fertilizer spreaders come in different styles, spreading method and capacity.
Their purpose is to ease your work and save you time on manually fertilizing the lawn.
There are three main styles of spreaders and two spreading methods.
The one that is ideal for you, depends on your needs and area.
For example, broadcast spreaders in a tow-behind style will be suitable for large gardens.
However, it is less precise.
On the other hand, hand-held drop spreader can be sufficient and excellent choice for smaller lawns.
Before you decide, which spreader to get, read a few reviews to learn more about the performance of the unit.
What's your take on Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
