A lawn fertilizer spreader is a great tool for ensuring fertilizer is spread evenly over your grass, helping to promote healthy growth. There are a wide variety of fertilizer spreaders on the market for different budgets, uses (spreading lawn seed, salt or even animal feed) and yard sizes.
So we’ve put together a quick buyer’s guide reviewing some of the top options to make this decision a whole lot easier!
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Best Broadcast Spreader
Best Drop Spreader
Best Hand-Held Spreader
Best Broadcast Fertilizer Spreaders
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. EarthWay 2050P Commercial Broadcast Spreader |  | | |
2. Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader |  | ||
3. Earthway 2150 Commercial 50 Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader |  | ||
4. Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader |  | ||
5. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader |  |
Best Drop Spreaders
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader |  | | |
2. At Home 75 lb. Drop Spreader |  | ||
3. Chapin Professional Rock Salt Drop Spreader |  | ||
4. Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader |  | ||
5. Agri-Fab 100 lb. Drop Spreader |  |
Best Hand Held Fertilizer Spreaders
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. TIPU Hand held Fertilizer Spreader/Shaker | 
| | |
2. Spot Spreader Handheld Spreader Shaker | 
| ||
3. Scotts Whirl Handheld Spreader | 
| ||
4. Scotts Wizz Hand Held Fertilizer Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology | 
| ||
5. Yard Tuff YTF-25SS Shoulder Spreader | 
|
Choosing a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Lawn spreaders are a fairly simple tool. There aren’t a lot of parts. However, it is important to match the right spreader for your scenario.
The right fertilizer spreader for me may not be the best lawn spreader for you, so take some time to consider these important questions before you buy to help guide your decision:
- How large is the area that you are seeding/fertilizing?
- Do you have a lot of trees, scrubs and obstacles to navigate?
- Will you require precision seeding at any point?
- How much time will you spend spreading grass seed or fertilizing your lawn?
Types of Lawn Spreader
There are three main types of lawn spreader – broadcast spreaders, drop spreaders, and hand held spreaders.
1. Broadcast Fertilizer Spreaders
Also known as rotary spreaders, broadcast spreaders are a good option for large yards as they are able to deliver the best coverage. They spray the seed or fertilizer out in a circle around them, which means you can cover more lawn with less effort.
However, they are a bit indiscriminate and uneven with their coverage, so you can easily spread seed and fertilizer where it shouldn’t go.
When spreading grass seed or fertilizer, you may have to overlap your rows as the outer areas won’t get as much seed as the area closest to the spreader.
- They can spread seed or fertilizer out in a wide circumference of 8 feet or more.
- A steady pace and some overlap are needed to get an even distribution.
- Coverage can be affected by the wind.
- Seeds and fertilizer can be spread beyond where you want it, into flowerbeds or onto hard landscaping.
2. Drop Fertilizer Spreaders
Drop spreaders are a great option because they deliver a uniform spread of grass seed or fertilizer and you can often even adjust the drop rate to your specific preferences.
This makes it far more customizable and reliable than a broadcast spreader.
- The rate is very even as you drop seed or grass, but you can get stripes if you miss a row.
- They are better for yards where you have to work around shrubs, trees and flowerbeds.
- They work very well in small yards of 5,000 feet or less.
- Coverage is unaffected by the wind.
- Perfect for fertilizing new sod
Crank or Walk Behind Spreader?
The next difference in lawn spreaders is how the seed is spread and delivered. The two options are a hank crank or a walk behind, as mentioned above.
There are some reasons you may consider both options.
- While hand crank spreaders are budget-friendly, they require a lot of manual labor and effort to use.They spray seed or fertilizer like a broadcast spreader but offer less coverage. As a result, they work best in very small areas.
- If you have a good-sized yard, a walk-behind spreader is the best lawn spreader because they offer sufficient capacity and require no vehicle other than yourself to operate. They’re also very maneuverable.
