There are plenty of benefits to seeding your own lawn, but this is not always possible by hand. In these cases, you need a lawn spreader to allow you to spread your grass seed over a larger area.
But what is a lawn spreader, how does it work, and what features should you look out for? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know before buying a grass seed spreader, including key buying considerations that can affect which lawn spreader is right for you. Keep reading to learn more…
What is a lawn spreader?
A lawn spreader, also referred to as a grass seed spreader, is a groundcare tool that’s designed to distribute seeds evenly across your lawn. Most models are walk-behind, meaning you can push them through the garden as you work. These are the most common for domestic use, although there are handheld and towed spreaders available.
However, seed spreaders are not limited to just this use. They can also be used to spread fertiliser or weed killers across a lawn, or even as a salt/grit distributor in icy conditions. Lawn spreaders are a versatile tool for any groundcare professional or domestic gardener looking for a way to make lawn care and maintenance easier.
Explore our guide to Do You Need a Grass Seed Spreader? to find out more about whether a lawn spreader is right for you.
Lawn spreader terminology
As with most tools, a lawn spreader is composed of multiple parts that work together during use. It’s important to understand what these parts are called, and how they work, to ensure you know what you’re looking for when it comes to buying the right seed spreader for you.
In this section, we’ve provided a labelled diagram of a lawn spreader, with a brief explanation of each part and their function below.
Note - the following diagram depicts a broadcast, or rotary, lawn spreader
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Lever: the lever controls the release valve within the hopper, allowing you to open and close it on demand.
Top tip - make sure the valve is closed before filling the hopper, and when you turn a corner on the lawn to stop overfilling an area with seeds or other products.
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Top handle: on walk-behind lawn spreaders, this is where you’ll hold and push from to use this tool.
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Hopper: the hopper is where you store the seeds, fertiliser, or other materials in your lawn spreader.
Note - you will find the release valve/shute at the bottom of the hopper, which is where the product comes out. There will also be a rotating propeller above the shute which is designed to prevent blockages and keep the materials moving smoothly through the lawn spreader.
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Guard: many grass seed spreaders come with a guard to help filter out large clumps of material to prevent blockages forming around the release hatch.
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Impeller: the impeller spins beneath the seed release hatch, providing the momentum to spread the seeds (or other materials) across your garden.
Note - this is different to a drop lawn spreader because the seed falls directly beneath the hopper through the release hatch.
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Stand: the stand allows you to store or leave the lawn spreader upright when not in use. It also acts as a balance when you’re filling the hopper.
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Wheels: some seed spreaders have pneumatic wheels which you need to check regularly to make sure they have the right (and matching) air pressure.
Note - uneven tyre pressure can affect the distribution of your product, so it’s vital to check before use.
Whilst not on the diagram, two other primary components of a lawn spreader you should know about are:
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Edge guard: this is found to the side of the hopper and impeller, and acts as a barrier to stop the flow of seed in a certain direction. You would typically drop the edge guard when you’re working alongside a pavement or flower bed.
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Dial setting: you would use the dial setting to configure your lawn spreader settings according to the type of material you put in the hopper. This controls the width of the release valve and how much product flows at a time.
Note - most products will have a settings guide on the back of their packaging.
Types of lawn spreader
There are two primary types of lawn spreader you can choose from - a drop spreader, and a broadcast spreader. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on where you’re planning to use them, which is something to keep in mind when you’re buying your next lawn spreader.
Drop lawn spreader
A drop lawn spreader, much as the name suggests, drops the product directly beneath the hopper when the release is engaged. This is a very simple system where your walking (or driving) speed impacts how much material is distributed to an area - so if you walk slower, more product will fall over one area, and vice versa.
Advantages of drop spreaders
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More accurate and controllable distribution of product
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Distribution is less likely to be impacted by the wind
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Good for smaller lawns, or areas with more flower beds
Disadvantages of drop spreaders
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Smaller spreading area, so it can take longer to complete an area
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Distribution is affected by uneven terrain, which can cause patches
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Needs a deliberate and even pacing, which can be difficult to master
Top tip - overlap your wheel marks when you’re using a drop spreader to ensure your lawn is covered evenly, and you’re not overfilling certain areas.
Broadcast lawn spreader
Alternatively, broadcast, or rotary, lawn spreaders distribute products in a fan-like arc via an impeller. The impeller provides momentum, and shoots the seeds outwards over a large area. Like drop lawn spreaders, distribution is affected by the speed you’re walking, as spending longer in one area will cause more products to fall there.
