Basking in the serenity and beauty of a well-maintained garden/lawn is easy. What’s really difficult and time-consuming is the maintenance of that lushness which calls for regular fertilizing, seeding and weeding of the garden.
This unappealing job is made easier with the introduction of fertilizer spreaders.
A good fertilizer spreader can hold a considerable amount of fertilizer or other lawn care material in a durably built body to cover a large section in a single round.
Its wide spread pattern will allow you to evenly spread the material across the garden to avoid burnt patches. No matter how big or small your garden is, there’s always a model for your needs that will not let your hands and feet get fatigued while treating the entire length of the area.
Best Lawn Fertilizer Spreader Reviews in [2023]
In this article we’ve put together a list of some best fertilizer spreaders with all their pluses and minuses to let you know what you’ll be investing in. With the help of buyer’s guide, given at the bottom, you’ll be able to easily isolate the model perfect for your lawn’s requirements.
1. Scotts Elite Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
If it says elite, then there’s no doubt in its being belonging to the elite class of fertilizer spreaders. This simple means you’ll get unrivalled accuracy and efficiency with this unit.
This unit employs double rotor technology to shoot the fertilizer at large range of up to 6ft with absolute accuracy – saving you time and energy. The best part is that it comes with an impressive 20,000 sq.ft. capacity of holding fertilizer as well as grass seed, salt and ice-melt. You can start your lawn’s upkeep drive in any season and weather condition because this will not leave you stranded with its solid construction. No matter how big area you have to cover, your job will be done impeccably in no time thanks to its 20% faster application.
It even comes with a smartphone holder so you can securely place your phone and even play some music while working on your lawn’s maintenance. Like accuracy and speed, its maneuverability is also worth-applauding. Despite the sturdy long-lasting built, this spreader is pleasantly lightweight. Moving it around further becomes a piece of cake because it features foam-filled tires that will never go flat no matter how uneven or rough the terrain is. With ergonomic handle, directing it to all corners of your large lawn is a breeze.
In the end, assembling it will barely take a few minutes and then it’s a smooth sailing all the way.
Pros
- 6ft spread pattern with unmatchable accuracy.
- Hopper can hold lawn product of up to 20,000 sq.ft.
- Easy and faster application.
- Ergonomic handle and foam-filled wheels for any rough terrain.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Might face some quality issues.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a highly accurate and efficient broadcast spreader (rotary spreader) that gives you faster application over a large area, then investing in this will be a treat – also because it’s very affordable.
2. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
You can enter a world of serenity anytime with this broadcast spreader around. Its heavy-duty walk-in design with 130lbs (25,000 sq. ft.) fertilizer capacity makes it a perfect match for homeowners – with half an acre lawn or garden.
For a homeowner its large rustproof large hopper and enclosed gearbox will be the most appealing factor as both substantially enhance the unit’s lifespan. Besides, it’s large pneumatic wheels add more charm to it because of their ability to give you easy usage in any season. Whether its seeding in spring, applying grub control in early summer, fertilizing during summer, or applying ice melt in winter, this will give you as smooth and trouble-free performance as a stroll in the garden.
Controlling the flow is also easy with its steel rod that enables user to open and close the unit without any hindrance while using it. What really seals the deal is its large spread pattern of 10-12 ft. which ensures that your job is finished as quickly as possible with no chunk of land missed. With just a minor assembling of parts, it will be ready for use. All in all, you can have a lush garden/lawn without breaking a sweat as well as bank.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Maximum capacity of 130lbs.
- Easy to use.
- Large pneumatic tires for easy use in any season.
- Easy flow control with spread pattern of 10-12 ft.
Cons
- Assembling takes a bit time and effort.
Final Verdict:
Maintaining a lush garden/lawn or verdure in any season becomes very easy with this durable push broadcast spreader because of its easy flow control and large spread pattern, that can fertilize the concerned area quickly and efficiently.
3. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Like a magician’s bag, Scotts’ collection also has in store solution for every size of lawn/garden – be it small, medium-sized or larger than 1 acre. This hand-powered spreader ensures that despite the small size of your lawn, it will still depict a picture of professional-looking big garden.
The highlight of this fertilizer is that it comes fully assembled. Just unbox the unit and start showering your garden/yard with the care that it’s been waiting for to look alive again. Besides, it’s not restricted to seasonal use, rather you can take care of the greenery of your lawn all year-round. Whether it’s weeding, seeding, fertilizing, or applying ice melt during winter, this will not shy away from giving you efficient performance.
Coming with 1,500 sq. ft. capacity, every inch of your garden will be replenished with a single fill. Hand-powered spreaders are a put off for many gardeners because of the fatigue they cause while using, but you’ll not feel even an ounce of weariness because its adjustable arm support offers maximum comfort and ease.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- 1500 sq. ft. capacity is ideal for treating small lawn.
