How to Use Your Spreader During the Winter

Your lawn spreader is an important tool during the spring and summer months as you're using it to evenly apply lawn care products like fertilizer, grass seed or weed and pest control to your lawn. Did you know that you can also use your spreader in the off-season to spread ice melt on walkways and driveways? Don't pack away that spreader in the shed just yet, keep it around to help keep areas clear for yourself and guests.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Fill the Spreader with Ice Melt

Pour the product into the spreader the same way you would with a fertilizer or grass seed product. To begin, we recommend that you fill the spreader halfway rather than filling it to the top. This can help keep from overwhelming the spreader with too much product. We do not recommend using rock salt in your Scotts® Spreader.

2. Choose Your Rate for Spreading Ice Melt

Anytime you're using a spreader, you have to set the spreader settings which controls the amount of product that's being applied. These settings vary per product type. Since the shape and size vary greatly between ice melt products, you'll want to test and adjust as you go.

3. Apply Ice Melt

It is recommended to remove any snow before applying, but be sure to read the label on your ice melt product and carefully follow those instructions for best results. Once you're clear on the instructions, apply with your Scotts broadcast or hand-held spreader. After you're done, make sure to clean up your spreader and let it dry out.

The Benefits of Using a Spreader for Ice Melting

If you live in a cold climate, then you know the hassle of keeping up with icy walkways and driveways and using a spreader to apply, can make life a little bit easier.

• Improved efficiency: With a spreader, ice melt will quickly be dispersed, allowing you to cover more ground in less time
• More consistent application: Pouring ice melt out of a bag onto the ground could lead to it piling up in certain areas. With a spreader, whether a broadcast or hand-held, you can achieve a more even application which leads to less product waste.

Top Spreader Picks from Scotts®

Scotts® Elite Spreader

The Scotts® Elite Spreader is ideal for larger areas. This spreader has a hopper capacity of 20,000 sq. ft. for most lawn care products. Dual rotors help provide greater accuracy for ice melt applications. With a six-foot spread pattern, you can get the job done much faster. An ergonomic handle provides extra comfort on those cold winter days, and a built-in smartphone holder makes chore time better with your favorite tunes. The ten-inch tires are foam filled, which makes it easier to navigate on slick surfaces.

Scotts® Wizz Spreader

For smaller walkways, the Scotts® Wizz Spreader is a great, lightweight, compact pick. This battery-powered spreader holds up to 2,500 sq. ft of product. With this handy spreader, you can quickly apply ice melt in tight spaces. This is a great choice for walking between houses, garages, and sheds, as the spreader does not require a wide berth for operation.