Advantages of broadcast lawn spreaders
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A wider coverage area, so it can take less time to complete a task
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Usually has a larger hopper capacity, so needs fewer refills
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Often comes with a side guard to direct the flow along edges
Disadvantages of broadcast lawn spreaders
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Less control over where the product goes
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Naturally distributes less product towards the edge of the arc, which can cause an uneven finish
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Takes time to learn how to use correctly
Top tip - make sure to overlap slightly on the edges to prevent stripes from forming on your lawn.
Lawn spreader buying considerations
Choosing the right lawn spreader for you is vital to achieving the finish you want for your outdoor spaces. However, there are plenty of things you need to consider before committing to a purchase. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the most important aspects you should think about before buying a lawn spreader.
Terrain type
Terrain type will have a big influence over which type of lawn spreader is better for your needs.
As we mentioned above, drop lawn spreaders struggle more on uneven terrain. This is because the product falls underneath the hopper when in use - so if the ground is rough or bumpy, you won’t get an accurate and even layer.
However, for flatter gardens, a drop spreader is ideal because you can control where the seeds go. Drop spreaders are also much better for strips of land between or alongside pavements, because the control means you’ll waste less material along the borders.
If you have more dips and waves in your garden, you might want to consider getting a broadcast spreader. These are less affected by uneven terrain, so you’ll be able to get a more complete coverage.
Size of area
Broadcast seed spreaders effectively propel the seeds in a large arc, so you can get a better overall range with each pass across the lawn. This is ideal for large, or oddly shaped, lawns where you need a lawn spreader with a wider area of coverage. These seed spreaders will also help to reduce the time it takes to complete the job.
However, whilst you can still use broadcast spreaders on smaller lawns, the wide arc can be difficult to manage and you could end up with a patchy, uneven finish.
For smaller gardens, a drop spreader is typically more suitable. In these cases, the width of the drop spreader is what controls how quickly you can complete an area - as wider drop seed spreaders have a longer release hole, which will cover a larger section with each pass.
If you have a narrow garden, a drop seed spreader gives you more control over where the seeds go to help you achieve an even and beautiful lawn.
For larger estates, or agricultural use, you should consider buying a towable seed spreader. This can be hooked up to the back of a small garden vehicle, and save you a lot of time and energy.
Weight
Whilst you may not have initially thought of it, you need to consider the weight of your seed spreader because this will impact whether you can even use the tool.
In order to use a walk-behind seed spreader efficiently, you need to be able to push the tool at a consistent speed to ensure you get an even coverage, and to avoid overseeding an area.
If your grass seed spreader is too heavy for you, you will not achieve the finish you’re looking for, and may even damage your lawn. Plus, you run the risk of tipping the tool and wasting whatever you’ve filled it with.
With this in mind, you should avoid overfilling the hopper to heavier than you can handle safely.
Top tip - take your time. You can always refill the hopper when you need to.
Product
Another important question to ask yourself is, what are you planning to put in your lawn spreader? Most lawn spreaders are incredibly versatile, and you can use them for a variety of different products depending on your needs and the time of year.
For example, in the autumn, your grass seed spreader is ideal for reseeding, or establishing, a new lawn. Then, in the winter, you can use your spreader to distribute salt or grit on icy pavements and driveways to minimise the risks of slipping. Come spring, you can fill the hopper with fertiliser to help your lawn grow just in time for summer.
To maximise this multi-functionality, you need to ensure your lawn spreader is suitable to use with all of these products. Look for spreaders with several settings, and sturdy internal construction that’s designed to withstand different materials.
Distribution type
As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, the distributor type will have a clear influence on which type of grass seed spreader you choose to buy.
Broadcast seed spreaders come in two types: handheld, and walk-behind, which can be used in a variety of situations. These are more suitable for larger lawns, and with those who have more experience with this type of tool. A broadcast spreader would also be better for distributing wildflower seeds, where the irregularity will actually be an advantage.
Whilst walk-behind drop spreaders are more common, you can also find towable models for use in agriculture. Walk-behind drop spreaders are ideal for smaller, evenly shaped lawns because of their size. They’re also far more suitable if you have more flower beds or vegetable patches because you can control where the product lands and avoid having to clear out areas after use.
Where can you buy lawn spreaders?
Are you ready to buy your next lawn spreader? At Hughie Willett Machinery, we have an excellent selection of walk-behind spreaders for you to choose from, including top brands such as Turfmaster and Agri-Fab.
With years of experience in the groundcare and gardening tools industry, we’re always willing and able to help you with your purchasing journey. Our friendly team of experts are on hand to answer questions and offer advice whenever you need.
To get in contact with us, call our team on 0121 308 1262, or send us a message via our online contact form.
Shop our range of lawn spreaders today at Hughie Willett Machinery
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