What to Use for Spraying & Feeding a Lawn

Drop Spreaders

• Best for small lawns, drop spreaders distribute granular products precisely and in a band that's usually less than 24 inches wide. The disadvantage to such precise distribution is that any missed area is plainly evident, leaving a stripe pattern near the area treated. To avoid this, adjust the spreader to its half-rate setting and make two applications. Drop spreaders are also good for working around patios and flowerbeds where the spread pattern needs to be controlled.

Broadcast Spreaders

• Also called a rotary spreader, a broadcast spreader is best for large yards, those more than 4,000 square feet, advises "Family Handyman" magazine. Where the drop spreader distributes the granular product in a confined area, a broadcast spreader distributes at wide distances, typically 10 feet or more. While these spreaders make the task go faster, one application does not offer even coverage. The University of Wisconsin Extension recommends making two applications, with one overlapping the other. Broadcast spreaders are best used in areas free of nearby plants or water features which could adversely be affected by the product being distributed.

Lawn Sprayers

• Lawn sprayers allow a fine mist of product to be applied in a specific area. Sprayers offer the advantage of reaching areas that may be hard to access with a spreader. Sprayers come in two main types: handheld and backpack versions. Both types work the same way. The backpack sprayer gives the added flexibility of carrying the tank on your back while holding only the nozzle. The nozzle on lawn sprayers can be adjusted to deliver a fine mist or coarse droplets of liquid fertilizers or pesticides. Lawn sprayers usually hold between a quart and several gallons of diluted product.

Considerations

• When selecting a spreader, choose a model that has an adjustable spread rate. This feature is important in aiding in even distribution. To extend the life of your tools, be sure to empty and thoroughly clean them after each use. When working with any chemicals in your yard, wear the correct protective clothing and gear to avoid accidental exposure.