Scott’s Spreader Leaves Fertilizer Lines… ONLY FACTS

[@tazocitrus]

I did controlled testing with my spreader and have information to add but unfortunately no firm conclusions yet. My model of spreader has the spinner almost above the tires. It's about 1/2 an inch below them but they compensated for this by having the disc angled upward. I took a slow motion video and confirmed that there is very little fertilizer that hits the wheels on my model but I still get green stripes on my lawn. I'm quite certain that although a lower disc may make the problem worse, that is not the root of the problem. I started by testing how much fertilizer goes where by rotating the wheel while the spreader was stationary. The fertilizer dispersed onto a blue tarp so I could see clearly where it landed and how much. The results were as expected, much more fertilizer spreads in the path immediately in front of the spreader (roughly 2 feet in either direction). This helped me see that if you walk so that your spray pattern touches edge to edge you will get FAR less fertilizer on the edges. Ideally the edge of the spray pattern should reach to 2 feet away from your previous midline (when walking at a moderate pace). This is also a good reason for turning down the flow rate and going over the lawn even 3 or 4 times in different directions. HOWEVER, I don't think this is the answer to our question. I wondered if maybe being on a slope mattered. I did find interesting results regarding this too but this also doesn't seem to solve the mystery. I have stripes on my lawn in both directions regardless of walking along the slope or up and down the slope. That being said, when testing with the spreader flat, it dispensed more fertilizer on the right side. If I tilted the left wheel about 4 inches up, the fertilizer seemed to spread much more evenly. If I tilted the spreader with the right wheel up about 4 inches, the fertilizer dispensed very, very heavily on the right side. My theory for why this happens is that any fertilizer that gets thrown backwards, hits the plastic, loses momentum, and then bounces out on the right side along with any fertilizer that was heading right anyways. The only fertilizer that goes left is the fertilizer that was going left to begin with; none gets redirected left. The reason I think the tilting matters is because the flow of fertilizer from the hopper hits the disc in a different location. Tilt the right wheel up, the fertilizer hits the disc more to the left, therefore more fertilizer hits the back plastic, and you end up with a lot more fertilizer on the right side. My question now becomes "why has this just become a problem recently?" Personally, I think the fertilizer is to blame. I think Scott's changed something that started causing these problems. Maybe having a better spreader compensates for this new problem but I don't think the real problem lies with the spreader. Scott's clearly makes their fertilizer differently than other more granular brands. I think it's very probable that this difference might affect spray patterns or maybe causes one element to not be thrown as well as the others or something like that. I also wonder if the size or design of the scoops on the disc make any significant difference. Anyhow, I'll let you know if I find out more.

[@kentfaver]

Holy Smokes man - I have been a diy'r for 30 years and have never had lines until this year. Weird thing is - I've had this Scott's for a couple of years - but it def. is making the lines now. You are the only one I have found that has answered this question. Now I know.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Crazy right! It’s taken me a long time to realize it too. Makes total sense though. Idk why the biggest DIY lawn company can’t figure it out.

[@adm66gal]

Same here. Been using my Mini for years and never had an issue. All the sudden today, after throwing some 10-10-10 out yesterday, I’ve got burn lines throughout my entire backyard (Bermuda). You can see the exact path I took. Funny thing is, the Zoysia in the front now has the same lines but they’re dark green 🤣

[@TheLawngestYard]

No way?! I mean that’s not surprising but that’s still crazy how it does that and not such a known thing.

[@kentfaver]

@@TheLawngestYard I don't know guys - it's a mystery. I'm cheap and hard-headed. I duct-taped the interior cavity of the wheels - and it still gives me lines!! Not as pronounced, but they're there. I guess I will upgrade knowing I tried - lol.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@kentfaver yeah that’s good point. Maybe just the fact that it’s below the wheels makes it just bounce between them and fall

[@jumpsthroughhoops]

Yes!!! It has to be the tires!! First time I'm getting these dark green stripes. I was dumbfounded. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yes of course!!! It made me mad for years. Just spreading some knowledge haha. Thanks for watching

[@ecmarsh]

I have right at 18K and use a hand held crank (Scott's) spreader. It is a bit extra work but, works perfect. Couple years ago I got one of those Scott's push spreader and hung it up in the garage after 1 use.

