Whether you’re using salt on weeds or trying to figure out how to get rid of ice on driveway, a spreader is an essential investment for protecting your property from the elements - and the havoc they could wreak.
But can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader or vice versa? This would save you the need two have two similar pieces of equipment for summer and winter property maintenance. We’re here to compare the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader to find out.
The short answer is that salt and fertilizer are very different substances, and that means they could have different impacts on the material of your spreader. You need to take hopper and flow control design into account along with the specific application environment.
However, we’ve developed the most versatile salt spreaders on the market here at Jennychem. They work wonders with salt AND fertilizer, so you can consolidate your equipment and use the same spreader year-round!
Browse our selection today and find the perfect size for your property. Or, learn more about the unique differences between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader below.
What is a Salt Spreader?
This tool helps you quickly and thoroughly cover a surface in salt to safeguard your property against winter’s slippery chill. A salt spreader is far more practical than attempting to apply rock salt or grit by hand over roads, pavements, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
Salt spreaders typically use a rotary or drop mechanism to scatter salt from a central hopper, and they’re built to handle coarse, uneven, and sometimes damp material.
One key feature of salt spreaders that you may not see in a fertilizer spreader is corrosion-resistant materials. Salt is corrosive, especially the de-icing salt we sell at Jennychem. That’s why many spreaders are made from steel, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic to prevent rust and wear.
These spreaders are essential for councils, facilities teams, and commercial property owners to maintain safety in icy weather. That said, even homeowners need a good salt spreader on hand so they can prevent slip and fall accidents on their own property.
What is a Fertilizer Spreader?
A fertilizer spreader serves almost the same exact purpose as a salt spreader with a few key distinctions: what you’re spreading and where you’re spreading it.
These distribute dry, granular fertiliser evenly across lawns, gardens, and agricultural land. They tend to use the same type of rotary (broadcast) or drop mechanisms as salt spreaders but may be more light-duty and precise.
The hopper and delivery system are calibrated for small, uniform particles so you can achieve even coverage without over-application, as this would be wasteful.
You may notice that fertilizer spreaders are not made from corrosion-resistant materials, though. That’s because fertilizer isn’t quite as aggressive as salt. As a result, you’ll typically find that fertilizer spreaders are cheaper.
Fertiliser spreaders can be your saving grace for seasonal garden maintenance, turf care, and farming tasks where even nutrient distribution is essential for healthy growth. Landscapers, groundskeepers, and homeowners alike use them.
But do you really need both a salt spreader and fertilizer spreader, or can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader and vice versa? Let’s get to the bottom of this common question below with a detailed comparison of the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader.
Salt Spreader vs Fertilizer Spreader: Which Do You Need?
Choosing the right spreader depends on what material you're working with, how often you’re using it, and in what conditions. At first glance you’d think these more or less do the same thing so you can use them interchangeably - that’s not always the case, though.
Material Compatibility and Corrosion Resistance
Salt is inherently corrosive, which is why spreaders designed for de-icing tasks are built with rust-resistant components. That includes stainless steel frames, treated axles, and sealed gearboxes.
These features protect the the spreader from long-term damage caused by exposure to moisture and salt granules. Hoppers are often made from high-impact plastic or coated metal to withstand heavy, damp, and irregular rock salt.
On the other hand, fertilizer spreaders are often made with lighter-duty materials since the material in question is much less aggressive on components. So if you were to try and use salt in a fertilizer spreader, you may end up damaging internal parts or causing premature rust.
Now, this can be minimised to some degree by cleaning the unit immediately after use - but is this always practical when you have to put down salt multiple times a day? Not exactly.
Hopper and Flow Control Design
You’ll also notice differences in comparing the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader hoppers. Salt is coarser and chunkier than fertilizer granules, so salt spreaders are equipped with larger hopper openings and wider flow gates for seamless application.
These designs prevent clogging so salt can be spread evenly across large outdoor surfaces. More advanced salt spreaders even feature reinforced agitators or vibrating systems to help break up clumped material!
