A broadcast spreader is a wheeled lawn care device designed to efficiently disperse granular materials across a wide area. This tool utilizes a spinning disk, or impeller, positioned beneath a storage container called a hopper, to throw or “broadcast” fertilizer, seed, or weed control products in a semi-circular pattern. The primary advantage of a broadcast spreader is its speed and coverage, making it the preferred choice for treating medium to large lawn spaces quickly and uniformly. Correct use ensures the product is applied evenly, preventing common lawn problems like striping, burning, or patchy growth.
Preparing the Spreader and Material
Successful application requires accurately setting the spreader’s flow rate before any material is loaded. Every bag of granular lawn product provides a recommended application rate, typically listed as a numerical setting for common spreader models. This setting dictates the size of the opening at the bottom of the hopper, controlling how much material drops onto the spinning disk. If your specific spreader model is not listed, a test calibration is necessary, involving setting the dial to a low or medium-low rate to prevent over-application during the initial trial.
Before loading, confirm the hopper is completely clean and dry, as residual moisture can cause the new material to clump or corrode the metal components. If the spreader has pneumatic tires, ensure the pressure in both tires is equal; uneven tire pressure can cause the spreader to tilt, resulting in an inconsistent spread pattern. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn, especially when handling chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Load the material into the hopper while the spreader is on a hard surface, such as a driveway or sidewalk, to simplify cleanup of any accidental spills. Never fill the spreader while it is sitting on the lawn, as spilled material can severely burn the grass underneath due to concentrated chemical levels. Once the material is loaded and the flow rate is set, move the spreader to the lawn area before opening the flow gate.
Establishing the Application Pattern
To ensure the material is distributed evenly across the turf, begin by walking the perimeter of the lawn first. This creates a “header strip” that defines the boundaries of the application area. This initial pass provides a buffer zone, preventing the spinning impeller from throwing product onto flower beds, driveways, or sidewalks.
After establishing the perimeter, the main application is done by walking back and forth in parallel lines across the turf, similar to mowing. Maintaining a consistent walking speed is important, as the rate at which the material is thrown is directly tied to the speed of the spreader’s wheels and the impeller. Any slowing down or speeding up will result in either over-application or under-application in those areas.
To achieve uniform coverage and avoid the streaking known as “striping,” each parallel pass must overlap the previous one. A common practice is to aim for a 50% overlap, meaning the wheel track of the current pass should align with the area where the product from the previous pass began to thin out.
The flow gate must be closed immediately before stopping, turning, or slowing down to prevent a dump of material that would scorch the lawn. It is helpful to start walking a few steps before opening the gate lever and to close the lever a few steps before the end of the pass. Turns should be executed smoothly and only after the flow has been shut off, ideally turning around on the previously applied header strip or a hard surface.
Post-Use Cleaning and Maintenance
Immediate cleaning is necessary, particularly when using corrosive materials like synthetic fertilizers or ice melt, which contain salts that rapidly accelerate rust and deterioration. Any remaining material in the hopper must be emptied back into the original bag for safe storage or proper disposal. Leaving product in the hopper, even for a short period, can cause corrosion that leads to mechanical failure.
The spreader should then be thoroughly rinsed with a hose, focusing on the inside of the hopper, the flow gate mechanism, and the spinning impeller. A wash with mild soapy water and a soft brush will help remove any caked-on chemical residue. This wash water should ideally be contained and dispersed over the treated lawn area, rather than allowing it to flow into storm drains, to prevent localized water contamination.
After rinsing, the spreader must be allowed to dry completely, preferably in the sun, to prevent moisture from initiating corrosion. Once dry, apply a light coat of a water-displacing lubricant or silicone spray to all metal components, especially the axle, gears, and flow mechanism, to provide a protective barrier. Finally, store the spreader in a dry location, such as a garage or shed, to protect it from weather elements.