Broadcast Spreader vs Drop Spreader: Which Should You Buy?
Broadcast spreaders cover large areas fast and are best for open lawns. Drop spreaders provide precise edge control and are best for small lawns, near garden beds, and when applying weed killer near sensitive areas. Most homeowners with average-sized lawns benefit from a broadcast spreader.
How Do Broadcast Spreader and Drop Spreader Compare?
Drop Spreader wins 3 of 5 categories. The breakdown below covers speed of coverage, edge precision, even coverage, weed preventer application, small lawn maneuverability.
| Factor | Broadcast Spreader | Drop Spreader |
|---|---|---|
Speed of Coverage Broadcast spreaders throw fertilizer 6-10 feet wide, covering a lawn 3-4x faster than drop spreaders | ||
Edge Precision Drop spreaders apply product only where the wheels roll, with no overthrow into flower beds or driveways | ||
Even Coverage Broadcast pattern blends overlaps naturally. Drop spreaders show visible lines if passes are not perfectly aligned | ||
Weed Preventer Application When applying granular herbicides near gardens, a drop spreader prevents accidental damage to desired plants | ||
Small Lawn Maneuverability Drop spreaders are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, around obstacles, and on narrow lawn strips |
When Should You Choose Broadcast Spreader?
Choose Broadcast Spreader when you prioritize speed of coverage, even coverage. Broadcast spreaders throw fertilizer 6-10 feet wide, covering a lawn 3-4x faster than drop spreaders
- Speed of Coverage: Broadcast spreaders throw fertilizer 6-10 feet wide, covering a lawn 3-4x faster than drop spreaders
- Even Coverage: Broadcast pattern blends overlaps naturally. Drop spreaders show visible lines if passes are not perfectly aligned
When Should You Choose Drop Spreader?
Choose Drop Spreader when you prioritize edge precision, weed preventer application, small lawn maneuverability. Drop spreaders apply product only where the wheels roll, with no overthrow into flower beds or driveways
- Edge Precision: Drop spreaders apply product only where the wheels roll, with no overthrow into flower beds or driveways
- Weed Preventer Application: When applying granular herbicides near gardens, a drop spreader prevents accidental damage to desired plants
- Small Lawn Maneuverability: Drop spreaders are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, around obstacles, and on narrow lawn strips
Sources
Source:Wikipedia: Broadcast SpreaderSource:Michigan State University Extension: Fertilizing LawnsLast updated: