Sprayer vs Spreader

[Scrounger]

I'm looking into a sprayer for a BX and I'm wondering the results others have had with a sprayer for the lawn versus a spreader. I'm trying to find a way to get more fertilizer on the grass and not just have the granular stuff wash into a pile. No permits are needed for residential use in PA so I'm thinking the sprayer is the way to go. Not a single lawn care firm in the area is using anything but liquids these days.

Opinions? Your results? Recommendations?

 

[DuaneW]

Dry fertilizer (sp?) is generally cheeper and easier to handle in the quantities needed for a yard, however, if you ever want to use something like 24d to kill dandilions ect... then the liqid is the way to go. You can probably get the liquid fert on more evenly than the dry also, unless you spend lots on a really good spreader. I just sold a nice Herd spreader because I sold the yard tractor I had setup to use it on, will probably replace it with a sprayer when I am ready to have a nice lawn again for the reasons mentioned above. I have not really looked into the blends available in liquid form yet but I assume you can get the same mixes as dry.

DuaneW

 

[uphill]

While watching Ag Phd on the RFDTV channel, the program discussed weed control by spraying and warned about the problem of overspray or mist drifting in the wind. This can possibly harm your desirable flowers and plants. I know from experience, you can kill more than you bargain for if you aren't careful!

 

[RalphVa]

Spraying will give quicker rejuvenation/effects but will wear off quicker. The granules are designed to slowly dissolve to lengthen out the fertilization. Would have to be very careful to not overapply a spray. Could get too much fertilization and make the new growth too tender to tolerate traffic and mowing, and could get some runoff in the rain.

A little bit (about 1/8") of compost spread on grass would be potentially more effective (long term) than ANY fertilizer.

Use of any salt type fertilizers will KILL your worms. Organic fertilizers won't.

Ralph

 

[KennK]

I've been spreading composted horse manure on our front lawn for about 8-10 years now and, much to the displeasure of my neighbor across the street, I think my ground (and lawn) look much better. When we first moved in it was all clay with lots of bare spots. No more.

What else am I going to do with all that brown gold??!!

 

[Arcane]

I've been spreading composted horse manure on our front lawn for about 8-10 years now

Do you have one of those lawn roller/compost spreaders, a tractor-mounted dry material spreader, or do you pitch it by hand? I pushed one of the former around on our (sloped) lawn all weekend and I'm not looking to do that again.

 

[KennK]

I use a smallish 50 bushel Frontier ground-driven manure spreader (the regular variety with the beater blades in back - the model is on my signature line). That does a pretty good job of shredding it.

I'll give it a day or two to dry out a bit, then I'll drive over it with the mid-mount mower. That takes care of most of the chunks.

Finally, I'll send the kids out to kick or rake the chunks that remain. I'm not sure what I'll do for child labor once my kids head off to college. Luckily that won't be for six years or so.