In contrast, fertilizer spreaders are all about precision. They use narrower gates and fine-tuned flow control to ensure an even application of small, dry granules. They’re perfect for turf care or agricultural use but more likely to jam or misapply when handling salt or grit.
Application Environment
There are also subtle nuances between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader because of where they are used respectively. For instance, salt is often applied at night or in the morning to combat frozen ground. As such, they need to be very bright and vibrant for gritter safety.
Think about the conditions they are used in, too - harsh, wet, and often freezing environments. Traction is obviouly of the utmost importance here, so heavy-duty wheels are a must.
Fertilizer spreaders operate in warmer, drier seasons and are typically used on lawns, gardens, sports fields, and farms. They’re made for precision and coverage, not durability against the elements.
So where does that leave you - do you need a salt spreader, a fertilizer spreader, or both? Can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader and vice versa to consolidate equipment in your garage or shed?
Can You Put Salt in a Fertilizer Spreader and Vice Versa?
Sometimes you can use a fertilizer spreader for salt (and vice versa), but it really depends on the specific spreader in question. You need to think about the spreader’s design, materials, and the type of salt or fertilizer you’re applying.
Most cheap, entry-level fertilizer spreaders aren’t aren't designed to handle coarse, abrasive, or damp materials like rock salt. Their plastic gears, narrow flow gates, and untreated metal components are prone to clogging, rust, and wear when exposed to salt.
Likewise, using a heavy-duty salt spreader for fine fertiliser may result in poor flow control and uneven distribution. So even though you technically could use a salt spreader to put out fertilizer, you may be doing your garden or lawn a disservice.
That’s not to say it’s not possible, though. There are some commercial-grade spreaders built to handle both. These dual-use units often feature stainless steel or powder-coated components, adjustable flow rates, and robust hopper designs that can cope with a variety of material sizes.
The salt spreader cost may be higher upfront but the long-term value for users managing both grounds care and winter safety is worth it. Another option is to go the DIY salt spreader and create a solution tailored to both salt and fertilizer.
But remember, the best way to spread salt on driveway or apply fertilizer to your lawn is only a click away at Jennychem. Take our Cresco 10 Winter Spreader, for instance. It’s designed for both fertilizer AND salt! Here’s why you can trust our spreaders for any task...
Find the Perfect Spreader for Salt or Fertilizer at Jennychem!
Jennychem is your one-stop shop for winter essentials, from salt and car de-icer to reliable salt spreaders. The UK has trusted us for more than 35 years because we combine the best products with world-class customer service.
Whether you’re managing icy footpaths or maintaining green spaces, we have a solution for you here in our catalogue. Here are some of our most popular spreaders:
- Cresco 10 Spreader: A compact, dual-use spreader with included summer and winter sliders, solid rod linkage, and a professional-grade spread pattern adjustor for even coverage. The bright orange hopper, rear safety light, and front handle light keep you visible in low-light conditions.
- Cresco 20 Spreader: Built for regular salt spreading with upgraded grip and control, including pneumatic wheels and enhanced balance on uneven winter terrain. It includes all standard Cresco safety features, plus a durable gearbox and smooth maneuverability.
- Cresco 28 Spreader: Designed for heavy-duty winter use, this rugged 40kg-capacity spreader includes a dedicated salt agitator, deep-tread wheels, and a powerful gearbox to perform in harsh conditions every time.
All models include a free rain cover and are engineered for visibility, safety, and year-round use so you can work smarter (and safer), not harder. Shop now or reach out for a personalised recommendation between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader!
Wrapping Up Our Salt Spreader vs Fertilizer Spreader Comparison
While salt and fertiliser spreaders may look alike, they’re built for very different tasks - so you need to consider material compatibility, application conditions, and long-term durability. That said, there are some spreaders that can do it all - right here at Jennychem.
Our blog has more tips on how to use a salt spreader, but the only thing left to do at this point if you haven’t already is order yours at Jennychem so you’re prepared for anything winter or summer brings your way, be it frozen ground or a slow-growing lawn.
From icy paths to healthy lawns, Jennychem has the right spreader for the job. Spread with precision and peace of mind today with one tool for every season!
Whether you’re using salt on weeds or trying to figure out how to get rid of ice on driveway, a spreader is an essential investment for protecting your property from the elements - and the havoc they could wreak.
But can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader or vice versa? This would save you the need two have two similar pieces of equipment for summer and winter property maintenance. We’re here to compare the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader to find out.
The short answer is that salt and fertilizer are very different substances, and that means they could have different impacts on the material of your spreader. You need to take hopper and flow control design into account along with the specific application environment.
However, we’ve developed the most versatile salt spreaders on the market here at Jennychem. They work wonders with salt AND fertilizer, so you can consolidate your equipment and use the same spreader year-round!
Browse our selection today and find the perfect size for your property. Or, learn more about the unique differences between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader below.
What is a Salt Spreader?
This tool helps you quickly and thoroughly cover a surface in salt to safeguard your property against winter’s slippery chill. A salt spreader is far more practical than attempting to apply rock salt or grit by hand over roads, pavements, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
Salt spreaders typically use a rotary or drop mechanism to scatter salt from a central hopper, and they’re built to handle coarse, uneven, and sometimes damp material.
One key feature of salt spreaders that you may not see in a fertilizer spreader is corrosion-resistant materials. Salt is corrosive, especially the de-icing salt we sell at Jennychem. That’s why many spreaders are made from steel, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic to prevent rust and wear.
These spreaders are essential for councils, facilities teams, and commercial property owners to maintain safety in icy weather. That said, even homeowners need a good salt spreader on hand so they can prevent slip and fall accidents on their own property.
What is a Fertilizer Spreader?
A fertilizer spreader serves almost the same exact purpose as a salt spreader with a few key distinctions: what you’re spreading and where you’re spreading it.
These distribute dry, granular fertiliser evenly across lawns, gardens, and agricultural land. They tend to use the same type of rotary (broadcast) or drop mechanisms as salt spreaders but may be more light-duty and precise.
The hopper and delivery system are calibrated for small, uniform particles so you can achieve even coverage without over-application, as this would be wasteful.
You may notice that fertilizer spreaders are not made from corrosion-resistant materials, though. That’s because fertilizer isn’t quite as aggressive as salt. As a result, you’ll typically find that fertilizer spreaders are cheaper.
Fertiliser spreaders can be your saving grace for seasonal garden maintenance, turf care, and farming tasks where even nutrient distribution is essential for healthy growth. Landscapers, groundskeepers, and homeowners alike use them.
But do you really need both a salt spreader and fertilizer spreader, or can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader and vice versa? Let’s get to the bottom of this common question below with a detailed comparison of the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader.
Salt Spreader vs Fertilizer Spreader: Which Do You Need?
Choosing the right spreader depends on what material you're working with, how often you’re using it, and in what conditions. At first glance you’d think these more or less do the same thing so you can use them interchangeably - that’s not always the case, though.
Material Compatibility and Corrosion Resistance
Salt is inherently corrosive, which is why spreaders designed for de-icing tasks are built with rust-resistant components. That includes stainless steel frames, treated axles, and sealed gearboxes.
These features protect the the spreader from long-term damage caused by exposure to moisture and salt granules. Hoppers are often made from high-impact plastic or coated metal to withstand heavy, damp, and irregular rock salt.
On the other hand, fertilizer spreaders are often made with lighter-duty materials since the material in question is much less aggressive on components. So if you were to try and use salt in a fertilizer spreader, you may end up damaging internal parts or causing premature rust.
Now, this can be minimised to some degree by cleaning the unit immediately after use - but is this always practical when you have to put down salt multiple times a day? Not exactly.
Hopper and Flow Control Design
You’ll also notice differences in comparing the salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader hoppers. Salt is coarser and chunkier than fertilizer granules, so salt spreaders are equipped with larger hopper openings and wider flow gates for seamless application.
These designs prevent clogging so salt can be spread evenly across large outdoor surfaces. More advanced salt spreaders even feature reinforced agitators or vibrating systems to help break up clumped material!
In contrast, fertilizer spreaders are all about precision. They use narrower gates and fine-tuned flow control to ensure an even application of small, dry granules. They’re perfect for turf care or agricultural use but more likely to jam or misapply when handling salt or grit.