- For very large yards or homeowners with riding lawn mowers or garden tractors, a tow-behind spreader offers the best results. These are spreaders you attach to a vehicle and offer the biggest coverage and capacity.
Best Broadcast Spreader Reviews
1. EarthWay 2050P Heavy-Duty Walk Behind Commercial Broadcast Spreader
Source: amazon.com
There are many reasons why we felt this was the best lawn spreader on the market! As far as broadcast spreaders go, the EarthWay deluxe is pretty incredible, handling 80 pounds of fertilizer, and not only able to work through large lawns quickly, but accurately too.
More broadcast spreaders share the same design flaw – they all spread indiscriminately in every direction, meaning accidentally fertilizing flower beds, or (worse still) bleached paving.
The EarthWay 80lb spreader has a clever integrated piece of anti-spray kit that prevents it from spraying too far to the right and left, making it far easier to protect your precious borders from being overfed with the wrong stuff.
Because it can handle a huge 80lb of fertilizer, it’s capable of spreading over large estates and parks, so might be overkill for most domestic gardeners.
For commercial gardeners, this is the best broadcast fertilizer spreader you can buy for this kind of budget.
Pros
- Easy to adjust dispersal rate
- Great value
- Covers up to 500m2
- Perfect for commercial and large domestic gardens
- Light weight
- Can be used for seed as well as fertilizer
2. Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
If you have a bigger yard, then you’re going to need maximum load capacity and a durable product – and that means the Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader.
This is a tow-behind spreader, so you attach it directly to your riding lawn mower, tractor or even an ATV. Are you contemplanting if you need to purchase your own riding lawn mower? Read our guide to help you decide when is the best time to purchase a riding lawn mower.
Pros
- With a large capacity, it is ideal for yards of over 1,000 square feet of lawn, as it can hold 130lbs of grass seed (enough for 25,000 square feet).
- It is very durable and well-constructed with 13-inch wheels and a 27-inch wheelbase for additional stability over tougher terrain.
- You can control the settings from your seat without having to get on or off your vehicle. This allows you to control the flow of fertilizer, feed, grass seed or salt, which is a great feature that not every tow-behind lawn spreader has.
- It handles bumpy lawns and rugged ground easily.
- The lawn spreader is easy to assemble and comes with a 3-year warranty as well as great after sales service.
This large-capacity and durable device is the best lawn spreader for larger yards, offering useful features that make this type of yardwork simple and easy!
3. Earthway 2150 Commercial 50 Pound Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
This spreader is very compact and is best-suited to small-to-average sized yards or where you have limited storage space.
- It’s lightweight, so you don’t strain your back
- It can hold 50lbs of seed or fertilizer, so you don’t need to constantly refill it
- It has a great 3-hole drop shut-off system for an even spread
- It is strong and stable, with wide 13-inch pneumatic stud tires, so it’s good over bumpy lawns
Also read: Here is more on how to level bumpy lawns. - It has a screen that shields it from debris, so grass, sticks and eaves don’t get trapped in the mechanism
This spreader is very compact and is best-suited to small-to-average sized yards or where you have limited storage space. In addition to what we’ve listed above, this lawn spreader really offers a lot for a reasonable price.
Pros
- It is great for even applications of lawn seed or fertilizer, using a mechanism that has an adjustable drop rate so you can customize your application.
- The enclosed, heavy-duty gearbox prevents frustrating clogging issues, making the spreader easy to use even in wet conditions.
- The faster you walk, the faster the spreader distributes its load.
- The tires do not go flat and are easy to maneuver as you push it over even or uneven lawn.
- Its weight is well-distributed to ensure it doesn’t tip or unbalance easily.
- You can also adjust it to ensure it’s at the right position for your height, making it comfortable to use.
- Ideal for average to small-sized yards.
It’s a great option as an affordable all-rounder for spreading grass seed, fertilizer or road salt.
4. Scotts Turf Bulder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
If what you want from a lawn spreader is an easy, lightweight, no-nonsense device for a 5,000 square-foot yard, then this is a great option.
