Buying a spreader is a great way to distribute grass seed, weed and feed, and fertilizer onto your lawn. Tossing it by hand is time-consuming, inefficient, and also not safe as some chemicals can be toxic. There are several different fertilizer spreader types to choose from so check out the right one for you.

Make sure you calibrate the mini dumper by following the manufacturer’s specifications for application whether it’s grass seed, fertilizer, or weed and feed. Close the spreader when fertilizer is caustic and can cause rust so to prolong the life expectancy of your spreader.

If you do not spread your power sweeper fertilizer correctly you will get streaking which is alternating dark and light green stripes on your lawn. It’s best to overlap your runs so that no area is missed. After the application, it is important that it is properly watered either by rain or with watering. You need to get the nitrogen off the leaf blades and into the soil. If the instructions tell you not to water you can avoid this step.

Nitrogen leaching into the ground water will cause water contamination. If you have applied it right then the nitrogen should stay exactly where you applied it. A dense turf also minimizes the amount of movement. So make sure you calibrate your spreader and follow the directions.

Each product will require a different calibration and it will even differ depending on the type of lawn fertilizer being used. There are some things to remember when loading and one important tip is to always load on the surface so a spill can cleaned up easily. The best way to spread is to go around the perimeter of the area and work your way in which creates a consistent application. Don’t run back and forth.

A fertilizer spreader is a very handy tool. Now that you know the different types to choose from and how to use them properly you are ready to make your lawn maintenance much easier.