How to Properly Spread Turf Fertilizer

Applying lawn fertilizer may seem like a no brainer but a little carelessness can cause some major problems to your curb appeal

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer spreader- preferrably with rubber wheels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Patience to read the labels

1. Turf grass is usually the biggest part of most landscapes and is the first thing noticed by most visitors. When it's green, healthy and well manicured, it speaks volumes to everyone.
   
   Achieve healthy turf by following 4 simple rules.
   
   1. Mow higher, 3"-4", taller grass blades means longer roots
   
   2. Sharpen mower blades every 3 to 4 mows. Keeps clean and green
   
   3. Control weeds- weeds steal moisture and fertilizer from your turf
   
   4. Fertilize when your turf is actively growing
   Northern states- cool season grasses- April, May, September, October
   Southern states- warm season grasses- June, July, August
   
   Fertilizer is only one step of a healthy turf program but an important part. Follow the tips below to help keep your lawn a show stopper.

2. 1. always read fertilizer label first.
   2. Use gloves/glasses when handling fert. and filling spreader hopper.
   3. Spread fertilizer in two passes. Half one direction half the other
   4. Read label for the number to calibrate your type of spreader.
   5. Always close release handle before filling spreader
   6. Fill spreader only on a hard surface (driveway, street, sidewalk).

3. You now have a half full spreader ready to go. Why only half full?
   Fertilizer will flow and spread smoother with less weight on top.
   
   Spreading tips
   
   1. Start 10 feet back, walk forward and open handle to release fert.
   2. Walk at an even steady pace thru every pass
   3. Watch how wide the fertilizer spreads out on every pass.
   4. Slightly overlap each pass as you walk back the other direction
   5. Close spreader handle 3 feet before end of each pass
   6. Never start a pass without having enough fertilizer to finish
   7. Never stop a pass without closing the handle to avoid spilling
   8. Have only the outer edge of pellets hit the side of a vertical wall
   9. Place any unused material back in the bag
   10. Clean hopper after every use
   
   I recommend using a larger rubber tire spreader for better, easier results compared to the smaller plastic tire models or drop spreader.
   
   Good luck,
   
   Todd
   
   contact me at [e-mail] for more tips and advice

Tips & Warnings

• Always Read label
• Wear gloves more for keeping chemicals off hands
• Fill hopper on hard surfaces only. Make sure release handle is closed.
• Always keep moving when handle is open
• Overlap each pass a little with material
• Blow off sidewalks and driveways when finished
• Never stop moving without shutting off release handle
• Watch spread and overlap a little
• Make sure release handle is closed prior to filling hopper