I'm going Green with Scotts fertilizer
Written: Jun 25 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: My greenest weed-free lawn yet.
Cons: I've increased the frequency to every 4 weeks otherwise it loses it's level of green.
The Bottom Line: I do recommend this product highly yet I find my lawn can't go with the 6-8 interval but needs a slightly lighter dose every 4 weeks.
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| walkerpkw's Full Review: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer with 2% Iron, ... |
Scott's water smart all season lawn fertilizer
Intro:
First allow me to say this is a great lawn fertilizer maintenance product and I recommend its usage only after you've address other issues and have no existing problems. Having a properly irrigated landscape is also key. After a few seasons using Scotts other weed control product I'm finally down to regular maintenance using Scotts latest most advanced all season "Turf Builder Water Smart" formula. Without unsightly weeds I've now got more healthy grass to feed. The 49 lb bag I purchased will is rated at 15,000 sq ft of coverage and will last me about 8 months.
How I use:
Although recommended 6-8 weeks between applications I'm applying about every 4 weeks. For a more consistent "green" look I apply a lighter dose more frequently. I have only 2,000 sq ft of total lawn area and use the hand held "Scotts Handy ll" spreader. I like the fact this particular Scotts can be applied anytime before or after watering. The instructions say if applying in 90°F temperature or above to water immediately to avoid or reduce stress (on your lawn)
My method is simple an takes me about 5 minutes. My spreader is preset, I take a big scoop then get to the furthest spot in my yard. I pull the trigger and crank the spreader while walking backward (slowly and evenly). Beacause of the micronutrients in fertilizer, if you get any on your patio or pavement you should clean it up immediately.
Hopefully your soil isn't "hard-pan" otherwise you're grass will not get watered correctly. Instead of the nutrients getting to the roots of the grass, it will more than likely become "runoff" and wasted. For best results I suggest getting your lawn aerated. I get hard-pan only in certain walked on "traffic" areas which I simply take a "pitchfork" to. Just thrust straight down from a vertical and make multiple air holes about 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart. Works for me!
I've noticed:
This season I'm noticing a darker thicker green lawn than before compared to other Scotts fertilizer products. Possibly it's due to the "Water Smarts" ability to help the lawn hold more water in the soil and absorb more of the nutrients? That is their claim but based on the analysis "29-2-4" I say it's due to the high ratio of nitrogen and the added 2% boost of iron.
Purchase & Storage:
Depending on where you purchase this product it's available in bags to cover from 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft or the unadvertised humongous (almost needs its own shopping cart) 18,000 sq ft (56) pounder from a (club store). This stuff is on the heavy side (15,000 sq ft bag comes in at 46.9 lb) plus can be difficult to pour or store. I save my huge industrial sized empty plastic cat litter pails and keep my fertilizer "clump free" in there, plus easier it's to just scoop out than pour from the flimsy bag. So long as it's kept in a well sealed container this product has an indefinite shelf life.
On the bag:
Plenty of info including "Tips for success" "Plan your feeding schedule" Making sure you "Choose the right product" "Application" instructions (both English & Spanish) "Spreader settings" "First Aid & Storage" In case you're uncertain what to have your spreader set at, even if it's not a Scotts® brand, they will assist. The toll free number is 1-800-543-TURF (8873)
Scotts No-Quibble Guarantee:
If for any reason you're dissatisfied Scotts will refund your money.
Bottom line:
I've never had issues using any Scotts products and for only $35 a year I'm able to have a nice green weed-free lawn. With fertilizing there's so little effort and time spent yet the results are a big payout. This particular product is also advertised as "Kid and Pet Friendly" (as long as they don't get it in their eyes or mouth)
What the numbers on the bag mean:
Nitrogen=29 Promotes growth and "greens up" the lawn.
Phosphorus=2 Encourages rooting.
Potassium=4 Helps grass resist disease.
2% Iron= Helps create a deep even green color.
Here's another lawn related product I've had success with and helped me achieve my goals. The "Rain Bird SST Series Irrigation Timer"
http://www.epinions.com/review/Rain_Bird_SST_Series_Irrigation_Timer_epi/content_436776308356
Recommended:
Yes
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walkerpkw
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Location: Granite Bay California
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