Lawn spreaders are essential for homeowners who want to keep their lawns healthy and green. Choosing one of the best lawn spreader models below will make applying seed or fertilizer over your lawn simple, accurate, and easy to manage while providing the proper amount of fertilizer for each application.
There are a lot of fertilizer spreaders on the market, and choosing one just right for your needs is important. Some factors to consider include the size of your lawn, the type of fertilizer you use, and your budget.
In this article, we’ll look at the best push broadcast spreaders on the market and help you choose the right one for your home. We’ll also provide tips on using a fertilizer spreader and avoiding common mistakes.
So whether you have a small or large lawn, we invite you to learn more about the best fertilizer spreaders to buy.
Quick Look at the 10 Best Lawn Spreaders:
- Scotts Elite Best Broadcast Spreader
- Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
- Earthway Even Spread 2150 Commercial Spreader
- Agri-Fab SmartSpreader 130 lb. Large Push Spreader
- Agri-Fab 45-0463, 130-Pound Tow Behind Spreader
- Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
- Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
- Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader
- Chapin 150 LB. Broadcast Spreader with Auto-Stop
- Lesco Broadcast Spreader – Budget Spreader
Top-Rated Lawn Spreaders In 2023 (Overview)
Each of these Seed and Fertilizer spreaders is highly rated and offers a variety of features to suit your needs. A spreader on this list is perfect whether you have a small or large yard.
Below is an overview of the Fertilizer Spreaders we recommend and “why they made the List:
Best Overall: Scotts Elite Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
This lawn spreader is our top pick for its ability to apply fertilizer evenly, easy-to-use controls, comfortable ergonomic handle, and never-flat tires for just about any lawn.
The Scotts Elite has a large fertilizer polymer tub that will never rust, capable of completing up to 20,000 square feet of lawn and making it ideal for medium to Large yards.
See Why the Scotts Elite Spreader is a Fan Favorite for Homeowners:
The Elite spreader has a 6-foot broadcast path, dual-rotor technology, and even includes a holder for your mobile device. If you’re looking for the best broadcast spreaders for fertilizer, it’s hard not to pick this one.
Best “Mini” Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader: Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard
This spreader is a great option for small yards (under 5,000 square feet). It is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has a capacity of 10 pounds, which will handle most suburban-typ yards.
The Mini Broadcast spreader includes several fertilizer settings and a convenient fold-down handle for easy storage.
Best Commercial Lawn Spreader: Earthway Even Spread F80
This spreader is a durable, heavy-duty option perfect for commercial use. It has large 13″ pneumatic tires, two-position handle heights, a T-handle lever, and gauge rate control with solid linkage.
Large Rustproof Poly Hopper with 80 LB capacity, enough to cover 20,000 square feet of lawn. Earthway is also a Made in the U.S.A. company out of Bristol, Indiana.
Best Large Push Fertilzer Spreader: Agri-Fab SmartSpreader 130 lb.
Regarding Manual Push Spreaders, the Agri-Fab Smart Spreader, with a huge load capacity, is the Best Spreader for Large Lawns. It is easy to push and has a capacity of 130 pounds.
Best Tow Behind Lawn Spreader: Agri-Fab 45-0463, 130-Pound
This Tow Behind spreader is a great option for spreading fertilizer and grass seed in large yards and is just as important for those with long driveways – It also spreads Ice Melt!
It is easy to tow and has a capacity of 130 pounds of fertilizer, enough capacity to cover 25,000 square feet of lawn in a single load.
Agri-Fab Tow Behind Spreader Video:
The Agri-Fab also features an Enclosed gearbox, Large Pneumatic Tires, and a wide wheel base for rough terrain. Agri-Fab 45-0463 checks all your boxes if you have a big property.
Best Drop Lawn Spreader: Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
This spreader is a great option for those who want to apply fertilizer with a little more accuracy or for smaller yards or lawns requiring much more maneuverability than a broadcast spreader affords.
The Classic Drop Spreader holds enough fertilizer or grass seed to cover 10,000 square feet and lays down a path of 22″ in width.
It is lightweight, easy to use, and comes fully assembled.
Best Hand-Powered Fertilizer Spreader: Scotts “Whirl” Hand Spreader
This handy little “crank operation” fertilizer spreader is a great option for those with a small yard. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has a capacity of 2 pounds, which is enough to cover 1,500 square feet of lawn.
Best Combination Aerator and Spreader: Brinly Tow Behind
This spreader is a great option for those wanting to Aerate and Fertilize their lawn simultaneously. It is easy to tow and has a capacity of 130 pounds.
- 2-in-1 design: The combo aerator spreader drops seed, fertilizer, or lime while you aerate to expedite your time in the lawn and ensures material enters the soil.
- All Steel Hopper: With a 100 lb. (1.74 cu. ft.) capacity, the durable steel hopper prevents twisting and flexing for long-lasting durability.
- Encourage healthy growth: Featuring 132 tine tips, the 8″ diameter steel stars perforate the soil up to 2″ deep, providing access for air, water, and nutrients to the root system.
- Transport Mode: Use the single lever to easily engage the 10″ pneumatic transport wheels to cross driveways and sidewalks.
