Whether you’re seeding, reseeding or fertilising your lawn, a spreader will make your life easier. By helping you get an even distribution it will give you a happier, healthier lawn.
But if you’re researching these handy gadgets, you may be surprised at just how much choice is out there. That’s where we come in! We’re going to take you through seven of the best lawn spreaders on the market. And we’ll tell you what makes them great, as well as any limitations to be aware of.
So if you’re ready, let’s get started!
Quick Pick: The Best Lawn Spreader
The Best lawn spreader on UK Market 2023
1. Einhell GE-US 18 Li-Solo Power X-Change Cordless Universal lawn spreader
If you want to automate your spreading, you’ll want to take a look at Einhell’s GE-US 18. With this spreader, you can set it to do all the hard work for you.
It’s powered by a single 18-volt lithium ion battery from Einhell’s Power X-Change range. The battery is compatible with all other garden tools in that range.
But if you don’t already have one, you’ll need to buy at least one battery, and a charger, separately. That will more than double the overall price, so make sure you factor that into your costs.
There are six settings to control the speed of spray, and eight to fine tune the volume. You can also adjust the spreading width, up to a maximum of five metres.
Just choose the settings you want, switch the spreader on, and carry it across your lawn. There’s an ergonomically designed handle so it’s comfortable to hold. The battery does add a bit of weight, but it will be easily manageable for most gardeners.
And you are unlikely to have to carry it for long. All you’ll have to do is walk at a steady pace while the machine does the work. You’ll dramatically reduce the time spent spreading.
The chamber for your grass seed or fertiliser has a capacity of 3.3 litres. If you want to, you can also use it for grit or salt in winter. It will be best suited to areas up to 800 square metres.
Einhell’s power system is pretty efficient, but you’ll of course need to remember to keep your battery charged. That’s pretty much the only effort you’ll have to make with this gadget.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use – all you have to do is walk at a regular pace
- Choice of settings for volume, speed and spray width
- Suitable for areas up to 800 square metres
Cons:
- If you don’t already have a battery and charger, you’ll need to buy them separately – and that will more than double the total cost
- The 3.3 litre capacity is lower than wheel-along spreaders.
2. T-Mech Rotary lawn spreader
T-Mech’s spreader is basically a large hopper on wheels. The simple design is easy to use, and you’ll be able to fit in a lot of grass seed or fertiliser. The capacity here is 25 kilograms.
A simple dial allows you to control the rate at which the contents are released from the hopper. You can choose from ten different settings, offering plenty of flexibility. And you’ll get a spread width of up to 3 metres.
This is a fairly large piece of kit. It’s 46 centimetres wide and 82 centimetres deep from the front wheels to the back of the handle. It stands 75 centimetres tall, placing the handle at a convenient height for most gardeners.
The large wheels are positioned well apart so that it stays stable, even on sloping lawns. There’s a heavy-duty self-lubricating nylon gear to keep everything moving smoothly.
When empty, the spreader weighs under 4 kilograms. That makes it easy to manoeuvre. Just make sure that you have somewhere to store it when you’ve finished using it. The handle doesn’t fold down, so it takes up a fair amount of space.
You will need to do some assembly before the first use. Take your time with this – the instructions aren’t as clear as they could be.
And check that you have all the parts before you start. We’ve heard of one case where the bolts were missing from the pack. They’re easy to get hold of, but it will be frustrating if you have to interrupt your build to head to a DIY store.
Those niggles aside, though, this is a decent spreader with a large capacity. And the price is pretty reasonable too.
Pros:
- The large hopper will hold up to 25 kilograms of grass seed or fertiliser
- The big wheels are positioned well apart to aid stability
- Choice of ten settings to vary the rate of spread
Cons:
- Assembly is required, and the instructions aren’t particularly helpful
- This is a big piece of equipment and the handle doesn’t fold down – so ensure you have enough space to store it.
3. EverGreen Easy lawn spreader Plus (Our Top Pick)
EverGreen’s Easy Spreader Plus is a simply designed spreader that works very effectively. And it’s easy on the wallet too.
It looks a bit like a plastic trough on wheels with a long handle – and that’s essentially what it is. The grass seed or fertiliser goes into the trough and is then dispensed through a narrow slit at the bottom.
The width of the opening, and hence the spreading rate, is determined by the setting you choose. You can choose from 0 to 9. And if you’ve purchased EverGreen products, you’ll be able to pick the setting that’s recommended on the packaging.
Slide the pointer back to 0 to prevent the seed coming out when you’ve finished. But be aware that in order to do this, you’ll need to bend. There’s no handle control to interrupt spreading.
That means you’ll need to plan your course with care. Don’t go backwards, or you’ll end up either overseeding the area or adding too much fertiliser. That’s a recipe for poor germination in the first case, and burnt grass in the second.
One technique that works well is to set the rate to half that recommended for the product. Then cover your lawn in two passes – the first up and down, the second side to side.
That will allow you to see how much seed or fertiliser is being distributed on the first pass. If you need to, you can then adjust the rate for the second pass.
