Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Lawn Thrive

Introduction

Maintaining a healthy, lush lawn is an essential part of homeownership. Fertilizing your lawn regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep it looking its best and thriving. Many homeowners choose to use a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader to apply fertilizer to their lawns. These spreaders are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a great option for homeowners of all levels of experience. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader, and it is important to find one that is the right size and type for your needs.

Benefits of Using a Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader

There are several benefits to using a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader, including:

• Easy to use: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are very easy to use. Simply fill the hopper with fertilizer, set the desired spread width, and start walking. The spreader will distribute the fertilizer evenly over your lawn.
• Affordable: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for homeowners on a budget.
• Versatile: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders can be used to apply a variety of fertilizers, including granular, liquid, and slow-release fertilizers.
• Lightweight: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a great option for small lawns or for homeowners who have difficulty pushing a heavier spreader.

Types of Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders

There are two main types of hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders: broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders.

• Broadcast spreaders distribute fertilizer in a wide, even pattern. They are ideal for large lawns or for homeowners who want to fertilize their entire lawn at once.
• Drop spreaders distribute fertilizer in a narrow, concentrated pattern. They are ideal for small lawns or for homeowners who want to fertilize specific areas of their lawn.

How to Choose the Right Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader

When choosing a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size of your lawn: The size of your lawn will determine the size of spreader you need. A larger spreader will be able to cover more ground more quickly, while a smaller spreader will be more maneuverable and easier to use on small lawns.
• The type of fertilizer you use: Some hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are designed to apply specific types of fertilizer, such as granular or liquid fertilizer. It is important to choose a spreader that is compatible with the type of fertilizer you use.
• Your budget: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders range in price from $20 to $100. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your choices.

How to Use a Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader

Using a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Fill the hopper with fertilizer.
2. Set the desired spread width.
3. Start walking and spread the fertilizer evenly over your lawn.
4. Be sure to overlap your passes slightly to ensure that the entire lawn is fertilized.
5. Water the lawn after fertilizing to help the fertilizer absorb into the soil.

Features to Consider When Buying a Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader

When buying a hand held lawn fertilizer spreader, there are several features to consider, including:

• Hopper capacity: The hopper capacity is the amount of fertilizer that the spreader can hold. A larger hopper capacity will allow you to fertilize your lawn without having to refill the hopper as often.
• Spread width: The spread width is the width of the area that the spreader will cover with fertilizer. A wider spread width will allow you to cover more ground more quickly, while a narrower spread width will allow you to fertilize specific areas of your lawn.
• Material: Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and stainless steel. Plastic spreaders are the least expensive, but they are also the most likely to break. Metal spreaders are more durable than plastic spreaders, but they are also more expensive. Stainless steel spreaders are the most durable and expensive, but they are also the most resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Warranty: Most hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders come with a warranty. The length of the warranty will vary depending on the manufacturer. It is important to choose a spreader that comes with a warranty that is long enough to cover any defects or problems that may arise.

Troubleshooting Common Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader Problems

If you are having problems with your hand held lawn fertilizer spreader, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

• The spreader is not spreading fertilizer evenly. This could be due to a clogged hopper or a faulty spreader mechanism. Try cleaning the hopper and checking the spreader mechanism for any damage.
• The spreader is not spreading fertilizer far enough. This could be due to a worn-out impeller or a clogged discharge chute. Try replacing the impeller or cleaning the discharge chute.
• The spreader is leaking fertilizer. This could be due to a cracked hopper or a faulty seal. Try patching the crack or replacing the seal.

Conclusion

Hand held lawn fertilizer spreaders are a great way to keep your lawn looking its best. They are easy to use, affordable, and versatile. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right hand held lawn fertilizer spreader for your needs and keep your lawn healthy and thriving for years to come.

Tables

Table 1: Comparison of Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader Types

Table 2: Features to Consider When Buying a Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader

Table 3: Troubleshooting Common Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader Problems

Table 4: The Benefits of Using a Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader