Fertilizer Spreader Buying Guide
Posted in: darrelrussell.com edit
06 Jan 2009
1. Broadcast SpreadersThey can cover a lot of ground quickly. The hopper drops the material onto a spinning disc that then spreads it across the lawn. It's a good idea to overlap to make sure you don't miss any spots and remember the further away the material is from the spreader the lighter the coverage. Now you get great coverage but the disadvantage is you don't get as much control.2. Drop SpreaderThis machine will give you more control over where things land. It covers nice straight lines and there is virtually no waste but because the material drops straight down you have to use it with care. Easy to use and very efficient!3. Rotary SpreadersApply the fertilizer so the wheel is at the edge of the pattern from the previous pass. It is a better choice than a drop spreader for agricultural type fertilizers such as 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 - these have large particle sizes4. HandheldThis is a crank operated machine that is great for smaller areas. It works just like a broadcast spreader but takes up less room.
Once you decide on a spreader here are some tips for application:
1. Make sure you calibrate the spreader by following the manufacturer's specifications for application whether it's grass seed, fertilizer, or weed and feed.2. Close the spreader when you stop.3. Fertilizer is very caustic and it can cause rust so to prolong the life expectancy of your spreader you should rings thoroughly after each usage.4. Oil the movable parts and wheels every 6 months.5. Follow all distribution directions.6. When you are spreading move at a steady pace.7. Wear protective clothing when applying fertilizer and weed and feed products.
If you do not spread your 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.
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