The Best Fertilizer Spreaders of 2024 for a Healthier Lawn, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Fertilizer Spreaders of 2024 for a Healthier Lawn, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
A high-quality fertilizer spreader saves time and money while helping users grow and maintain a lush yard.
Whether seeding a new lawn, feeding an existing garden, or treating a yard for bug infestations, a fertilizer spreader is an invaluable tool. Sure, seeds and fertilizer can be spread by hand, but it takes longer, produces inconsistent results, and it puts the user in contact with potentially dangerous chemicals.
A fertilizer spreader may be used to apply any lawn treatment, including grass seed, lime, insecticide, fungicide, and of course, fertilizer. These machines apply products evenly so that the entire yard can be treated, resulting in less product waste and less time and effort. A fertilizer spreader may also be used in the off-season to spread salt on icy walkways and paths.
We researched and hands-on tested some of the highest-rated fertilizer spreaders available. After our testing, we chose the Earthway 2150 Commercial Broadcast Spreader as our best overall based on its three-hole drop shut-off system, which ensures a consistent spread pattern. We also spoke to Taylor Olberding, co-founder of Heroes Lawn Care, a nationwide lawn maintenance company, to get his professional opinion. Just ahead, our results and the shopping considerations we’ve outlined will narrow the field and help you find the right kind of spreader.
- BEST OVERALL: Earthway 2150 Commercial Broadcast Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Titan Professional Broadcast Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Scotts Elite Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PULL-BEHIND: Agri-Fab 45-0463 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DROP: Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HANDHELD: Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Fertilizer Spreaders
Olberding says that in terms of stand-out features to look for in a spreader, “ensure it has air-filled tires (not plastic tires) and is made of stainless steel/noncorrosive material with a plastic hopper and can be easily configured based on the fertilizer product.” He also adds, “Ensure you are able to adjust the openings for accurate application and have an edge guard to help prevent fertilizer from spreading onto nontarget areas.”
Taking this expert advice in mind, we wanted to review the most critical features of these tools to determine where each model would work best. In a real-world setting, the most important functions include distribution width, accuracy, and consistency; ease of controlling the on-off function while in motion; maneuverability over varying terrain; and user comfort. We also wanted to evaluate and share the difficulty of assembly and amount of time spent in assembly and calibration.
After assembly, we loaded each spreader with lawn fertilizer and ran it across a tarp on level ground to measure the discharge width and consistently. At the same time, we tested the on-off functionality while moving, which is important at start-up and when preparing for end turns. Finally, we pushed or pulled each spreader through a variable-terrain course, observing the way it rolled over bumps and dips and navigated corners.
We found that the rotary spreaders compared closely with one another on the tarp-surface test. The handheld and the Scotts mini cast a 4- to 5-foot path, while the larger models discharged a swath just over 6 feet wide, all with a moderate amount of consistency. The drop spreader was highly consistent, dropping an even layer measuring precisely the width between its own wheels. Air-filled tires consistently performed significantly better than hard plastic wheels on the terrain test.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Hours/weeks/time spent testing | 24 hours |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $30 to $370 |
Our Top Picks
Consider the top picks laid out below and our findings when we tested out each. We chose these models for testing based on their overall spreading capacity, holding capacity, precision, and method of operation. Read on to find out how each one performed in our hands-on testing.
Best Overall
Earthway 2150 Commercial Broadcast Spreader
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind, rotary
- Capacity: 50 pounds
- Flow controller: Sliding lever
What We Like
- Heavy-duty components including a steel T-handle, epoxy-coated frame, and pneumatic stud tires
- Easy to operate and maneuver while holding up to 50 pounds of fertilizer
- Comes with easy-to-follow instructions for assembly and use
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price than the competition
- Bulky, may be difficult to store in smaller spaces without disassembly
- Does not include a rain cover
The Earthway 50-pound walk-behind broadcast spreader is a commercial-grade multiuse spreader that measures 24.75 inches high by 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep. The heavy-duty plastic hopper handles yards measuring from 10,000 square feet up to an acre. The two-position height adjustment handle and the T-speed lever provide excellent operator comfort and control for users of different heights. The even-spread three-hole drop shut-off system ensures a consistent spread pattern and a feathered spread edge ensures a smooth application.
The frame is engineered with a 175-pound load-bearing limit for durability under rugged operating conditions such as uneven terrain. The 13-inch-diameter stud tires on rustproof, poly-constructed rims provide long-term durability and smooth operation. The commercial-grade, super-duty gearbox is built to last for years. Users can expect to spend a few hours on the assembly and calibration of this spreader.
In testing, we appreciated the easy-to-follow assembly instructions and heavy-duty components. This spreader feels durable, is comfortable to operate, and easy to control. The heavy-duty poly hopper holds 50 pounds of fertilizer. Fully loaded, the air-filled pneumatic stud tires rolled effortlessly, even on slopes and rough ground, cushioning bumps to maintain a highly consistent distribution pattern. In addition to being an excellent choice for year-round use for fertilizer and grass seed, this Earthway model would also work well with ice-melting products.