- Adjustable arm support for comfort.
- Easy and even spread.
Cons
- Not any
Final Verdict:
Treating your small lawn, in any season, with this hand-help spreader becomes very easy because of its lightweight design and adjustable arm support that allow you to smoothly and evenly spread fertilizer, weed control material, or ice melt in every corner of your lawn.
4. Yard Commander Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
A dull looking lawn isn’t immutable. All it takes is to have a reliable fertilizer spreader like this one by Yard Commander to breathe back life into your yard/garden. It comes with a large rustproof hopper with rain cover and a heavy duty metal gear to ensure that the unit is safe from wear and tear, not to mention suitable for use in any weather condition.
With a hefty capacity of 125lbs (25,000 sq. ft.), it can easily cover a large area without constant refilling. No need to feel weary just by the thought of fertilizing your 1-acre or larger garden/yard because this will not let you spend hours on end to accomplish the task. With the ability to shoot the material up to 12-ft range, it takes almost half the time than you actually anticipated to cover all the area efficiently.
Its 12-inch pneumatic tires allow user to smoothly glide it over any terrain. The best part is that it can be towed to your vehicle for more convenient and quick uniform spreading over a large area. Whether its spreading fertilizer, seed, ice melt, or sand, it’s all a cinch for it.
Pros
- Wear-resistant durable construction.
- Rain cover and screen for rainy day.
- 12 ft. spread width.
- Total capacity of 25,000 sq. ft.
- 12-inch pneumatic tires for all season use on any terrain.
- Can be towed to vehicle for faster application.
Cons
- Might face trouble with flow rate setting.
Final Verdict:
If you have a large garden/yard that needs to be fertilized, then this broadcast fertilizer spreader can be easily hooked to your vehicle to ensure that you spread material over large area uniformly in least amount of time.
5. Chapin International 8620B Tow Behind Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Looking after a yellowed and dull garden, larger than 1-acre, is a daunting task. In such catch-22 situation this tow behind spreader by Chapin International comes like a helping hand from above. This heavy duty design with oil impregnated bronze ball bearings, to reduce friction, gives you wear-resistant long-lasting unit.
With a hearty 150lbs capacity, it’s a perfect solution for covering large piece of land spread on acres. The best part, that without any doubt gives it an edge over many other broadcast spreaders, is its dual impeller that automatically stops spreading when you and your vehicle stop. Now, there’s no need to gripe about lawn burns or wastage of fertilizer due to accidental spills.
Its full of surprises. Another highlight of the model is its easy-to-set gate with 11 adjustment settings to get your desired application for efficient results. Its 14-inch wide pneumatic tires with rugged built will tread on any terrain without getting stuck. Just hook it to your vehicle or lawn mower, and with your desired application setting acres of land will be fertilized without any delay.
However, you should know that it’s not compatible with lime products like pelletized lime or Agri lime etc. With that being said, spreading fertilizer, grass seed, seed, weed and other such materials is a cinch for it.
Pros
- Heavy duty wear-resistant construction for professional use.
- Trailer hitch for hooking with vehicle.
- Total capacity of 150lbs.
- Dual impeller automatically shuts off the spread when not in motion.
- 11 adjustment settings for efficient application.
- 14-inch sturdy tires.
Cons
- Not suitable for lime products.
Final Verdict:
If you can afford to put a dent in your pocket, then spending on this heavy duty tow behind spreader will be worth every penny because of its whopping capacity to fertilize, feed or weed acres of land quickly and efficiently – without wasting any material.
6. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Compiling a list of best fertilizer spreaders is incomplete without Scotts’ products. This model is another example of its superior craftsmanship. Purchasing this hand-held spreader means you can have a reliable spreader at hand without breaking a bank.
You can use spreader for fertilizing, applying ice melt, seeding, or weed killing etc. to make your lawn look lush and beautiful all year round. It holds up to 2500 sq. ft. lawn care product which is sufficient for a small garden.
It is powered by batteries which means it doesn’t require much manpower to evenly spread the material across your lawn. Also, its exclusive Edge Guard – to prevent spreading to non-lawn areas – and HandyLock Technologies make it further convenient to uniformly spread up to 5 ft. radius. In the presence of 23 power settings, getting unrivalled accurate application for any landscape need is a game for this unit. More impressive is the fact that despite many settings, its use is as simple as it can get.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Easy to use.
- Battery powered for uniform spread.
- Holds up to 2500 sq. ft. of lawn care product.
- 23 power settings for unbeatable accuracy.
- Cheaply-priced.
Cons
- Not suitable for rock salt or calcium chloride.
