How to use a lawn spreader like a pro

Tips to help you use your broadcast spreader like a PRO but in a way a HOMEOWNER can easily do. I show you how to eliminate fertilizer stripes, burn marks and other lawn problems with these easy tips. I help you use this tool with less effort and PERFECT results every time.

DISCLAIMER: This video, description and comments contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

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Safety:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[UncleFester]

Dialing the spreader knob back to half to avoid over-application is something that never occurred to me-and that's why Silver Cymbal is the best.
Of course, I have a way to go before I can afford a way-cool spreader with REAL tires instead of plastic discs, but I'm just getting started!

But here's the thing:

While producing these videos (which takes time over and above keeping his lawn looking great), these videos give people knowledge that they can keep, free of charge for the rest of their lives. Is there anything more noble than a great teacher-at any age?
I submit there is not! Thanks, SC, and keep 'em coming.

[jill]

I’m ready to take on my lawn!! As a newly single mom I’ve been doing my research. I found the products but didn’t know how to use a spreader. Knowing how to clean in properly is just as important! Weed killer to seed spreader… 🤔

[Kevinli]

first time homeowner and about to tackle our first season. thanks for the great video!

[PCConditioning]

You continue to provide practical, non-overwhelming tips and I appreciate that. The content and length of your videos are outstanding. Thanks again👍🏻

[src]

Thank you for keeping it short and sweet

[inxs]

You can use leaf blower to speed up the dry time on your spreader. It gets a majority off quickly as well as getting water out of nooks/crannies. I use mine every time after a wash. Great video

[edinfreehold]

Good tips. I'm a professional cricket groundsman. First thing. If you haven't got pneumatic tyres and a hopper that can accommodate 20kgs (about 40lbs) then don't bother. Recycle the spreader you bought with clunky wheels and plastic gears. Use a contractor instead.

 If you have, yes, get your tyre pressures correct so the distribution isn't listing to one side. Never spread on a windy day. Spread in still air before rain is expected. One pass is hopeless, two is better, three or four will produce professional results. It is a case of less and often. Ignore the dials and manuals, just look at the hopper opening and set it to very narrow and travel over the area 3 or 4 times. When you are finished, thoroughly hose down the machine in an area that doesn't pollute a watercourse or affect wildlife. All the ingredients of a granular fertiliser are water soluble but often corrosive. Sit your washed out spreader in the sun to dry completely. Afterwards spray all moving parts or exposed or powder coated metal with an aerosol penetrating oil such as WD40. Unwashed a spreader will last 2 years before disappearing in a pile of rust. Washed dried and oiled I have 2 that are 20 years old.

[superameric]

Ok. I'm doing so many things wrong. You just stepped up my game! Thank you so much. I would love to be your neighbor!

[macfiona]

I know this video is 2 year old by now, but I had a question. How far apart are your checkerboard lines?
Thank you

[briangallant]

Good video! I have an earthway spreader. I love the Fertilizer you were using but at half the rate it doesn’t seem to come out of the spreader well. The checker board pattern is the way to go. Thanks again for the video!

[miragexl]

I was afraid I'd have to do two rounds, to eliminate the zebra stripes pun. Funny they just came about the last two years and I wondered what I was doing wrong. Things functioning fine. I'm spaced out.. Looks like I'll have to do criss cross to make sure.

[michaelreagan]

Thorough review with great advice; thanks.

[Mityob]

A real blessing Silver Cymbal...thanks for breaking things down for the people.

[williecarden]

Great information and I appreciate the blazer tip. Thank you and thank you for taking the time to share your information.

[vrpalWeapn]

I'm going to try this today. Never thought to lower the spreader setting and go in a crisscross pattern.

[saneong]

Wow! Excellent idea. I hope to get rid of those zebra stripe right away.

[cheefussmith]

Simple stuff but very helpful. I’ve dumped bags myself. Added perk, the spreader tips and bangs you in the shin on the way down. Fun

Thanks for posting!

[captainlarrynosleepfishing]

Another great and informative video! Thanks! 😎

[hfowler]

I really enjoy your vids. You do great editing and video work, and cover helpful topics for the DIY yard guy. My broadcast spreader is towable, and on a zero turn I can’t reach to turn it on and off. Real pain. I’m gonna look into the cleaning product. I always rinse real well, but adding a detergent may be the way to go. 👍

[chevyvega]

i have always used half the recommended rate for all dry fert, sometimes i think the rates are a way of pushing sales and needing more product