Broadcast / Rotary Spreader
The most common type of lawn spreader. A broadcast spreader uses a spinning disc to throw granular product in a wide arc as you walk. It covers large areas quickly and evenly. Most bag labels will list settings for popular broadcast spreader brands.
Broadcast spreaders (also called rotary spreaders) are the go-to tool for most homeowners. A hopper holds the product and a spinning disc distributes it 6–8 feet wide as you walk. They are fast, efficient, and work well for fertilizer, pre-emergent, and granular pesticides.
Advantages: Fast coverage, works for most products, widely available.
Disadvantages: Some overlap needed at edges, product can spread onto driveways/beds.
Usage tip: Walk at a steady, consistent pace. For even coverage, use the perpendicular pass method — apply half in one direction and half at 90 degrees. Keep the spreader moving whenever it is open.
More on Spreaders
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