[@TheLawngestYard]

First of all 18k with a hand held is very impressive... I have used a hand held on and they are very popular and work great. Glad to know you hated the push spreader as well.

[@Ithasaname]

I love the outro! Good info and recommendation. Thank you.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Thank you so much!!!

[@justinmurray4397]

Man there's like 5 guys in my neighborhood with those stupid lines. I was really wondering how that many guys could make the same mistakes. It all makes sense now though. good quality vids man, keep it up!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Hey thank you. Yeah it’s really weird how Scott’s spreaders do that and how it would be such a simple fix for them to do. But I guess they figure they have the lawn monopoly and people will buy their stuff regardless

[@dougplank9455]

I am going to try to modify my Scott's Edge Guard by increasing the height of the impeller a couple of inches above the wheels. If the impeller is above the wheels, the existing wheels won't be a problem Another way to get same effect is to put small wheels on it. That not only increases the distance between impeller and wheels, it speeds up the impeller which better throws the fertilizer. I fear it making it too hard to push though. If I fail, the spreader is junk anyway, can't have the lines.

[@TheLawngestYard]

You definitely can’t have the lines. So whatever modifications you can make will work. What you’re doing makes sense and seems like it will work. It’s a very simple fix if I was Scott’s and just raising the spreader deck.

[@amclar2]

I knew it wasn't my fault. I was debating going to all liquid ferts and herbicides but it take 20x longer. I'm gonna buy this spreader and hope it works because it makes sense that the wheels are blocking it from spreading evenly.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yes yes yes. It’s like that scene from good will hunting… it’s not your fault, it’s not your fault. Hahaha. It will hopefully change your world because once I figured it out it changed mine. #nomorefertstripes

[@scottr9485]

I had the same thing happen. My issue was that I was leaning the spreader back trying to throw a wide pattern when it happened. I figure due to leaning it back as far as I could had the fert falling off the back of the impeller leaving a trail and causing the lines. Leaning it slightly forward and throwing a narrower pattern solved my issue.

[@TheLawngestYard]

That’s a great tip thank you. I still like using that spreader with certain products but this will help me in the future. Thank you! And thanks for watching and commenting

[@3rdyellow]

Thank you so much, Scott. You may have nailed the fundamental issue why some suddenly have stripes. Now, both Mini and DLX have impeller that sits slightly below the wheels, which can also cause fertilizer to drop below. But what you have said can also cause stripes by dropping majority of fertilizer from behind. I used to lean the spreader backward to get a wider pattern, and had stripes. Will try leaning the spreader slightly forward this season and see if it works. Will come back and update.

[@TheLawngestYard]

That’s great feedback thank you. I think leaning the spreader forward might actually help. Question is how far forward would you have to go before it’s uncomfortable to operate haha. I appreciate the comment though that’s good insight

[@3rdyellow]

@@TheLawngestYard Before, I was using Scott's Mini. Because of the low handle height of Scott's Mini, I was tilting it backward thinking that's how I have to keep it level, and also to get a wider fertilizer spread. From what Scott R has said above, that might have been causing the problem of stripes and fertilizer not applying evenly. Tilting it backward makes it easier for the fertilizer to get thrown off to the back between the wheels because you are literally tilting it backward, and especially since the fertilizer enters the impeller via the rear. I have now switched over to Scott's DLX (before the crazy 50% price increase!) which has a higher handle height. So, how much to tilt forward? I suppose best I can do is to find a way to use the DLX spreader stand as guideline as to how much above grass I have to lean the spreader forward. Upon checking right now, the stand of DLX is 5in above ground with the spreader being level.