If you’re looking for the best pull-behind fertilizer and lawn seed spreader you’ve found it!
Best Pull-Behind Fertilizer Spreader With “Auto-Stop” – Chapin 8620B 150 Lb. Capacity
We really like This Grass Seed and Fertilizer spreader with an “Auto-Stop” propeller that stops moving when the wheels stop.
This is a great option for those wanting a high-tech spreader with a large 150 LB—hopper capacity covering 30,000 square feet of yard.
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty trailer hitch and powder-coated steel frame
- Spiked auger to break up heavier chunks of material
- Wide-tread 14 pneumatic tires
- Made in the USA with global materials
Best Value Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader: Agri-Fab 50 Lb Spreader
This spreader is our favorite option for those who want a budget-friendly “broadcast” spreader. It is easy to use, includes Large, never flat wheels, and has a grass seed or fertilizer capacity of 10 pounds.
And at Under $100 – it’s hard to find a spreader with the Agri-Fab quality for less money.
As you can see, there are many different spreaders on the market. With such a wide range of spreader types and prices, fertilizer spreaders are suitable for every size yard and budget.
No matter your needs, a fertilizer spreader on this list is perfect for you – and ready to get you well on your way to fertilizing your own lawn.
Fertilizer Spreaders Buying Guide & FAQ
What Type of Fertilizer Spreader Should I Buy?
The best type of fertilizer spreader to buy depends on the size of your lawn and your budget. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a spreader:
- Size of your lawn: A handheld spreader may be sufficient if you have a small lawn (under 1,500 square feet). For Medium size lawns (2,000-8,000 Square feet), a push-type broadcast spreader is sufficient, while for Larger lawns (10,000 Square feet or bigger), we recommend a tow-behind spreader (pulled by lawn tractor).
- Budget: Fertilizer spreaders range in price from around $40 to $400, so be sure to choose a spreader that fits your budget and needs.
- Type of fertilizer: Some spreaders are designed for granular fertilizers, while others are designed for liquid fertilizers. Make sure to choose a spreader compatible with the fertilizer you intend to use.
- Features: Some spreaders have features like adjustable spread rates and edge guards. These features can make it easier to apply fertilizer more evenly.
What is the Best “Time of Day” to Fertilize a Lawn?
The best time of day to fertilize a lawn is in the evening after the sun has gone down. This is because the sun’s heat can cause the fertilizer to burn the grass, especially when applied in hot weather.
Fertilizing in the evening also allows the fertilizer to soak into the soil overnight to be available to the grass when the growing process starts with the morning Sun.
Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn:
- Water your lawn thoroughly before fertilizing. This will help the fertilizer to soak into the soil and prevent it from burning the grass.
- Apply the fertilizer evenly. This will help to ensure that your lawn gets the nutrients it needs.
- Water your lawn again after fertilizing. This will help wash the fertilizer off the grass leaves and prevent it from burning.
- If you have a small lawn, you may be able to get away with hand-broadcasting the fertilizer. However, it is best to use a fertilizer spreader for larger lawns.
- Fertilize your lawn by following a “Seasonal Lawn Care Schedule.” This will help to keep your lawn healthy and green all year long.
Safety Tips When Fertilizing a Lawn:
- Read the instructions on the fertilizer label carefully. This will help you to determine the correct amount of fertilizer to apply and the frequency of application.
- Avoid fertilizing your lawn in hot, dry weather. The heat and dryness can cause the fertilizer to burn the grass.
- Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when handling fertilizer. This will help to protect your skin from the chemicals in the fertilizer.
- If you have pets, be sure to keep them away from the lawn after you have fertilized it. The fertilizer can be harmful to animals if they ingest it.
Following all these tips, you can fertilize your lawn safely and effectively.
What is the Best “Push Type” Fertilizer Spreader
Most homeowners have yards that can easily be fertilized with a push-type (manual) Broadcast or Drop Spreader. Both types are much more affordable than tow-behind or commercial-type fertilizer spreaders.
Both broadcast and drop spreaders have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Broadcast spreaders are a little more expensive and easier to use but can be less accurate.
Drop spreaders are more accurate, but they are more expensive and can be more difficult to use.
Broadcast spreaders are the most common type of fertilizer spreader. They work by spinning a disk or plate that throws the fertilizer out in a wide arc. Broadcast spreaders are easy to use and can be found at most home improvement stores. However, they can be less accurate than drop spreaders, and it can be more difficult to control the amount of fertilizer applied.
Drop spreaders are a more accurate type of fertilizer spreader. They work by dropping the fertilizer through a series of holes in the bottom of the spreader. Drop spreaders are more expensive than broadcast but are more accurate and easier to control the amount of fertilizer applied to your lawn.
Which type of spreader is right for you? It depends on your needs and budget. A broadcast spreader is the best option if you have a medium or larger lawn and have a little more money to spend.
A drop spreader may be better if you have a smaller lawn, need more accuracy, and want to save money.
Thanks for visiting Best Home Gear, and don’t miss our other Lawn Care Equipment Reviews before you tackle your lawn this year.