Get the Earthway fertilizer spreader at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Titan Professional Broadcast Spreader
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Storage 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind, rotary
- Capacity: 50 pounds
- Flow controller: Sliding lever
What We Like
- Large hopper capacity of over 50 pounds; suitable for large lawn spaces
- Easy-to-use 3-position handle for controlling the flow of the fertilizer
- Includes a rain cover for those without a shed or room in the garage
- Durable construction is made with steel and plastic
What We Don’t Like
- Instructions were not crystal clear for assembly and use
- Too large for most small- and medium-size yards
- Bulky size may be hard to store without disassembly
Titan’s broadcast spreader evenly distributes herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, grass seed, and even ice melters; features a high-capacity 50-pound drum; and has a three-position gearbox that allows you to control product flow.
The manufacturer made this spreader from high-grade steel and heavy-duty plastic parts. It weighs 25 pounds, so it’s light enough to move but heavy enough to tackle hilly, root-filled rugged terrain. It rides on pneumatic tires so that you can run it on turf or sod without damage to the grass. Measuring 43 inches high by 21 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep, this spreader doesn’t require excessive storage space.
We liked that this model covered a wide path. It is probably best for open spaces that are 10,000 square feet and larger. On the downside, the assembly instructions could have been clearer. We spent about an hour assembling the spreader and another 15 minutes calibrating the flow rate.
Get the Titan fertilizer spreader at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Durability 3/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind, rotary
- Capacity: 25 pounds
- Flow controller: Dial and spring lever
What We Like
- The unit comes precalibrated and fully assembled; folds down for storing
- Made with an EdgeGuard feature to keep fertilizer on lawns only; prevents spillage onto flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways
- Capable of spreading seed, fertilizer, feed, and ice melt products for all-season use
- Affordable price point compared to other options on this list
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to spread the last bit of material
- Requires more effort to maneuver over uneven ground
- Not as durable as some of the top models on the market
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard mini broadcast spreader is small, lightweight, and easy to store in limited space, thanks in part to a fold-down handle on this 1-pound spreader that measures 45.25 inches high by 20 inches wide by 16 inches deep. It’s built to hold up to 5,000 square feet of lawn products, so it suits yards up to 10,000 square feet.
Users can use the control panel with precision rate settings for more accurate coverage. The EdgeGuard feature blocks coverage on the right side of the spreader to prevent the lawn treatment from being spread onto sidewalks or flower beds.
While testing, we appreciated that this lightweight spreader with hard plastic wheels requires no assembly. It comes at an affordable price and is calibrated. When not in use, the handles fold down for easy storage. The skinny hard wheels did not roll as smoothly across uneven ground as air tires. Also, the final bits of the product tend to stick to the bottom of the spreader due to static.
Get the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Scotts Elite Spreader
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Storage 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind, rotary
- Capacity: 60 pounds
- Flow controller: Dial and spring lever
What We Like
- 2 rotors provide more consistent coverage than basic Scotts spreaders
- Large hopper holds up to 60 pounds of fertilizer; covers over 20,000 square feet
- Arrives calibrated and mostly preassembled for user convenience
- Folds down for easy storage in garages, sheds, and more
What We Don’t Like
- Some fertilizer discharges toward the wheel when in use
- Wheels are not great for rough ground; may require some effort to push around
- Not ideal for smaller lawns and spaces
Load the Scotts Elite spreader with 60 pounds of product, or enough to cover up to 20,000 square feet, and you’ll have the work done in no time. The key to this spreader’s speedy operation is the twin discharge design that allows it to put out the product twice as fast. It lays down an even 6-foot-wide path.
This spreader is suitable for spreading all sorts of materials, including corrosive rock salt and other ice-melt products. The comfortable ergonomic handle includes a smartphone holder so you can stay connected as you work.
We liked how easily the Scotts Elite assembled; we simply snapped on the wheels and unfolded the handle. The soft plastic wheels roll much more easily over varying terrain than the standard hard-plastic wheels on less expensive Scotts spreaders, but not as well as air-filled tires. This would be a good all-around spreader for midsize suburban yards, especially in icy climates.
Get the Scotts Elite fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best for Large Yards
Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 2/5; Storage 2/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind, rotary
- Capacity: 130 pounds
- Flow controller: Sliding lever
What We Like
- Huge capacity of 130 pounds for covering up to 25,000 square feet
- Large air-filled pneumatic tires are ideal for both even and rough terrain
- Smooth-operating control arm provides flow control when spreading
What We Don’t Like
- The gearbox feels a bit undersized for the potential weight
- The coverage path could be wider; can spread seeds within 8 to 12 feet
- The steel frame will corrode over time
The Agri-Fab push broadcast spreader’s 130-pound capacity is designed for yards up to 1 acre in size. A steel rod flow-control arm makes it easy for users to open and close the rustproof poly-constructed hopper during spreading, and the heavy-duty 1-inch pneumatic tires offer a smooth ride even over roots and rocks or through dips in the yard.
For all that heft, the spreader weighs only 6.81 pounds and measures just 33.6 inches high by 27.1 inches wide by 48 inches deep. Depending on your speed and application, this spreader can cover 25,000 square feet of the ground.
We assembled this spreader in about an hour, and it took another 10 minutes or so to calibrate it. The giant hopper appears to hold close to three times as much as the 50-pound spreaders we tested. Although we did not load it to capacity with fertilizer, we placed more than 100 pounds of weight on the hopper to see how it would move, and there were no problems. Although the hopper capacity is significantly greater, the path of coverage was about the same as the 50-pounders, so the savings would be on reloading time.
Get the Agri-Fab 45-0462 fertilizer spreader at Amazon.
Best Pull-Behind
Agri-Fab 45-0463, 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Ease of Assembly 3/5; Storage 2/