- Plastic housing.
Final Verdict:
In an inexpensive price you’ll get a reliable hand-held spreader that will allow you to make your garden look appealing all year round without exerting extra effort.
7. Agri-Fab 45-0463 Tow Behind Broadcast Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Agri-Fab is famous for giving top-notch products and this broadcast spreader is a befitting illustration of its superior products. This tow behind spreader is ideal for large area of land up to 25000 sq. ft. Featuring a large hopper, it can hold total of 130lbs. of fertilizer or any other lawn care product. This simply means you’re equipped to cover a large area at once without the need of refilling after every once in a while.
Most compelling factor is that you’ll be able to evenly spread the material with unmatchable accuracy as it employs a high quality rod linked on-off control for precision. So, feel relieved because it will always deliver the right amount of material on every use. Enclosed gear box further ensures the even spread.
Moreover, tapered nature of the gear box promises long-lasting built. Its relatively large pneumatic tires offer smooth gliding over any surface whenever you’re spreading manure. And the fact that it comes with a wide spread width of up to 10 ft. means not only large acreage will be covered quickly but also there will be no patch of land missed. Since its industrial grade unit therefore, covering the targeted area effectively, accurately and speedily is a dead giveaway.
Pros
- Long-lasting unit.
- Large hopper with 130lbs. capacity.
- Ideal for large acreage of up to 25,000 sq.ft.
- 10 ft. spread width.
- Easy to use and maneuver.
Cons
- You might face some problems with the gears.
Final Verdict:
This industrial grade broadcast spreader gives you excellent value for money with its hefty capacity and unbeatable accuracy of evenly spreading any manure on your large garden. The long-lasting construction of this unit ensures that it will be readily available for all year round use for many years.
8. Earthway 2150 Walk-Behind Broadcast Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Earthway asks user to have faith in its products and let it to do the magic. Tiresome task of looking after a big garden/lawn spread on thousands of square feet will become a piece of cake with a powerful unit like this 2150 walk-behind broadcast spreader.
This 50-pound spreader employs patented three-hole drop system, Ev-N-Spred, to ensure uniform fertilization all across the targeted land. To let you have firsthand experience of comfort and versatility at its best, it incorporates adjustable handle with three position settings for comfort, and a speed adjustment control on the handle to speed up or slow the pace for more efficient application.
Another striking feature is its enclosed heavy duty gear box. This simply means that unlike other broadcast spreaders, this unit will not become clogged or blocked even when used in moist or damp conditions. Imagine how quickly and comfortably you’ll finish the job with so much ease and comfort at hand.
This unit is built to last for years which is evident from its rustproof poly hopper and load bearing capacity of 175-pounds. In addition, its large pneumatic tires not only evenly distribute weight for maximum maneuverability but also will never flatten even if you roll them on inclined or uneven turf.
Pros
- High quality built in affordable price.
- Highly durable with 175-pound weight bearing capacity.
- Ideal for even spreading on large area.
- Adjustable handle with speed adjustment for effective application.
- Fully enclosed gear box to prevent clogging and blocking.
- Large pneumatic tires for maximum maneuverability on any terrain.
Cons
- Assembling is a little complicated.
Final Verdict:
Although this is commercial grade broadcast spreader but it comes with a reasonable price tag and delivers top-notch fertilizer spreading without clogging – even when using on moist area. The durability of the model also makes it worth the money.
9. Solo 421 Chest-mount Portable Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
A product by Solo Inc. means you’ll get a durable unit with an admirable performance without putting a hole in your pocket. This portable spreader is a proof that Solo doesn’t make scam advertisements, it actually delivers on its promise.
It’s not just a regular fertilizer spreader, rather its hiding many talents in a small portable body. It is ideal for spreading fertilizers; insecticides; ice melts; seeds; oil absorbents, deer plotting, as well as treating parking lot islands.
Dealing with fertilizers and pesticides is dangerous, but this spreader assures safety of both, yours as well as unit’s. Its fully enclosed gear box is corrosion-resistant and large hopper comes with a 20lbs capacity and a protective cap to keep the operator shielded from chemicals and dust. Furthermore, its cross-shoulder strap will keep the burden off your hands to prevent them from getting fatigued.
More impressive is the wide opening of the hopper that makes its filling and cleaning a breeze for user. If you still feel this isn’t enough convenience, then the presence of fingertip lever that allows user to control the direction and volume of spray according to the landscape and needs will definitely make up your mind. All in all, maintaining a lush garden to bask in its beauty any time is just a few bucks away.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant fully enclosed gear box.
- User-friendly.
- capacity hopper with wide opening.
- Perfect for medium to large garden/lawn.
- Fingertip lever for controlling direction and volume.
- Multi-talented.
Cons
- No significant drawback.
Final Verdict:
This portable model is ideal for those gardeners who have large estates to maintain. In an inexpensive price you get a highly durable, efficient and safe-to-use fertilizer spreader.
10. Spyker Pro-Series Tow-Behind Spreader, P30-17520
One look at this tow-behind spreader tells you that nothing can stand in your way of getting a lush land no matter how large area you need to treat. In a very reasonable price you’ll get a top-notch unit.
You can never go wrong in durability with a Spyker spreader. This one comes with a 1 1/8-inch powder-coated frame and an enclosed metal gear system to give you unit that will last for life. Its high capacity hopper is specifically designed to take on lengthy projects like managing large lawns, golf courses or sports fields. 175lbs. is ample capacity to finish job in a single go – without constant refilling.
With a range of 8-12 ft. adjustable distribution pattern and on/off lever for controlling the flow of material means you are in full control while seated in your garden/lawn tractor. No area or corner will be left untreated. Moreover, featuring sturdy tires will make sure the unit offers maximum mobility no matter how rugged or uneven the turf is. Also, single port opening attempts at making its use further easier.
Pros
- Commercial grade high quality spreader.
- Affordable price.
- hopper capacity.
- 8-12 ft. spreading width with adjustment for even distribution.
- Ideal for treating large areas and commercial properties.
- Easy to use and maneuver on any terrain.
Cons
- Relatively higher price.
- Lever for controlling the flow might give some trouble.
Final Verdict:
This commercial-grade tow-behind spreader is a befitting option for arduous task like managing large acres of land effectively and efficiently. In a slightly higher price, you get a unit that will last for years.
How to Choose a Best Lawn Fertilizer Spreader in 2023?
Fertilizer spreaders come in different styles and price ranges which means you need to observe every nook and cranny to know which model will serve your purpose best. This buyer’s guide briefly mentions some key factors that will help you make a purchase according to your garden’s needs.
Type:
Fertilizer spreaders are of three types:
· Hand-Held Spreader:
This type of fertilizer spreader comes with a limited capacity sufficient for a small lawn, a balcony garden or indoor pot plants. Its lightweight and can be easily controlled.
· Drop Spreader:
This category of fertilizer spreader is suitable for medium-sized residential gardens or farming fields. It is compatible with tough debris or mulch or spreading of granular products across the land under treatment.
· Broadcast Spreader:
This type is specifically designed to cover vast areas. It is suitable for spreading fertilizer, seeds, weed killers, ice melt etc. over large areas like farming fields, big gardens, golf fields and other commercial landscapes. This offers uniform spreading with a wide spread pattern. Some broadcast spreaders call for manual pushing while others can be hooked to a tractor or lawn mower.
You can pick a model depending on the size of the area that needs to be maintained and fertilized.
Holding Capacity:
This factor is also closely related to the type and size of the land that you’re going to treat. Capacity hints at the amount of material the fertilizer spreader can hold in its reservoir/hopper. For small lawns you don’t need high capacity hoppers. A small hand-held spreader with around 2000-2500 sq. ft. capacity will do just fine. On the other hand, for large acreage broadcast spreaders come with hearty capacity of 20,000 sq. ft. and above. This will allow user to cover large area at once without frequent need of refilling the unit.
Durability:
Fertilizers and pesticides are harsh materials that can easily damage the unit made of flimsy plastic. It is better to pick that model which is made of stainless steel. It will not only provide a lasting built but also keep you safe.
Precision:
Always check the precision of any fertilizer spreader before buying it. A fertilizer spreader that evenly and accurately distributes the material will eliminate the chances of burnt lawns – due to over fertilizing. Many reliable units like Earthway 2150 Broadcast Spreader come with spread pattern adjustments for precise application.
Ergonomics & Maneuverability:
If you are purchasing a hand-held fertilizer spreader, then go for a model that comes with a smooth grip handle and shoulder strap for even distribution of weight to allow convenient operation. On the other hand, while picking a drop or broadcast spreader make sure that it has an anti-slip handle and sturdy wheels to help you easily maneuver it on any terrain.
Price:
Picking a cheaply-priced model will cost you more money in the long run. It’s wise to spend more upfront to stay relieved for many years. There are many models that offer reliable built and performance in an affordable price range. Selecting a unit like Agri-Fab 45-0462 Broadcast Spreader will give you excellent value for money.
Conclusion
By now you’ll have a clear picture of how a fertilizer spreader works to make arduous job of maintaining lushness and growth of your garden easy. Picking a right model for your garden’s needs will allow you to see your lawn/farm blooming all year round. If you take help from the given buyer’s guide, you’ll be in a better position to select a unit that will serve your needs best.