[@kkevinj1]

I had the edge guard for a year and a half, now use earthway but I never got stripes that I noticed with the scotts. Harder to push in 4 in St Aug, that is why I switched, But there is a big flaw for sure!!!!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah definitely! I have an earthway as well and don’t get lines anymore. I would really love a Spyker

[@BEAZY_5150]

I just threw fert on my lawn using the same spreader with the hollow wheels. Left lines as well. I read I can throw pneumatic tires on it but nah, I could use a decent spreader.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Hate to see it. It blows my mind how they own the lawn market and won’t change their design.

[@BEAZY_5150]

@@TheLawngestYard I threw mine to the road and someone picked it up within an hour haha now I need a good one. I have just over 10k worth of lawn. I paid about $100 for it a few years ago when I was unknowing. I didn’t use it very much, but when I seen lines of dark green, that was that.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@BEAZY_5150 it’s the worst feeling right? All this time and energy and MONEY and then you think you get the right spreader and bam! FERT lines.

[@ldd9672]

Got same issue with scotts…cant believe they haven’t fixed this issue

[@TheLawngestYard]

I know right? Seems like such a simple fix they could do

[@Woonyvillan401]

Happened to me also. I fixed it for cheap. No more lines

[@lizzycarman601]

Watching this while staring at my lines. Gahhh i do not want to spend more money dangit!!!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah I hear you! It’s a real bummer.

[@philciardo7655]

I see this is 2 years old but that spreader you're talking about. I think the problem is the handle is too low to start with. When you apply the fertilizer. You lift the handle up the disk that throws the fertilizer out drops below the wheels. That all pivots on the wheels. So, if your taller it tips even more. I'm 5' 6" I have to hold it mid-thigh. When you fill the DXL up. The way it sits. That is the way it should be applied. If you lift it up say around your waste or above. You will have lines. I bought this for 14 dollars at Walmart about 2 years ago. On clearance. Now I know why. I got rid of it because of the lines and gave it to my neighbor. Well, he gave it back. I just had a chance to look at it. The handle is too low.

[@TheLawngestYard]

ABSOLUTLY! I am right there with you. I think that is a great point. You could essentially tip it forward more and it could shoot out. This is a good point and I will have to play around with that.

[@michaelturro1537]

Great video. Also many Scotts products require the grass to be damp/wet. This always frustrated me due to the hollow wheels. About a quarter of pound of fertilizer is stuck to the wheels. ie the fertilizer doesn't get where its supposed to be on the grass. I may switch as well. And since the price for Scotts products have gone up substantially ie what was $20-$22 dollars a bag. Is now $35-$37 dollar a bag. I have always used Scotts fertilizer but maybe using their other spreading products is purposely produced imprperly for a reason. (ie sell more fertilizer)

[@TheLawngestYard]

Thank you! It’s really frustrating for the diyer when products are out there that are supposed to be affordable but really cause you more time and effort.

[@3rdyellow]

And because Scotts owns Vigoro, they increased the price of Vigoro as well, with now just $6 price difference between them.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@3rdyellow it’s crazy how much the price has gone up. Of everything obviously but fertilizer has gone up 20$ since fall across the board.

[@3rdyellow]

@@TheLawngestYard Yup, I was just at the empty Home Depot. But I think it is due to the higher weight using more fuel as well, because Scott's Wizz's price is unchanged. Of course, spreader prices are crazy because they while weight less, require more space when shipping.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@3rdyellow makes sense! I mean they are the number 1 diy lawn company so it’s hard to knock them. There are other cheaper alternatives though, people just buy them cause they’re easy

[@sweatpantsclub]

Man this is exactly what was happening with me and I couldn't figure it out. I thought I was going nuts.

[@TheLawngestYard]

There you go! I think it’s a very normal thing that drives people crazy! It’s the worst and they won’t do anything to fix it

[@matthewguarino7780]

Thank you!!! Holy 💩 I thought I was crazy!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah no problem! It is crazy right?

[@Gojira8383]

I had the Scotts edge Guard . Cheap hollow wheels gather product and leave stripes. Tossed in the trash after one season. I also have seen NO difference using overpriced Scotts fertilizer compared to the less expensive products out there.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah I think you’re right. Scott’s just owns the market for diy guys who don’t do their research about lawncare. Like you said there is a lot of products out there you can achieve amazing grass for less money than Scott’s

[@cmartinjr2]

If I don’t use my Scott’s spreader, how else can I stripe my Bermuda??? 😅

[@TheLawngestYard]

Hahaha yeah good point 😜

[@tomb4769]

Man, Ive got same problem, my scotts makes stripes. I have used many fertilizers, many of them were the cheapest I could get and last year I thought I am going more and more pro, so I will buy a pro fertilizer. I found scotts and since first work it left stripes. I thought I was overlaping but I couldnt believe such a simple fertilizer can be so accurate, that overlaping just few centimeters cause striping. You say its a wheel problem, but my are not hollow, they are pneumatic... I suppose there is something really wrong with this fertilizer...

[@TheLawngestYard]

That’s very interesting to hear. Does your spreaders spinning tray go below your wheels or above? Because I think the problem is the fact the tray that flings the fertilizer out is too low and just bounces between the tires, falling down between the tires and leaving a stripe of fertilizer.

[@BennyB-od8jb]

I thought I was a moron and couldn’t stop overlapping. I was really intentional last week and now I realize it’s not me, it’s you Scott’s. We’re breaking up.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Haha trying to spread the word. You’re not alone!!! Time to break up haha

[@ricobuttafuco]

My 2 cents worth. I believe the issue is the cowling on the edge guard, collects fertilizer and over applies directly behind the spreader. I returned it to Lowes, no problem. When I contacted the Scotts people their solution was to "water it in". If it was the wheels, you would have two dark lines.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah that’s a great point too! Scott’s always willing to return the item but then they are also willing to tell you it was your fault. Great comment!

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

oooh it definitely gets caught in the wheels. i went out yesterday and watched it shoot right inside as i was spreading lol. both wheels force material back under the spreader. its such a stupid design. im going to design a fix in autocad and print it. ill post when its done and if anyone needs one ill make a bunch :)

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG that’s great I would love to see a re designed spreader that would work. Nice job

[@jasweb147]

The impeller sits below the wheels on the lower end Scotts spreader models. Many are saying that the problem has been resolved with the "Elite" model. About to head to Lowes to see if this is true.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah I think that’s correct! I told them to send me one so I could test and compare but they didn’t want to do that.

[@hawaiiantimes7702]

Can pneumatic tires replace the old ones?

[@TheLawngestYard]

I have not looked into it and how to replace them. However I’ve heard if you get spray foam and fill in the wheels and cut off the extra, then it will help. But the try still needs to be higher regardless

[@hawaiiantimes7702]

Thanks for the “spray foam” tip. Will definitely give that a try before hacking up the Scott’s spreader lol.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@hawaiiantimes7702 yeah definitely! Let me know how it goes because I need to figure something out with mine

[@Cards-In-The-Closet]

I have the same problem. Terrible design. I don’t think that it gets caught in the wheels so much as the wheels block the spread and it bounces the pellets back into the center between the wheels, concentrating the fertilizer between the wheels which creates the stripes. When your reached out to Scott’s, did they respond?

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yes I think you’re right about that too. Most of the fertilizer just stays between the wheels. Yes they did respond and said it must of been “user error” and I wasn’t overlapping correctly haha. But they did offer a full refund on the bag of fertilizer.

[@jjmaccky9198]

Ever find a solid fix for this?

[@melissakolarich6892]

Do you Happen to know if the Scott’s spreader elite has the same design flaw? Been looking into purchasing one but definitely would not want to have the same issue

[@TheLawngestYard]

I actually don’t know. But I think the tray sits higher and it has a better design for the fertilizer not to get caught in the wheels. I’m gonna try and do a comparison

[@melissakolarich6892]

@@TheLawngestYard that would be awesome!

[@TheLawngestYard]

I’ll get on it 😜

[@Rubberglass]

Edgegurd DLX just gave me stripes.