Pros
- A lightweight and compact device, this is easy to push around your lawn and easy to store.
- It has large wheels, making it stable even over a lumpy lawn or rocks.
- Despite being a mini lawn spreader, it offers good capacity and holds enough seed or fertilizer for 5,000 square feet of lawn.
- It has great EdgeGuard Technology, which keeps the spread of the product confined to your lawn even when doing edges and flowerbeds. Not many lawn spreaders have this great precision feature, which is really useful when spreading lawn seed!
- It’s hassle-free as it comes pre-calibrates and fully-assembled.
- Although it is already a compact device, the handle also folds down to make storage even simpler.
We love the EdgeGuard Technology and compact size of this lawn spreader, and it’s great capacity delivers real value-for-money, making it one of our best lawn spreaders for 2024.
5. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
Another great lawn spreader from Agri-Fab, this walk-behind lawn spreader offers the same great capacity for large yards of 25,000 square feet without the need to attach it to a riding lawn mower.
Pros
- You get great capacity with this fertilizer spreader, so you don’t have to refill often. It will hold 130lbs of grass seed, fertilizer or salt – enough to cover 25,000 square feet.
- As a push-style lawn spreader weighing 35lbs unloaded, it does require a little effort and fitness to use. However, the wide pneumatic tires and well-designed chassis makes this job a lot easier.
- The spreader has good range, covering 10-12 feet in diameter, making the job nice and quick.
- With a wide hopper, it’s easy to fill with seed, fertilizer, salt or animal feed.
- It’s great quality, offering robust tires with good grip, an enclosed gearbox, a rust-proof hopper and a powder-coated metal frame.
- It’s easy to assemble and you can get additional accessories, including a Pro Kit with shield.
This is a great push-style lawn spreader option for big yards when you don’t have a riding lawn mower. With great coverage and capacity, this yard chore is completed in no time at all, even in a large yard.
Best Drop Spreader Reviews
1. Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader, (Up to 10,000-sq ft)
Scotts is a well-known brand for outdoor tools for good reason – their products always offer great quality and value for money! This lawn spreader is for big yards of up to 10,000 square feet.
Pros
- This lawn spreader uses a 22-inch chute to distribute the seed or fertilizer, which maximizes spread so you can do less walking up and down your yard.
- The hopper is wide, making refilling it easy.
- It has a strong, durable frame to ensure that it’s stable and easy to maneuver.
- It comes fully-assembled, ready to use and recalibrated for a no-hassle experience.
Overall, this is a great option for big yards, minimizing the amount of work you need to do to have a healthy, thriving lawn. It’s maneuverability and size mean it’s great for navigating yards with trees and shrubs.
2. At Home 75 lb. Drop Spreader
Source: amazon.com
The 75lb fertilizer spreader by At Home is undeniably efficient, and unbelievably good value, but how exactly does it work for you?
Well, put simply, you won’t ever go wrong with a drop spreader, and it’s always better to have more than enough space, than not enough space.
At Home is a brand that understands that gardeners need convenience, whether they’re commercial gardeners or not, so the affordable drop spreader from A Home is designed to make effective, professional level gardening more accessible.
Drop spreading essentially just takes the guesswork out of fertilizing and reseeding your lawn. You’ll never run the risk of feeding and fertilizing your flower bed with lawn feed, and drop spreaders work by dropping fertilizer directly on the ground in neat strips.
Pros
Automatic fertilizer dispersion
Great value
Easy to change drop settings
Neat and accurate dispersion
Huge 75lb hopper covering up to 10,000 square ft.
Can be used for seed as well as fertilizer
Cons
- Hard to store
3. Chapin Professional Rock Salt Drop Spreader
Source: amazon.com
Before you stop me and say “but that’s a salt spreader”, just hold on and remember that the purpose of salt spreaders and fertilizer spreaders is identical. It’s to break down clumps and spread evenly across large areas.