The trough is 53 centimetres wide, so you’ll get a decent working width. And because the contents are dropped downwards, there’s no risk of anything spraying out the sides and onto beds or borders.
One niggle is that we’ve heard of some instances where the wheels have become stiff after a while. If that happens, it’s best to replace the whole thing. Otherwise you’ll end up depositing too much seed or fertiliser in one patch.
Pros:
- Simple and effective design
- Settings from 0 to 9 to control the spreading rate
- Easy to control the distribution as the contents are delivered in a straight line
Cons:
- There’s no switch at the handle to interrupt the flow
- The wheels have a tendency to become stiff after a while.
4. Scotts EasyGreen Rotary lawn spreader
This rotary spreader from Scotts is a great option for a broader spreading pattern. And it’s another spreader that’s a pretty economical buy.
It consists of a wheeled steel frame attached to a plastic hopper. It’s particularly well suited to larger green spaces, having the widest spread pattern of any domestic rotary spreader. You can choose from a width of between 122 and 340 centimetres.
The different settings are designed to be used with Scotts products, and you can match them up to the directions on the pack. But don’t be put off using other brands – just be prepared for some experimentation to get the right setting.
Because the rotary attachment is fairly close to the ground, it’s best to use this in dry conditions. If the grass seed or fertiliser gets damp, it can clog up the spreader. And if you put it away with damp debris still clinging to it, it will rust in time.
Note too that the base of the spreader is square, rather than funnel shaped. That means that, as the contents of the hopper reduce, you may need to tip it from side to side. That will encourage the remaining grass seed or fertiliser into the spreader.
The simple construction means this is easy to clean. And the handle folds down so it won’t take up too much space in your shed.
You won’t have to do much assembly, either. Just unfold the handle and tighten up the nuts, and you’re ready to start spreading.
Pros:
- Great option for larger green spaces, with a spread width of between 122 and 340 centimetres
- Range of different settings – particularly easy to use with Scotts’ own products
- Handle folds down to take up less storage space
Cons:
- The square base of the hopper means you may have to tip it from side to side to help the last bits of grass seed or fertiliser feed into the spreader
- Best used in dry conditions, or the damp can clog the spreader and lead to rust.
5. EverGreen Handy lawn spreader
This hand-held spreader from EverGreen is the cheapest option on our list. It will cost you about the same amount as two cups of posh coffee in an artisan coffee bar. So just what do you get for the price?
Well, it’s designed to be comfortable to carry, with an arm support to help take the weight. There’s a choice of five different settings, and it delivers a maximum spreading width of 2 metres.
You turn the handle to dispense the contents. The speed at which you turn it determines how fast the seed or fertiliser is released, offering another level of control.
The relatively small capacity means this won’t be the right choice for wide open paddocks. But if you want to seed or fertilise a smaller lawn, it’s ideal. Just don’t be tempted to overfill the hopper. If you do, you’ll find the weight interferes with the gears and prevents you from turning the handle smoothly.
As long as you don’t overfill it, though, the seed generally flows more readily the more there is in the hopper. As the level reduces, you may find you need to shake or tip it to encourage it to feed through. That can lead to less than perfectly even distribution.
Not surprisingly, the manufacturers encourage you to use this with their own-brand products. If you do, you’ll find the correct settings for the spreader on the back of the packaging.
But if you prefer a different brand, there’s no reason you shouldn’t use it. The numbers for the settings refer to the size of the aperture through which the contents are released. The bigger the number, the wider the aperture.
If you’re spreading a fine substance like grass seed, choose setting number 1, 2 or 3. For larger particles like lawn sand or fertiliser, choose 4 or 5.
All in all, this is a great little spreader for smaller lawns. If that’s what you have, why spend more on anything more sophisticated?
Pros:
- Inexpensive and effective spreader for smaller lawns
- Arm rest makes it easy to carry
- Choice of five different settings
Cons:
- Don’t overfill the hopper or you may find it a struggle to turn the handle
- When the level in the hopper gets low, you may find you need to tip it to encourage the contents through the hole.
6. Westland Drop lawn spreader
Westland’s drop spreader uses a similar design to the one from EverGreen. It’s about a third more expensive, though. So what do you get for the price?
The design is simple – a trough on wheels with a large metal handle so it’s easy to manoeuvre. The trough has a capacity of 10 litres, which should be plenty for all but the largest of lawns. You can choose from a range of different settings, selected using a lever at the back of the trough.
The higher the number, the wider the gap at the bottom of the trough becomes, and the more product is dispensed. The drop design means the contents will fall straight down, enabling you to keep paths and borders clear.
Note that this is designed specifically for use with fertiliser. The settings aren’t fine enough to get good results with grass seed.
A simple on-off switch allows you to close the gap completely when you’re filling the trough. Make sure you use it when you come to a stop too, or it will keep dispensing the fertiliser.
And you’ll need to start walking as soon as you’ve set your required calibration. The spreader will start dispensing its contents straight away.
