Here are two things I do. I purposely use less than the recommended amount for the initial application. After covering all of the lawn, I repeat with the remaining amount. More work but no zebra. Second: I use 5 or 6 screwdrivers to help mark the 5 ft.(?) wide area covered by the spreader. If the stretch of lawn to be covered is straight, I will stick one in the ground to mark the beginning, the middle, and the end of the track. If curved, I may use 3 or 4. From the other end, I repeat the return process, picking up the screwdriver and putting it on the other side of the spreader to mark the newer track. Why six? Some of the areas to be covered are not square and my lawn is laid out in several islands. Not very scientific but is helpful.