The most effective way to do that in the long term is to have tools that can hold up to harsh weather, and cope with often chemically enhanced fertilizers.
The adjustable drop rate, the drive chains, and the easy to maintain stainless steel hopper are more expensive than most fertilizer spreaders, but it makes for a much more durable product.
If you’re near the sea like some of our colleagues here, you’ll always be worrying about your tools' longevity against the harsher climate, so stainless steel tools like this are a no-brainer.
Pros
Automatic fertilizer dispersion
Holds a huge 200lbs
Durable design
Stainless steel hopper
Cons
- Expensive
- Less accurate flow rates
4. Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader
Source: amazon.com
Most domestic gardeners won’t need anything even close to the scale of the commercial drop spreader by Spyker, but for gardeners with big lawns, and large estates to manage, this is the best drop spreader for you.
It’s also a fraction of the price of other drop spreaders with a similar capacity and has incredibly Trudy tyres that are capable of running over uneven ground without affecting the evenness of the spread too much.
Its plastic hopper is weather-resistant, and its powder-coated steel frame holds up to the elements too, so even for parts of the US with harsher climates, this large scale, but basic, drop spreader, should last a lifetime.
Pros
Automatic fertilizer dispersion
Good value
Spreader brake to avoid wasted feed
Huge 120lb hopper capacity
Perfect for commercial gardeners
Works with seed or fertilizer
Cons
Difficult to storeHard to control flow rate
5. Agri-Fab 100 lb. Drop Spreader
Source: amazon.com
Agri-Fab is, like the brand name suggests, an agricultural brand, for they also make domestic tools so are worth looking out for if you’re an at-home gardener.
This drop spreader by Agri-Feb is very much designed for commercial gardeners, and agriculturalists, with a lot of land to cover, and is best used on the back of a quad, or lawn tractor, with steel agitators than gently spike the soil as you move.
Ideally, this spreader should be used behind a ride-on mower, so the lawn gets mowed, aerated, and fed all in one pass.
Pros
Brilliant value
Covers up to 100lb hopper capacity
Ideal for large lawns, and agriculture
Easy to control flow rate
Allows you to mow, seed, aerate, and feed lawns all in a single pass.
Cons
- No suspension, and solid wheels that don’t handle bumpy earth well.
Best Handheld Fertilizer Spreader Reviews
1. TIPU Handheld Fertilizer Spreader/Shaker
This is a handheld, shaker-style spreader that can be used for grass seed, melting ice, or spreading fertilizer, giving you year-round use.
It has 3 differently-size openings to accommodate different volumes and spreading intensity, and the ergonomic handle keeps you comfortable while you work.
It’s compact and portable, and designed with high-quality materials to last a lifetime.
Pros
- For weed control, fertilizer, salt or seeding
- 3 openings for different contents and spreading volume
- Portable and durably made
- Fairly large capacity at 15.47 x 6.97 x 5.35 inches
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Suited to small yards
- Can be a bit bulky for some users
- Coverage is not always even
2. Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker
Another good-quality hand-held fertilizer spreader is this model. It’s durable and made of high-quality materials, so it will last well.
It’s compatible with salt, fertilizer, grass seed, and weed control materials, and it has several opening sizes to accommodate and spread materials easily.
It’s lightweight and the handle is part of the lid itself, making it very strong and secure. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee for peace of mind!
Pros
- Holds 80oz
- Adjustable opening
- Durable, strong design
- Suitable for weed control, fertilizer, salt or seeding
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Suitable for smaller yards
- Coverage is not always even
3. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
This handheld spreader uses a rotary mechanism to spray out seeds, salt, or fertilizer as you walk, making it great for year-round work in smaller yards.
It holds up to 1,500 square feet of Scotts lawn products, which is good capacity for everyday gardening or salting your driveway/paths and is lightweight at 1.15lbs.
