Lawn Fertilizer Spreader Usage & Maintenance
Turning your lawn into a beautiful masterpiece requires more than just weekly mowing. Proper seeding, pest control, and fertilizer are also vital components of any great lawn care program. And since summer is practically here, it’s the perfect time to apply fertilizer to help the grass grow to its full potential. This means it’s time to get the lawn fertilizer spreader out the shed and put it to good use. Like any piece of machinery or equipment, proper maintenance and usage are critical in seeing desired results.
Steps to Maintain a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Here is the best plan of action to make the most of your lawn and spreader this season.
- Clear debris from the yard.
Fertilizer cannot be adequately spread on a yard that is cluttered with dead leaves, tree branches, and other debris. Remove any unnecessary debris from the yard before doing anything. - Wash the spreader off.
Once the spreader makes its way out of the shed, spray and wash it off, removing any dirt or fertilizer left on the device from last season. - Look for signs of wear and tear.
Look over the spreader for signs of wear and tear, including broken wheels, handles, etc. If anything seems out of place, contact the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement parts. - Apply lubricant for easy use.
After sitting stagnant for a while, wheels and moving parts can squeak, become rusty, and lose their mobility. The lubricant will get your tool working correctly during its first use of the season. - Check the calibrator.
Finally, it is vital to check the calibrator before use every season. The calibrator controls how quickly fertilizer is dropped onto your yard. If it is dropping too fast or too slow, the results could be skewed.
How to Use a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader
Whether it’s your first time using a spreader, or you’ve been using one for years, proper usage is also essential. Begin the season by reviewing the owner’s manual and becoming more comfortable with the controls and walking pace. Next, test the release to make sure it is in working order and create a plan for how you wish to apply fertilizer to the yard starting with the hills. Stick to published guidelines for fertilizer application. Over-fertilizing can create yellow spots on the lawn and lead to runoff of chemicals into water bodies. Never forget to wear gloves and a mask when applying fertilizer to avoid adverse effects from the chemicals.
For additional help with your lawn care needs – including pest and weed control, contact Perennial Lawn Care today!
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