Many inexperienced gardeners have to deal with dilemmas about which spreader to get. When you own a lawn or a yard, it is impossible to scatter granular fertilizers without a spreader.
However, the mind gets stuck to the point where two different kinds of spreaders appear. How do you distinguish between them? Why are there two types, and when to use which model?
These are the questions that pop up whenever the discussion moves towards broadcast spreader vs drop spreader.
To tell you the truth, it is tremendously silly to feel anxious regarding this matter. First, let me tell you a few words about each spreader, then you can easily tell them apart and when to utilize on your own!
Broadcast Spreader
What does come to your mind when you hear the word broadcast? The term broadcasting seeds in gardening means to scatter them or fertilizers in various directions.
Therefore, broadcast spreaders are the most efficient way to distribute fertilizers. They also cover the grounds quite rapidly. However, the timing varies on how swiftly you walk.
You see, the tool can fling granulated items covering wide ranges of an area if you walk quickly. However, the broadcasting rate drops as soon as you slow down the pace, allowing small coverage.
There is a preset dial that determines how many grass seeds or granules to scatter per rotational mechanism.
In short, it is a hopper with a flywheel plate that sprays the contents evenly around you.
When Should You Use a Broadcast Spreader?
Since the scattering function works randomly, it eliminates you from focusing painfully on walking in an aligned formation. It is a beneficial feature for those with a large turf.
So a broadcast spreader is an ideal choice for wide-open areas. It can cover massive locations within a short period, cutting back on repeated trips. You will not even have to worry about the uneven spread.
It is a time-saving tool that can be used when applying fertilizers, herbicides, or seeds. Anything granular goes straight into the hopper without any hassle.
Drop Spreader
You are well aware of gravity, right? A drop spreader merely relies on the gravitational pull and drops the contents where needed.
It is also a hopper that offers manual as well as towed units. This type of spreader drops the seeds or granules effectively on the turf without scattering in every direction.
The tool continues to drop products in a consistent pattern irrespective of the walking pace. However, it has a single drawback. The gardener might not be able to confirm whether some of the spots have been covered or not.
This issue arises due to the lack of any marks made by the hopper. So, there remains uncertainty of missing small areas.
When Should You Use a Drop Spreader?
Since dropping operation does not spread in an arc pattern, you can utilize it near the edged sections. We hope you know that granulated fertilizers are terrible when it comes to staining the pavements.
A drop spreader will ensure these granules are not thrown in the driveways. You can easily walk by the paved borders without causing any mess. We find it highly convenient for lawn owners/small yard.
The gardener can drop the seeds or granular products on the grass spread around the perimeter without a hassle. Thanks to its precise dropping function, one can use the hopper to drop products with a leisurely walk.
Broadcast Spreader vs Drop Spreader: Which Spreader Is Better?
We cannot vote one over the other; it is impossible because of their equally significant capabilities.
But there is a thing called comparison. You can realize which features fit your requirements by comparing the two spreaders.
Broadcast Spreader
Drop Spreader
Final Words
Now, which one do you think goes with the turf plan? Our all-time suggestion for massive properties is to get both. As you can see, a broadcast spreader is not ideal for the edges.
On the other hand, a drop spreader cannot cover such big lawns within a short period. So, it is time for some compromises and to make use of both!
The main point is that the fertilizers and such granulated formulations are to be distributed evenly. Good luck!