Application Environment
There are also subtle nuances between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader because of where they are used respectively. For instance, salt is often applied at night or in the morning to combat frozen ground. As such, they need to be very bright and vibrant for gritter safety.
Think about the conditions they are used in, too - harsh, wet, and often freezing environments. Traction is obviouly of the utmost importance here, so heavy-duty wheels are a must.
Fertilizer spreaders operate in warmer, drier seasons and are typically used on lawns, gardens, sports fields, and farms. They’re made for precision and coverage, not durability against the elements.
So where does that leave you - do you need a salt spreader, a fertilizer spreader, or both? Can you put salt in a fertilizer spreader and vice versa to consolidate equipment in your garage or shed?
Can You Put Salt in a Fertilizer Spreader and Vice Versa?
Sometimes you can use a fertilizer spreader for salt (and vice versa), but it really depends on the specific spreader in question. You need to think about the spreader’s design, materials, and the type of salt or fertilizer you’re applying.
Most cheap, entry-level fertilizer spreaders aren’t aren't designed to handle coarse, abrasive, or damp materials like rock salt. Their plastic gears, narrow flow gates, and untreated metal components are prone to clogging, rust, and wear when exposed to salt.
Likewise, using a heavy-duty salt spreader for fine fertiliser may result in poor flow control and uneven distribution. So even though you technically could use a salt spreader to put out fertilizer, you may be doing your garden or lawn a disservice.
That’s not to say it’s not possible, though. There are some commercial-grade spreaders built to handle both. These dual-use units often feature stainless steel or powder-coated components, adjustable flow rates, and robust hopper designs that can cope with a variety of material sizes.
The salt spreader cost may be higher upfront but the long-term value for users managing both grounds care and winter safety is worth it. Another option is to go the DIY salt spreader and create a solution tailored to both salt and fertilizer.
But remember, the best way to spread salt on driveway or apply fertilizer to your lawn is only a click away at Jennychem. Take our Cresco 10 Winter Spreader, for instance. It’s designed for both fertilizer AND salt! Here’s why you can trust our spreaders for any task...
Find the Perfect Spreader for Salt or Fertilizer at Jennychem!
Jennychem is your one-stop shop for winter essentials, from salt and car de-icer to reliable salt spreaders. The UK has trusted us for more than 35 years because we combine the best products with world-class customer service.
Whether you’re managing icy footpaths or maintaining green spaces, we have a solution for you here in our catalogue. Here are some of our most popular spreaders:
- Cresco 10 Spreader: A compact, dual-use spreader with included summer and winter sliders, solid rod linkage, and a professional-grade spread pattern adjustor for even coverage. The bright orange hopper, rear safety light, and front handle light keep you visible in low-light conditions.
- Cresco 20 Spreader: Built for regular salt spreading with upgraded grip and control, including pneumatic wheels and enhanced balance on uneven winter terrain. It includes all standard Cresco safety features, plus a durable gearbox and smooth maneuverability.
- Cresco 28 Spreader: Designed for heavy-duty winter use, this rugged 40kg-capacity spreader includes a dedicated salt agitator, deep-tread wheels, and a powerful gearbox to perform in harsh conditions every time.
All models include a free rain cover and are engineered for visibility, safety, and year-round use so you can work smarter (and safer), not harder. Shop now or reach out for a personalised recommendation between a salt spreader vs fertilizer spreader!
Wrapping Up Our Salt Spreader vs Fertilizer Spreader Comparison
While salt and fertiliser spreaders may look alike, they’re built for very different tasks - so you need to consider material compatibility, application conditions, and long-term durability. That said, there are some spreaders that can do it all - right here at Jennychem.
Our blog has more tips on how to use a salt spreader, but the only thing left to do at this point if you haven’t already is order yours at Jennychem so you’re prepared for anything winter or summer brings your way, be it frozen ground or a slow-growing lawn.
From icy paths to healthy lawns, Jennychem has the right spreader for the job. Spread with precision and peace of mind today with one tool for every season!