As with most spreaders from brands that also sell fertiliser, the settings here suit Westland products. You can use other brands, but you’ll need to undertake some trial and error to calibrate the spreader correctly. Needless to say, none of the settings from one brand match the others!
This is a lightweight piece of kit, weighing just three kilograms when empty. That makes it easy to transport. But the plastic construction isn’t that robust.
Assembly is, however, very simple. There are just three screws, and it should take no more than 5 minutes. The position of one of the screws means you’ll find the job easier if you have a magnetic screwdriver.
Pros:
- Simple and inexpensive design for accurate application of lawn fertiliser
- 10-litre trough will hold more than enough for most lawns
- Simple to assemble
Cons:
- Not suitable for use with grass seed – the settings are not sufficiently finely calibrated
- Will start spreading as soon as you select a setting – so make sure you’re ready to start walking right away!
7. Ezi Hand-Held lawn spreader
Ezi’s hand-held spreader wins hands down the prize for the simplest design. But the low-tech approach works well and has the advantage of being very resilient. There’s little that’s possible to go wrong with this one!
It consists of a simple plastic cylinder. A lid fits snugly over one end. There are eight larger holes around the edge of the lid, and four smaller ones in the middle. By twisting it around, you can vary how much of the holes are uncovered. And that gives you maximum flexibility to adjust the rate of spreading.
You’ll get an extra lid included in the package too, so you’ll have a spare if it goes astray.
The spreader has a capacity of just over two litres. The translucent blue plastic allows you to see the level of product inside. A gauge measures from 0.5 to 2 litres in half-litre increments.
It’s just under 28 centimetres tall, and there’s a plastic handle formed in a single piece with the body. The lid has a diameter of a shade under 9 centimetres. Together with the handle, the maximum width is 12.7 centimetres. It’s roughly the same size as a thermos flask.
The dinky dimensions mean that it’s best suited to smaller lawns. It’s light and easy to carry, weighing just 130 grams when empty. And you won’t have to worry about finding space to store it.
You will, though, need to get down low to the surface of your lawn to apply the seed or fertiliser. There’s no spray action here – the contents are simply dispensed by gravity. So you’ll need to get close enough to the surface for accurate application.
It will work just as well to scatter salt or grit on icy paths as it will to seed or fertilise your lawn. And the simple design means it’s easy to clean afterwards.
We think it’s a great little gadget at a very modest price.
Pros:
- Very simple and robust design
- Measuring gauge allows you to see how much product you have remaining at all times
- Comes with a spare lid
Cons:
- The relatively small capacity means this won’t be the right choice for larger lawns
- You’ll need to bend down close to the surface of the lawn for accurate application.
Buying guide
If you’re wondering which of these lawn spreaders is right for you, let our buying guide help you decide! Here are a few simple questions to consider before you part with your money.
What are the physical characteristics of your lawn?
The most obvious thing to consider is just how big your lawn is. If you need to spread seed or fertiliser over a large space, a rotary spreader can be a good choice. That will give you a much wider spread than you’ll get with a drop spreader.
But if you want to avoid wasting seed on neighbouring borders or beds, a drop spreader will be the better choice. In that case, the seed or fertiliser will be deposited directly below the machine.
Either way, push-along spreaders are a good bet for larger lawns. They’re easy to use, and you won’t have to carry the weight of the seed yourself. But if your lawn isn’t level, they may not be the right choice.
If you’re trying to distribute seed or fertiliser over a slope, you may find it difficult to get even coverage. A hand-held spreader will give you much better control.
What do you want to spread?
Not all lawn spreaders are equally suitable for the different materials you might want to spread. Grass seed, for example, is considerably smaller and lighter than fertiliser. So it requires a spreader capable of finer calibration.
You may also want to use your spreader for non-lawn related projects – spreading salt on icy paths, for example.
Most spreaders will handle that – but make sure you’ll be able to clean them properly afterwards. You don’t want to find yourself spreading salt alongside the fertiliser next time you come to feed your lawn!
Consider storage
Last but not least, consider where you’re going to keep your spreader when it’s not in use. If it will be going into a garden shed, make sure there’s enough room.
Hand-held spreaders will be easily slotted into a space on a shelf. But some push-along models are quite bulky. If space is constrained, look for options where the handle can be folded up to fit into tighter spots.
Ready to spready?
We hope our guide to seven of the best lawn spreaders out there has helped you in your search! Whether you want to seed or fertilise, on a lawn large or small, there are some great options out there.
Our top pick is EverGreen’s Easy Spreader Plus. It’s one of the most economical models we’ve found, but it does its job very effectively. We love its wide range of settings, and how easy it is to control.
But if you’re looking for a wider spray, we’d recommend Einhell’s GE-US 18. It’s pretty expensive if you don’t already have an Einhell battery and charger. But it offers unparalleled precision.
Whichever spreader is right for you, it will take the hard work out of seeding or fertilising your lawn. And that will give you more time to relax and enjoy the results!
