Best Fertilizer Spreaders 2023

Lush green grass is usually the goal for lawns, but you can’t typically achieve those professional-looking results by leaving things to chance. That’s where a fertilizer spreader comes in. The best fertilizer spreaders evenly distribute vital nutrients your lawn needs while making the often tedious process as easy as possible on you. Our top pick is the Scotts Elite Spreader for its efficient spreading and comfortable feel.

The Scotts Elite Spreader is packed with features to make fertilizing your lawn a breeze, and at a ... [+] price point that’s fairly affordable. Cordless Lawn Mower

Best Fertilizer Spreaders 2023 - Forbes Vetted

If you have a lawn that you maintain, it’s a good idea to consider a fertilizer spreader. “They are designed to evenly distribute fertilizer across a larger area than what you could do by hand, resulting in better coverage,” says Tom Monson, owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping, a lawn care company based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Unevenly distributing fertilizer can result in patchy grass, says Noah James, owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, a lawn maintenance company based in Surrey, Canada. “By evenly distributing fertilizer across your lawn or garden, you can ensure that every inch of your space is getting the nutrients it needs to flourish,” he says. “This translates into a lush, healthy and vibrant landscape that is the envy of your neighborhood.”

To choose the right fertilizer spreader, you’ll want to consider factors like the size of your lawn, capacity of the spreader and whether you prefer to push, tow or use a handheld spreader. It’s also important to consider if a broadcast or drop spreader is better suited for your needs (more on making that decision below). Your budget is a factor, too.

With these factors in mind, below we rounded up the best fertilizer spreaders on the market to help you get professional-grade grass on your own. (To take your lawn care to the next level, consider our lists of the best lawn edgers, lawn mowers and weed whackers.)

The Scotts Elite Spreader is packed with features to make fertilizing your lawn a breeze, and at a price point that’s fairly affordable. The tool holds up to 20,000 square feet of fertilizer (or about half an acre) and has never-flat tires to help you move over just about any terrain. The spreader has an ergonomic, soft-grip handle for your comfort and even has a phone holder. But where it really shines is the spreader’s dual-rotor, which allows the lawn tool to distribute fertilizer quickly and over a generous six-foot area. Worth noting: This spreader also works to distribute grass seed, salt and ice melt, making it truly multi-purpose. Once you’re done, the handle folds down for easy storage.

You have two options with smaller yards: You can use a handheld spreader, but that will take more time and effort on your end; Or, you can use a more traditional spreader with a smaller capacity. Instead’s Go Getter spreads fertilizer over five feet and holds up to 5,000 square feet of product, making it a good option for smaller yards (or people who don’t mind refilling the spreader a few times). The spreader is also made from plastic that contains 80% recycled materials—a nice perk for eco-conscious consumers. A wide grip gives you options when you push your tool around.

If you want to really save on spreaders, a handheld option will be the cheapest. But if you want a more traditional spreader at a lower cost, consider this handy option. It has room for up to 5,000 square feet of fertilizer and uses a dual-bladed agitator to smoothly funnel out product. An EdgeGuard allows you to block off the right side of the tool to keep fertilizer from spreading onto walkways, your driveway or any other place where you won’t want it to go. It also features a fold-down handle for easy storage. Like the Elite Spreader, you can also use this tool to spread rock salt and grass seed.

Agri-Fab’s spreader can tackle lawns up to a half acre of lawn before needing a refill. This tool has a generous 12-foot spread pattern with a 130-pound capacity, giving you the ability to really load up on product before hitting the turf. Pneumatic tires are easy to push over a range of terrain, while easy-grip handle bars help keep you comfortable while you work. It also contains aluminum beveled gears to lower the risk of clogs and stand up to years of use. Keep in mind that this spreader is durable enough to be used year-round and can also distribute things like salt and pesticides.

A handheld spreader is a good fit for smaller lawns and people on a budget, but it requires a little more work on your end. Ryobi’s ONE+ spreader takes a little off your plate with the help of a battery-powered distributor. (Note: The battery is sold separately, but can be used with all Ryobi products.) An adjustable knob helps control the flow rate, while a sliding level allows you to adjust where the fertilizer goes. There’s also an anti-clog mechanism to keep things running smoothly. This spreader has a one-gallon capacity, which is generous by handheld standards.

Whether you have a large lawn or just want to take your fertilizer spreading to the next level, this Brinly-Hardy tow-behind tool is up for the task. It has an impressive 40-inch width to cover large expanses of lawn at once, while the 100-pound capacity can hold plenty of product. Because this is also an aerator, it helps fertilizer really get into your soil. Galvanized steel tines—132 total—resist bending and help work the soil up to two inches deep. The spreader also has calibrated flow control and an adjustable stop to give you accurate spreading patterns. When you’re done aerating, the pneumatic tires kick in with the push of a lever.

To choose the best fertilizer spreaders, we consulted three lawn care experts for their input on important features to look for in these tools. We also analyzed the most popular spreaders on the market for elements like capacity, durability, comfort and ease of use. Reviews from owners were factored in as well to ensure we had the most accurate view of how the fertilizer spreaders we chose performed across a range of lawns.

If you maintain your own lawn, experts say it’s a good idea to have a fertilizer spreader. “The benefit of using a fertilizer spreader is that it ensures even distribution of the material, which helps to avoid over-fertilization in some areas and under-fertilization in others,” says Lindsey Hyland, founder of gardening advice website Urban Organic Yield. “A spreader gives you more control over where the fertilizer goes and how much is applied at each location.” This, she points out, also helps prevent wasted product and ensures your lawn is optimally nourished. Using fertilizer, along with a fertilizer spreader, is an important tool in creating a thick, full lawn, James says. “Whether you're a weekend gardener or a professional, a fertilizer spreader is the smart choice for anyone looking to elevate their landscaping game,” he says.

The best fertilizer spread is ultimately one that meets your needs. However, the Scotts Elite Spreader is a great choice for most homeowners. It has dual rotors to help you get the job done fast, along with nice perks like a comfortable grip and phone holder. It can also cover nearly half an acre in one go. If you have a smaller yard, though, consider the Instead Go Getter Spreader or Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini. Both cover 5,000 square feet of yard before needing a refill and have a lower price tag than counterparts with a higher capacity.

It depends on your needs, as well as your personal preference. “Broadcast spreaders are great for larger lawns, while drop spreaders work best for smaller areas,” Monson says. “Both types of spreaders allow you to precisely control how much fertilizer you are applying and can save you time and effort.” Broadcast spreaders tend to be more common for homeowner use, though. “The trusty broadcast spreader blankets your lawn with precision, spreading seed and fertilizer evenly over your entire yard. Not to mention, it saves you time and energy,” James says. “Meanwhile, the drop spreader strategically drops material where it's needed most. No more worries about wind or misplaced materials.” Keep this in mind, too, per James: “The right spreader for you is ultimately the one that gets the job done right, every time. As long as you're seeing healthy, thriving growth in your lawn, I consider that a huge success.”

I'm a reporter at Forbes writing about the world's richest people with a focus on the tech sector. Send any tips to my email (pliu@forbes.com) or Signal (678-834-4200), and find me on Twitter @_pheebini. Before joining Forbes, I studied statistics and data science, education studies and journalism at Yale.

I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.