fertilizing the side of residential's

2693 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by timturf, Aug 15, 2003

turfman33

Discussion Starter · Aug 6, 2003

I am starting to Fertilize a little now. Only residential homes, and the fertilizer is just fertilizer with no bug or weed control in it. I use Lesco fertilizer and a Lesco broadcast spreader. My question is, when you go up the side of a small property say for example, a 5ft margin between the house and the next door neighbor what do you do to not spread large amounts, (or the right quantities), of fertilizer in this small area? I used a cheap hand spreader in some area's, but then you can't be sure that you are spreading the right amounts.

Are there any good hand spreaders made by Lesco or even a drop spreader made by lesco would be great. I had to use the hand spreader in the front as well, due to it being so small.

Thanks for all your help.

Steve

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Runner

· #2 · Aug 6, 2003

Close your hole and drop your shield, making SURE you have your shield on the neighbor's side as to not throw into their yard. Also, while we're at it, just a little piece of advice... Do you want to ensure evn coverage? Well, here's how you do it if you're using a Lesco spreader. Regardless of what anyone tells you, regardless of what you see other companies doing, and regardless of how TG/CL does it, (usually pretty "uninformed", anyway), this is what you do. Instead of doing the common "S" pattern, which is up one row, and down the other, you go in a spiral pattern around the property moving is a COUNTERclockwise direction. The reason for doing this? Because Lesco spreaders don't spread in a 10-2 o'clock or a 9-3 o'clock pattern. It spreads closer to a 11-3 pattern. So, your rows are not going to be spread out in even distances. I hope this helps, and good luck with it.

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ChickensDoo

· #3 · Aug 8, 2003

Originally posted by Runner
Close your hole and drop your shield, making SURE you have your shield on the neighbor's side as to not throw into their yard.

Good advice..... Now it starts to get a little shaky

Also, while we're at it, just a little piece of advice... Do you want to ensure evn coverage? Well, here's how you do it if you're using a Lesco spreader. Regardless of what anyone tells you, regardless of what you see other companies doing, and regardless of how TG/CL does it, (usually pretty "uninformed", anyway), this is what you do. Instead of doing the common "S" pattern, which is up one row, and down the other, you go in a spiral pattern around the property moving is a COUNTERclockwise direction.

This method leaves MORE room for error. The proper way is to run a perimeter pass, outlining the boundaries of your customer's lawn, then go back and forth in even passes. "S" passes (with the spreader open) leave uneven, unslightly swirls. Doing the perimeter passes gives you nice straight lines between your lawn and the neighbor's.....

The reason for doing this? Because Lesco spreaders don't spread in a 10-2 o'clock or a 9-3 o'clock pattern. It spreads closer to a 11-3 pattern. So, your rows are not going to be spread out in even distances. I hope this helps, and good luck with it.

Go back to the Lesco dealer and have them show you how to center your pattern (or check the operators manual). Uncentered Lesco spreaders can throw 11-3 oclock or 9-1 distribution patterns. Its really a simple process.....

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Runner

· #4 · Aug 8, 2003

I agree with the "S" passes leaving uneven, unsightly swirls, and of course, the first perimeter pass is ALWAYS done with the sheild down, but how does the spiral pattern leave more room for error? The distance of your rows is right on - everytime, and so is the END of your rows, because it's all the same. There is no guessing at where to shut off the spreader at the end of the rows. With the spiral, you just see when the front throw hits the tracks.

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xpnd

· #5 · Aug 8, 2003

Okay, I'll be stupid, if your spiraling in either direction how do you do the corners of the area?

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Runner

· #6 · Aug 9, 2003

You watch for the tracks that are about to be crossd. Here, depending on where you're at on the application, you can either turn at a 90 degree angle at the distance of the throw, or when you get toward the center, you stop the flow, then turn and set up, then start again (having spreader rolling when you're opening the hopper back up).

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bob

· #7 · Aug 10, 2003

Another trick is to tilt the spreader a little bit foward. This won't allow the fertilizer to be thrown out on the sides as far. post 3200

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LAWNGODFATHER

· #8 · Aug 10, 2003

I used to do What bob said, now I got a ride on and just drop the guard.

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lordohturf

· #9 · Aug 12, 2003

solo makes a 25 lb. broadcast which can be adjusted easily for
narrow patterns. Great for small yards or small places. Cost is about $90 at lesco.

or

Back off your rate slightly and put the spreader on the right wheel
in tight places. If you do this while only using the center hole,
you can contain the overlap into undesired areas. Don't try this with a full load in the spreader or you may apply a whole bunch in a small spot, when you dump it!

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Rustic Goat

· #10 · Aug 12, 2003

Originally posted by xpnd
Okay, I'll be stupid, if your spiraling in either direction how do you do the corners of the area?

Runner's got the plan.
Corners? You've never heard of square spirals. Just fudge ever so slightly on corners.
Don't give me any flack guys, you know spreading is not like striping.

LGF, go ahead, rub it in, I've seen the pics of your rider/spreader, all I can say is ENVY.

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timturf

· #11 · Aug 13, 2003

what about a drop spreader?

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Runner

· #12 · Aug 15, 2003

Drop? By far a much more accurate method of application, but it's impracticle for most of us, because of the limited area it covers. I would cringe to think about what it would take for me to do an acre lawn with a drop spreader, unless of course, I had one that was 15 ft. wide. Now, THAT would be nice!

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timturf

· #13 · Aug 15, 2003

Drop spreader was for the narrow area's way too small for rotary

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