What Type of Spreader Do I Need for My Lawn? Spreading seed or fertiliser may seem like a quick and simple job, however it requires a little more than just a shovel or a pair of gloves. A dedicated spreader makes sure it’s done evenly and without waste, and they’re also great for spreading grit in the winter months. Whether you’re sowing fresh grass seed, applying lawn feed, or even spreading grit in the winter months, the right spreader will save you time, reduce waste, and ensure consistent results. Why Buy a Spreader? If you’ve ever spread grass seed or fertilised by hand, you’ll know that it’s easy to end up with patchy coverage, bald patches and areas of overfeeding. The job also takes much longer, causes more strain on your back and is less precise than a spreader. Lawn spreaders are designed to do exactly the same job, but they do it quicker, easier, and with less waste. Once you start using a spreader, you’ll find it difficult to go back. Types of Lawn Spreaders There are three main types of lawn spreaders, and the one you buy should match the size of your lawn, what you’re spreading, how precise you need to be and how much effort you want to put in. Broadcast (Walk-Behind) Lawn Spreaders Broadcast or walk-behind spreaders work using a spinning plate or fan that throws seed, fertiliser or grit in a wide arc out to the side of the spreader. A rotary spreader is the most common type of spreader and is ideal for covering medium to large lawns or fields with grass seed or fertiliser. Best for: Fertiliser, grass seed, lawn feed. Pros: Quick, good for general-purpose. Cons: Less precision near the edges so need careful handling around flowerbeds. Drop Spreaders Drop or push spreaders are simpler. The product doesn’t get flung out to the side but instead drops directly beneath the hopper, so the pattern of coverage is narrower but much more precise. Making them perfect for smaller gardens or when you need to avoid overspill. Best for: Precise applications, salt and grit, small lawns. Pros: Accuracy. Cons: Coverage width is narrow so can be slow. Towed (Tow-Behind) Spreaders Towed or tow-behind spreaders are the quickest and easiest option for covering large lawns or fields, or for estate or professional use. A spreader that you tow behind a ride-on mower or garden tractor, these often have larger hoppers and wider spreading widths than walk-behind models, so you can get the job done quickly. Best for: Large gardens or estates, professional. Pros: Quick, large capacity. Cons: Needs a ride-on mower to tow behind. Handheld Lawn Spreaders Compact, light and portable handheld spreaders can be a great choice for small patches of lawn, narrow strips or quick repairs, and they’re easy to store in small garages. Best for: Spot seeding, small lawns and repairs. Pros: Portable, easy to store, lightweight. Cons: Not designed for larger areas. Selecting the Right Spreader for Your Lawn Choosing the right lawn spreader comes down to three considerations: Lawn Size: Small (<¼ acre): Handheld or small broadcast spreaders. Medium (¼–½ acre): Push broadcast spreaders. Large/large estates: Tow-behind models. Material Type Fine seed/fertiliser: Broadcast or drop spreaders. Heavy grit or coarse salt: Larger towed spreaders. Frequency of Use If you’re going to use it a lot, such as on a weekly basis over multiple seasons, then it’s worth investing in something heavy-duty and robust. Lawn Spreaders You Can Find On Mowshop MowShop stocks a range of lawn spreaders to suit different lawn sizes and uses, from the popular Cobra HS23 walk-behind spreader to the Agri-Fab tow-behind spreaders, which can handle seeds, fertiliser, grit and ice melt. Walk-Behind & Push Spreaders Cobra HS23 Walk-Behind Lawn Spreader Perfect for medium-sized lawns, this is a budget-friendly spreader that will give consistent coverage whether you’re spreading fertiliser in the spring or grit in the winter. Cobra HS26S Stainless Steel Walk-Behind Lawn Spreader Featuring a stainless steel frame for extra durability, the Cobra HS26S has a higher capacity than the HS23 model and is great for a little extra work and a larger lawn. Mounted & Combination Spreaders Agri-Fab Drop Spreader / Spike Aerator (42″) A two-in-one spreader that does double duty as it both spreads seed, fertiliser or grit and aerates the soil in your lawn as you work. It’s a great option for compacted lawns that need a pick-me-up. Towed (Tow-Behind) Spreaders Agri-Fab Towed Fertiliser Spreader (130 lb / Broadcast) With a large capacity, this spreader is great for larger gardens and estates and is easy to tow behind a ride-on mower. It’s ideal for handling seeds, fertiliser, salt, ice melt and more. Agri Fab Towed Drop Spreader 80 kg The Agri-Fab 80 kg tow-behind drop spreader offers precise, controlled application of seed, fertiliser, and herbicide. Durable build, large capacity—perfect for big lawns, gardens, and professional grounds care. Lawn Spreader Match-Up Small to medium lawns (DIY homeowners): Walk-behind broadcast spreader – Cobra HS23 spreader. Extra sturdy, with high capacity for more intensive jobs: Walk-behind stainless steel spreader – Cobra HS26S spreader. Lawn + aeration in one pass: Combination push + aerate – Agri-Fab Drop Spreader / Spike Aerator. Large lawns / Estates: Towed broadcast spreader – Agri-Fab 130 lb Tow-Behind. Seasonal Lawn Spreading Tasks Don’t think that you need a spreader just for the summer lawn care months. With the right products, a lawn spreader is also a year-round essential: Spring: Spread grass seed to repair bare patches and fertilise to help the lawn recover from winter damage and get growing again. Summer: Feed your lawn with fertiliser to keep it lush and green, especially through dry summer weather. Autumn: Apply a good autumn lawn feed to strengthen your grass and its roots, helping it to better weather the cold and wet winter months. Winter: Use your spreader to apply grit or salt to keep your paths and drive clear in icy conditions. Tips for the Perfect Coverage Calibration is key: Take time to calibrate your spreader before each use so you don’t waste product and you get even coverage. Maintain a steady pace: If you move too quickly or slowly, you’ll get patchy coverage. Overlap: When you’re spreading, make sure you slightly overlap your strips to avoid missing patches. Clean after use: Fertiliser and salt are corrosive so be sure to give your spreader a wash and dry it off before you put it away. Store dry: Keep it in a dry place to help extend its life. Conclusion If you’re after a healthy-looking lawn that’s free of bald spots, your next investment should be a dedicated lawn spreader. Whether you have a small garden or a large estate, MowShop has the spreader to meet your needs and requirements. From the heavy-duty Cobra HS26S to the Agri-Fab tow-behind spreaders that can handle even the biggest properties with ease. The best spreader is one you choose wisely and take good care of, providing you with a better-looking lawn all year round.
