Applying nutrients to a lawn is important for maintaining turf health, and the delivery method significantly impacts the outcome. Using a mechanical spreader, such as a broadcast or drop model, ensures a uniform distribution of granular fertilizer across the target area. Hand application often leads to uneven coverage, resulting in patches of burned grass next to undernourished sections. The mechanical device regulates the flow and pattern of the granules, which helps prevent over-application and subsequent chemical scorch. This approach delivers the precise amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required for healthy growth.
Preparing the Spreader and the Area
The preparation phase begins with personal safety. Granular fertilizers contain salts and fine dust that can irritate the skin and eyes, making it necessary to wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses. Selecting the correct granulated fertilizer is foundational, ensuring the product matches the specific nutritional needs of the turf and the current season.
The next step involves accurately determining the size of the area to be treated, typically measured in square footage. This measurement allows for the correct calculation of the total amount of product needed, preventing waste or running short during the application. Once the area size is known, the spreader must be precisely set up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Setting the rate of flow, frequently referred to as calibration, is the most precise element of preparation. The fertilizer bag often lists a specific setting for various spreader models, which dictates the size of the aperture opening at the bottom of the hopper. If a setting is unavailable, manual calibration involves determining how much fertilizer is dispersed over a known distance or area.
For those using a drop spreader, which deposits material directly below the hopper, preparation might include marking the lawn’s boundaries with flags or string. This helps maintain straight lines and prevents accidental spreading into flower beds or paved areas. A broadcast spreader disperses material in a wide arc, making the initial setting of the flow rate the primary preparatory concern before loading the hopper.
Mastering the Application Technique
With the spreader calibrated, carefully load the granular material into the hopper. Load the spreader on a driveway, patio, or large tarp, rather than directly on the lawn, to contain any potential spills. Spilled fertilizer must be swept up immediately; otherwise, it will dissolve and cause a severe, localized burn on the turf.
The application process begins by creating a perimeter path, often called a header pass or buffer strip, around the edges of the area. This initial pass creates a boundary that aids in turning and ensures the edges of the lawn receive the correct amount of fertilizer. For a broadcast spreader, making one or two passes around the perimeter at a slightly lower setting minimizes material thrown onto non-target areas like sidewalks.
After the boundary is established, the operator should move back and forth across the area in straight, parallel lines. Maintaining a consistent, moderate walking speed is important because the rate of granule discharge is directly proportional to the speed of the wheels, which drive the agitator or rotor. Fluctuations in pace can lead to uneven application rates, causing visible streaks or stripes in the lawn.
The technique for overlapping passes differs significantly between spreader types. A broadcast spreader requires the operator to overlap the wheel track of the next pass by approximately 50% of the total spread width. This half-width overlap compensates for the diminishing concentration of granules at the outer edges of the spread pattern, ensuring the entire swath receives a uniform dose.
Conversely, a drop spreader demands a more precise alignment, where the wheel is aligned exactly with the edge of the previous pass. Since a drop spreader deposits a concentrated band of material directly below the hopper, aligning the passes ensures no untreated gaps are left between the strips. Significant overlap with a drop spreader results in a double dose of fertilizer, which can easily cause turf burn.
A specific technique for both models involves managing the flow lever. The spreader gate should be opened only after the operator begins walking forward and closed before stopping, slowing down for a turn, or reaching the boundary. This prevents the accidental dumping of a concentrated pile of fertilizer, a common cause of localized turf damage. Maintaining continuous motion while the gate is open avoids the risk of over-fertilization in one spot.
Post-Application Care and Equipment Cleanup
Once the application is complete, water the lawn thoroughly, especially if the fertilizer contains fast-release nitrogen sources. Watering helps dissolve the granular fertilizer and moves the nutrients into the soil profile where the grass roots can absorb them. This also washes fertilizer particles off the grass blades, preventing the high salt content from causing fertilizer burn.
The equipment requires immediate attention to ensure its longevity. Empty any remaining fertilizer from the hopper and store it in its original packaging. The spreader should then be thoroughly cleaned, typically by hosing down the hopper, wheels, and mechanisms to remove all residual fertilizer dust and granules. This step is important because fertilizer salts are corrosive to metal components. After rinsing, allow the spreader to dry completely before storing it in a dry location to prevent rust or jamming.