[@TheLawngestYard]

Hate to see it!!! Happened to everyone though

[@ilcapitano058]

It doesnt make sense to me, if it was because of the wheels wouldn't there be two parallel lines?

[@TheLawngestYard]

I see what you mean, but even if you laid down a straight line of fertilizer, the grass would show a much larger line than you laid down. It’s just how it dissolves in the soil.

[@Loosewire123]

Scott’s newer spreaders are the worst! Wish I still my Scott’s that I found on the curb and was 10 years old.

[@TheLawngestYard]

The worst!!! I see so many fert lines all over town. They won’t fix them

[@lhpangler]

Pop the wheels off, 1 can of great stuff ~$4, fill the gaps in

[@TheLawngestYard]

That does help! The tray is still too low though right?

[@lhpangler]

@@TheLawngestYard I don't get the stripes anymore and stopped me from buying another spreader for now. I have the edge guard mini and I get enough throw.

[@francisbelanger2022]

I throw my Scott Mini in the garbage!! What can I do to fix the stripes? Got a pool party in a couple of weeks. F*** Me !

[@francisbelanger2022]

I put 18-4-7 last week. I was thinking of passing over with a 30-0-3. Trying to target more the yellow spots

[@TheLawngestYard]

That’s the perfect place to put a Scott’s spreader 😜. You got a couple weeks? How many sq’ do you got? I would try a liquid fertilizer. Simple lawn solutions sells hose end sprayers that connect right to your hose so you don’t need any special equipment and in a week it will look awesome for your pool party

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@francisbelanger2022 that’s a lot of nitrogen! Going to push a lot of top growth. I would also hit it with a big P & K! (N-P-K)

[@ahmaddamra5847]

Change the tires

[@TheLawngestYard]

Simple enough!

[@Robert-ug5hx]

Put the wheels on backwards

[@TheLawngestYard]

Does that really work?

[@robertjohnston25]

@@TheLawngestYard no cause the wheels are still in the way so the fert is going to still hit the wheel and fall down.. I have the Scotts Mini and my yard looks the same right now =[

[@TheLawngestYard]

Yeah that's a total bummer. I don't know why they haven't just lifted their tray up a little higher above the wheels. It seems like this should be a huge deal because Scott's is the biggest lawn care brand out there. Also when I reached out to them, they blamed my for bad overlapping.

[@robertjohnston25]

@@TheLawngestYard yeah it’s 100% not from overlap lol. So dumb. I bet you’re not the only one who called either. They’re just stubborn..

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@robertjohnston25 haha yeah definitely. They have a lot of requirements you have to go through for a refund too.

[@benzboston]

you do know its not a good idea to apply lime and fertilizer and then let your dog and kids go play in it

[@TheLawngestYard]

I didn’t apply lime… but you are correct

[@mrBDeye]

The hollow wheels catch fertilizer and cause the lines. Scotts spreaders are junk.

[@TheLawngestYard]

You know it!!! For how big Scott’s is, they should be able to make a somewhat quality spreader

[@mrBDeye]

@@TheLawngestYard That's what you get when a company hires everyone named Scott and Karen.

[@TheLawngestYard]

@@mrBDeye that’s really funny.

[@stevej2031]

I agree Scotts SUCKS.

[@TheLawngestYard]

The worst! But they are there if you’re in a pinch

[@DennisLynch-k5u]

Used my Scotts Edgeguard Spreader to put down grass seed today. I noticed immediately that, although it broadcasted the seed, it definitely left a thick LINE OF SEED behind. I tied walking faster then slower. Still got lines of grass seed on the dirt. Very DISAPPOINTED in this spreader. It sucks!!!

[@TheLawngestYard]

Exactly! Sorry to hear you had to go through that. It’s such a crappy setup. They can fix it so easy too.

[@DennisLynch-k5u]

@@TheLawngestYard They can make 8" replacement wheels with the same "axle" that can be easily snapped into place. If they really cared about their customers they would do it, but they don't. I wasted 80 dollars on this piece of junk.