The spray design gives a much more even coverage than shaker-type spreaders, and it has an arm support to keep you comfortable as you work.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Even spread
- Suitable for weed control, fertilizer, salt or seeding
- Lightweight with supportive features
- Spread in a 6-foot radius
- Durable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Suited to smaller yards
4. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology
If you want a handheld spreader that does everything possible to make spreading seed, weed control, salt or fertilizer as easy as possible, this is the model for you!
It’s battery-powered, so there’s no need to shake it, operate a crank or anything else. It has a 5-foot broadcast and spreads material very evenly, while the EdgeGuard® technology helps keep the material from intruding into beds, landscaping, or pathways.
Pros
- EdgeGuard® technology blocks material from unwanted spaces
- Suitable for weed control, fertilizer, salt or seeding
- Very even spread
- Battery-powered for easy use
- 23 settings for different materials
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Suitable for yards of 2,500 feet or less
5. Yard Tuff YTF-25SS Shoulder Spreader
This shoulder spreader has a 25lbs capacity, making it ideal for large yards. It’s still lightweight at 3.5lbs and has an adjustable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry, and has an all-metal construction with a heavy-duty canvas bag for durability.
The calibrated flow adjuster allows you to control spread, and assembly is quick and easy. It also comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 25lbs capacity
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Heavy-duty construction
- Calibrated flow adjuster
- Suitable for weed control, fertilizer, salt or seeding
- 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Requires some assembly
Best Broadcast Spreader
Source: amazon.com
Broadcast spreaders have a habit of spraying in every possible direction, covering your shoes, and your paths with fertilizer and weed killer.
The Earthway broadcast spreader has unique patented side spread control, which reduces misplaced fertilizer by around 75%, saving you money, and stress.
On top of that, it’s got such a large hopper that it’s ideal for commercial use, but not out of place for larger gardens either, so for gardeners with good sized lawns to care for, the Earthway is a great investment, saving you time too.
Best Drop Spreader
If you’re looking for a broadcast spreader that gets the job done well, then we recommend the Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader!
Coming from a trusted, industry-leading manufacturer, this broadcast spreader helps make fertilizing your lawn faster and easier, providing an even spread as you walk.
It comes fully assembled, which is a big win for most of us gardeners, and it can easily cover a yard of up to 10,000 square feet, making it practical as well as maneuverable and durable.
Best Hand-Held Fertilizer Spreader
We have to agree that the Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology is the best hand-held spreader on the market!
It’s a little more expensive, but it’s well worth it. It’s battery-powered to make spreading fertilizer, seed, salt, or weed control products easy, and it has an impressive 5-foot broadcast that makes the job go quickly too.
The spreader allows you to block off either side of the chute as you work, helping to prevent materials landing outside of where you want them to be. All you have to do is set the output you want on the dial, then walk up and down your lawn – job done!
How to Use a Lawn Spreader
How to Use a Broadcast Spreader
The most common types of lawn spreaders are the broadcast spreader and the drop spreader. Both of these utilize hoppers with adjustable holes according to how much fertilizer and seed you want to be spread.
Still, they do differ in the operation and working mechanism. As the name implies, a broadcast spreader is meant to broadcast seed or fertilizer products over a wide section of your lawn.
The hopper has a part underneath that allows the spreader to rotate and scatter the products all around. As you might have already expected, coverage isn't precise.
You would need to make several passes to achieve a more uniform coverage.
Get the Right Fertilizer and Measure the Area
First of all, you should get the right fertilizer. Regardless of the grass you have, you can take a safe bet and use an all-purpose fertilizer.
These include a 10-10-10 fertilizer and a 15-15-15 fertilizer, both of which have equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to feed to your grass.
Likewise, you can opt for a slow-release granular fertilizer if you want your lawn well-fed for as long as four months. The next step is to know the total size of your lawn. Calculating this is simple.
You just need to identify both the length and the width of your lawn using a measuring tape. Afterward, you just multiply them together to know the total area.
For example, a lawn with a 10-meter length and a 12-meter width will have a total area of 120 square meters.
