Fertilizer equipment
Spreaders and sprayers and how to calibrate and clean them.
Unless you've decided to apply your lawn fertilizer by hand — usually a bad idea — you're going to need fertilizer equipment. What kind of fertilizer equipment you need depends on which type of fertilizer you're applying. If slow release dry fertilizer, you must purchase either a drop spreader or a rotary spreader, also known as a whirling spreader or broadcast spreader. If applying liquid lawn fertilizer, you'll need to use a sprayer.
Fertilizer spreaders
A drop spreader is the commonest type of spreader used for home lawn fertilization. Drop spreaders are essentially buckets on wheels that you push around your lawn while powdered fertilizer dispenses from holes in the bottom of the bucket.
Drop fertilizer spreaders offer several advantages over rotary spreaders:
- even and precise distribution,
- maneuverability,
- cost efficiency, and
- ease of use.
Drop spreaders are recommended for smaller lawns, or lawns that feature many awkward or hard-to-reach places. If your lawn is sculpted or contains many flowerbeds or decorative flourishes, a drop spreader will be the easiest way to apply lawn fertilizer.
Rotary spreaders work like drop spreaders except that they throw lawn fertilizer out in wide swathes. Rotary fertilizer spreaders are thus quick and easy to use, but less precise than drop spreaders and prone to casting fertilizer beyond lawn edges. Maintaining a consistent pace when pushing a rotary spreader will help ensure even fertilization. Rotary spreaders are recommended for large lawns with uncomplicated landscape features.
Fertilizer spreader calibration
Lawn fertilizer spreaders come with manufacturer's suggestions for settings, but calibration is often required. The lawn fertilizer you purchase should also provide a recommended amount to apply per 1000 square feet.
To verify or measure an appropriate swath width on your fertilizer spreader, set up a tarp or measure out a spot on your driveway where spills are easy to clean. Make about five passes in that space, and then sweep up and weigh the fertilizer used. You should be able to extrapolate from that small square footage to the larger one of your lawn. Or, if the whole procedure seems too complicated to even bother, guesswork will do just fine.
We recommend applying the lawn fertilizer in two separate runs. That way any patches too lightly or heavily fertilized on the first run should balance out on the second. Always move forward when pushing rather than forward and backward.
Fertilizer sprayers
Fertilizer sprayers are used to apply liquid lawn fertilizer or dry fertilizer diluted in water. Lawn fertilizer used with a sprayer will need to be diluted. The product you buy should indicate how many ounces of fertilizer to use per gallon of water.
To ensure a thorough mixing of the lawn fertilizer with the water, add some water to the sprayer first, then add the fertilizer, and then top it off with more water. Shake this mix thoroughly, allow the sprayer to sit for a few minutes, and then shake again before spraying.
There are three common types of lawn fertilizer sprayers: handheld, tank compression, and hose end. Handheld fertilizer sprayers are essentially spray bottles and are suitable for small areas. Tank compression fertilizer sprayers use a pressure pump to spray and are often worn like a backpack. Hose end fertilizer sprayers screw on to your garden hose and mix water and fertilizer according to a ratio set on an adjustable dial.
Because it can handle several gallons at once, the tank compression fertilizer sprayer is preferable for larger lawns.
Fertilizer equipment cleanup
To keep your fertilizer equipment in working condition, always follow these cleanup procedures:
- Wash and dry equipment thoroughly after fertilizer application is finished.
- Oil any moving parts susceptible to rust.
- DO NOT leave unused fertilizer in fertilizer equipment.
Fertilizer can be highly corrosive if stored improperly. Always follow proper safety precautions when applying lawn fertilizer, such as gloves or protective masks.