From rotary spreaders to drop spreaders, there are numerous fertilizer spreaders to choose from. We researched the best fertilizer spreaders, evaluating products based on their type, size, holding capacity, coverage area, and precision to help you find the best one for your yard’s needs. Our best overall pick, the Scotts Elite Spreader, provides exceptional accuracy, distributes product efficiently, and has an ergonomic handle for comfortable operation. Read on to discover the best fertilizers, backed by our research. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to maneuver, and the product is equipped with a smartphone holder for added convenience. Thanks to dual-rotor technology, the Scotts Elite Spreader can distribute products twice as fast as some other products, allowing you to cover a large area in minimal time. What’s more, it spreads product evenly on a 6-foot path for accurate coverage. However, since the rotary spreader discharges in a line, stripes may appear on your lawn. The soft plastic wheels roll smoothly on most terrain, and they’re filled with foam, which means they never go flat. However, the product struggles to glide over rough ground, and some material can become stuck in the tires. Price at time of publish: $128 The EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is suitable for spreading seed, fertilizer, ice melt, and more, but the manufacturer notes it’s not to be used with rock salt. For accurate coverage, a control dial allows users to select the appropriate setting for the material they’re spreading. A curved hopper and dual-bladed agitator helps smooth application and make coverage more consistent. This unit features EdgeGuard Technology, which prevents lawn products from being spread onto driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping. For added convenience, this spreader comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled. The only downside is the hard plastic wheels, which don’t perform as well as air-filled tires on varying terrain. They don’t roll as smoothly on uneven ground and can block the spread of the product. Measuring 23.63 x 14.5 x 15.75 inches, this walk-behind spreader features an adjustable handle, with two height positions for comfortable operation. The wide, 13-inch pneumatic tires roll smoothly on any terrain, and they never go flat. Plus, the sturdy frame improves stability in rugged conditions, and the spreader has an impressive 175-pound load-bearing capacity.The mechanically inclined can assemble this product with little trouble, but it is time-consuming. Also, depending on where you buy this product from, it may have longer shipping times. Price at time of publish: $376 This unit arrives fully assembled and pre-calibrated, and measures 47 x 32 x 18 inches. Although the heavy-duty, tubular frame is durable, the other parts are made of lightweight plastic, which may feel flimsy. Like other basic spreaders in Scotts’ lineup, it has hard plastic wheels that struggle on uneven terrain. If it breaks over time, you can take advantage of Scotts’ “No-Quibble” guarantee: If you are not satisfied with your purchase, they will issue a refund or provide a replacement. (Proof of purchase is required.) This unit arrives fully assembled and ready to use, a major plus. It’s very easy to operate: All you need to do is fill the hopper, pull the trigger, and crank the handle clockwise. An adjustable dial allows you to control the amount of product you want to apply. Another advantage is it’s made of plastic, so you don’t have to worry about fertilizer, ice melt, and other materials corroding it—a common concern with metal fertilizer spreaders. The downside to a handheld spreader is it’s not as accurate as larger, walk-behind models. Since the application rate varies depending on how fast you walk and crank the handle, results aren’t always consistent. This spreader clogs easily, but it is covered by the manufacturer’s “No-Quibble” warranty. Price at time of publish: $26 A steel-flow control arm offers precise setting adjustments for even spreading. (This lever, which is located behind the driver, is a bit awkward to maneuver from a mower seat, however.) The enclosed gearbox prevents clogs and other malfunctions. Also, this product requires assembly, which can be a bit tedious and time-consuming because of its numerous parts. Price at time of publish: $250 Measuring 33.62 x 27.12 x 48 inches, this product features large pneumatic tires, which are easy to maneuver and provide a smooth ride, even over rough terrain. The enclosed commercial-grade gearbox, which features aluminum beveled gears, prevents clogs. This unit requires assembly and needs to be calibrated. (Assembly is straightforward and should take about an hour or so.) At over $200, this is a pricier fertilizer spreader than other options on this list. If you encounter any defects, the product is backed by a 3-year warranty if you’re not fully satisfied. Price at time of publish: $250 This product is truly designed for larger spaces. One side of the all-steel hopper holds up 100 pounds of fertilizer or seed—enough to cover a space the size of a football field. You can control the rate of disbursement with an adjustable flow control. However, some users report no guidance for this in the user manual, which can result in too much fertilizer dispensed and a “burned-out” lawn. Obviously, this product is best used in oversize yards, which require the use of a riding mower or tractor. If your home has that much green space to fertilize, and you wish to cut down the time needed to do it, you may wish to consider this rather expensive product. Price at time of publish: $460 A rotary spreader is equipped with a rotating base plate that slowly dispenses fertilizer granules or seeds from a hopper. While in motion, it broadcasts the product within several feet of the spreader—typically at the front and along the sides of the unit. Rotary spreaders cover a much larger area—often three times their width—with each pass. Although they spread dry products much more efficiently than drop spreaders, their application isn’t as accurate. If you need to cover a specific area, a drop spreader is the best tool. Since this kind of product only distributes through a narrow opening between its wheels, users can limit the application to a precise location. Drop spreaders are also ideal if you’re tackling a narrow space or negotiating obstacles like plant beds and sidewalks. The downside of a drop spreader is it takes a lot longer to traverse a lawn with one than with a broadcast spreader.
Size
A handheld spreader is a suitable choice for small lawns up to 1,500 square feet (about half the size of a tennis court). For medium-sized lawns up to 5,000 square feet (basketball court size), a compact walk-behind spreader gets the job done. A large walk-behind spreader works best for yards up to 20,000 square feet (just over hockey rink proportions). If you need to cover half an acre or more, a tow-behind spreader is definitely your best bet.
Spreadable Contents
Almost all fertilizer spreaders can be used for grass seed and other lawn care products. However, not every spreader can handle sand, powdered lime, rock salt, or ice melt. Some lawn-care products are corrosive and can cause steel parts to rust. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide to be certain you’re using a product that’s compatible with your spreader.
Holding Capacity
Holding capacity specifies the maximum square footage that one hopper load covers. A larger-capacity hopper allows you to spread more material before it needs refilling, or it might be large enough to cover your lawn in one pass.
Precision
Drop spreaders are the most precise options because they are calibrated to deliver a consistent flow rate. When operating a drop spreader, the user must walk at a steady pace to achieve even coverage. Broadcast spreaders can provide even coverage, but they are less accurate than drop spreaders.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best fertilizer spreaders for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their type, size, holding capacity, coverage area, and precision. For additional insight, she interviewed Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener based in Kansas City, Missouri, and the host of Art of Gardening, a vlog and podcast that features influential gardeners from around the world.
