Scotts Turf Builder, Feeds Everything, Grass, Weeds, & Grubs
Written: Sep 20 '06 (Updated Nov 04 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Green, Thick, Lush, Healthy Lawn.
Cons: Feeds Everything, Weeds & All, No Controlling Agent
The Bottom Line: The product worked as claimed, but I feel the issues outweigh the benefits.
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| DeRango's Full Review: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer |
I have always had good luck with Scotts Branded Products, and even though this particular product works well as claimed there are a few issues that make my decisions for lawn care slanted away from this particular type of fertilizer. In other words the issues outweigh the benefits, unless specific criteria is in place before application of Scotts Turf Builder issues can arise that make lawn care more difficult. I pondered the question quite some time about recommendation of this product to a friend, and the result was no I do not recommend this particular fertilizer from Scott. Nonetheless I will continue to use Scotts Products as the claims are typically founded with excellent results.
***Some Specifications & Facts can be found directly off the products bag/container & off the scotts.com website***
Scotts Pledge
Scotts fertilizers deliver a gradual and even feeding of all essential nutrients and micronutrients, a fast and long-lasting green, and a formula that's safe for the environment.
Product Specifications
-Can be applied any time on any grass type!
-Won't burn your lawn...Guaranteed!
-Builds thick green turf from the roots up.
-Creates a greener, stronger lawn by preventing and correcting yellowing from iron or manganese deficiencies.
-Each All-in-OneŽ particle contains essential nutrients for a stronger, greener lawn while feeding gradually over 6-8 weeks.
Directions
Set Spreader: See the back of the bag to determine the appropriate setting for your spreader. For best results, use a Scotts spreader.
Fill Spreader: Pour product into the spreader over bare ground or a hard surface.
Apply Product: Apply fertilizer carefully, avoiding hard surfaces like driveways and streets.
Water-In: For best results, water-in thoroughly (up to ˝ inch of water) if rainfall is not expected in 24 hours.
Clean-up: Sweep product off driveways, sidewalks and streets. Return any unused product to the original container.
-Apply to wet or dry lawn on a calm day.
-Be sure to clean up any spilled products.
Where to Find it
I purchased Scotts Turf Builder at my local hardware store (Home Depo), but it is found at Wal-Mart, Ace-Hardware, Lowes, Menards, and local nurseries.
Where to Use
For use on all turfgrasses throughout the North, West and Midwest.
Cautions
The iron in Scotts Turf Builder may stain. Avoid stains by sweeping from walks, driveways, etc. Avoid contact with clothing: wear old clothing during application, or remove any particles from clothing or shoes. Reminder: Do not hand apply any fertilizer product.
***See issues at the bottom that I also recommend as cautions during usage***
Available Sizes
15M Bag
5M Bag
Fertilizer Analysis Example
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer Analysis: 29-3-4
All fertilizers have three numbers on the label which indicate the fertilizer analysis, or "percentage by weight" of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. Therefore, a 100 pound bag of fertilizer labeled 20-10-5 would contain 20% nitrogen (20 pounds), 10% available phosphates (10 pounds), and 5% soluble potassium (5 pounds).
Nitrogen: is a primary nutrient that really makes the plants grow. When you put fertilizer on your lawn, most of the green-up and growth comes from the nitrogen.
Phosphorus: is a primary nutrient that encourages rooting, blooming and fruit production in plants.
Potassium: helps plants resist disease and aids in winter hardiness.
Application Recommendation
My experience has always led me to believe that the Spreader works well as it covers a vaster area. The Dropper can easily leave “Zebra Stripes” as missing an area will skip a row/line, which in turn leaves grass unfertilized and looking less green than the fertilized grass. (Thus Zebra Stripes Shades of green that differ from one another) The Kicker or Spreader, gives you a radius which allows the grass to be fertilized much quicker with less emphasis on accuracy and you are allowed to do larger passes to get the job done.
Issues
Scotts Turf Builder is a decent product, part of the Scotts family. However a personal caution to usage of the product would be recognizing the fact that this particular Fertilizer does a great job of feeding not only the grass, but all other form of yard vegetation like weeds. So you will notice that the yard is greener thicker & healthier, but your weeds will be more prominent stronger and grow just as rapidly as there is no weed controlling agent within the fertilizer. Another ill affect of application would refer to feeding not only the weeds, but the stronger healthier lawn invites grubs & insects to munch on your grasses root system, again because the lack of control agent within the product. My experience has leaded me to believe that you should not apply this fertilizer unless you have the insect & weed situation under control.
Final Thoughts
Although the product works as claimed, I do not recommend usage unless your lawn is already in a healthy state, which means few weeds and no insect situations of any type. I do recommend Scotts Brand Fertilizers that contain weed or insect fighting agents as they have the similar results for increasing the health of your lawn, but with added agents that control weeds & grubs. Once applied I noticed with in a few days that my lawn was green, lush, thick, and healthier looking, but I also saw the harsh reality of how many weeds were actually making homes in my lawn.
Helpful Scotts Products
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard With PLUS 2 Weed Control
Scotts Turf Builder With PLUS 2 Weed Control
Miracle-Gro
These Are to Be Avoided
A Hint of Ornamental Vegetation Decay, with unscathed intruders running amuck (Ortho Grass-B-Gon)
Scorched Earth, Mine Fields, and General Vegetation Decay A.K.A Bayer Weed Killer
Merely Slows the Resilient Weeds as they Collaboratively Regroup in the Rear Yard! (Ortho Weed-B-Gon)
Recommended:
No
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