Move the Spreader and Fill with Fertilizer or Seed
Next, you should place the broadcast spreader on a sidewalk or on a driveway. The surface of these areas makes it easier to sweep any spilled products.
Now, you should locate the handle and close the flow level near it. As for the amount fertilizer to put in the hopper, you should look at the fertilizer package to see the recommended amount.
Ensure that you are looking at the instructions for using a broadcast spreader, which is sometimes referred to as a rotary spreader. The same goes for when you are reading the instructions on a package of grass seeds.
There should be a distribution rate number ranging from 1 to 10 on the product label. Upon finding it, you should find a rate dial and set it to the recommended number.
Broadcast Over the Lawn
To begin applying the fertilizer, you should place the broadcast spreader a couple of feet from the edge. The fertilizer will be spread at the side of the spreader, so you shouldn't be at the edge.
Now, you must push the handle to release the fertilizer as you slowly and steadily walk on your lawn. Once you are back near the edge, you should release the handle.
However, the operation is not yet over. You must move the broadcast spreader a foot from its first starting point. Like with your first pass, you just have to move on your lawn in a straight line.
What this second pass does is to cover any areas that might not have received enough fertilizer in the first pass. There will be a slight overlap, but this is better than leaving other sections of your lawn without fertilizer.
Lastly, don't forget to irrigate your lawn using a hose or a sprinkler. Likewise, you must rinse away any remaining fertilizer in the spreader using a hose.
Here is a video of using a broadcast spreader:
How to Use a Drop Spreader
The one major difference between a drop spreader and a broadcast spreader is that the former has greater precision. As its name implies, it simply drops the fertilizer or seeds down your lawn instead of scattering them.
Thus, it utilizes gravity so that the products land accurately in rows with a straight pass.
Read the Package and Set the Dial
Similar to using a broadcast spreader, you must look at the fertilizer or seed package to see the instructions. Ensure that you are looking at the settings for a drop spreader (not the rotary type). There should be a rate dial indicated.
Disengage the Spreader and Fill the Hopper
To prevent any accidents, it is best to keep the machine disengaged. At this point, just fill the hopper of the drop spreader with the necessary amount of fertilizer or seed.
You can opt not to fill the hopper since you can always add more along the way. What we don't recommend is overfilling it to the point that spills occur.
Operate on Your Lawn
Now, you must place your drop spreader just before the edge of your lawn. Remember to squeeze or press the lever to keep it engaged.
With a steady pace, walk around your lawn to spread the seeds or fertilizer. Once you reach the end point, you must disengage the spreader and move it a bit.
In particular, you should align the drop area where the wheels of the spreader made contact with. You see, only the area between the wheels get covered with seed or fertilizer.
By moving the spreader this way for the second pass, the uncovered areas will also get enough coverage as you walk in straight lines.
Clean the Spreader
After using the spreader, you could lift it to place any of the unused seed or fertilizer back to the package. Also, you must remove any lawn care products that got stuck by rinsing the drop spreader.
Similarly, you should use a spray lubricant to stop the metal parts from developing rust. Both types of lawn spreaders have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Broadcast spreaders will cover a wide area quickly. On the other hand, drop spreaders don't scatter the seeds or fertilizer but it will cover your lawn evenly and accurately.
Just always remember to use them to the recommended settings and to clean them properly after every operation.
Wrapping Up Our Best Lawn Spreader Guide
Grass seed and fertilizer spreaders take a lot of the hard work out of growing and maintain a beautiful lawn. With the right fertilizer spreader, you can ensure even, lush growth and a lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood!
Remember, a broadcast spreader is for large yards and can be uneven, while a drop spreader delivers the most even results and is easy to use in yards with lots of trees and shrubs.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best lawn fertilizer spreaders and found it useful!
Ann thanks for the nice reviews. My favorite one is Turf Builder one.
Hi Ann,
I have recently buy “Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader” from amazon.
This is giving me amazing service!
Thanks for your review.