When should I put down my Scotts Thick lawn?

Author: Nikki Hudson  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick'R Lawn® is a great addition to your lawn care program with 1 application in the spring and 1 application in the late summer/early fall.

What months do you apply Scotts fertilizer?

Ideally, you should fertilize your lawn with the right Scotts® Turf Builder® lawn food for your grass type 4 times a year: in early spring, late spring, summer, and fall. Feedings should be spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.

Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn?

Overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you're looking to achieve. By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas and get your lawn looking terrific again. (This is different from reseeding, which is when you start over and plant a completely new lawn.)

Should you mow before or after Scotts turf builder?

The Scott's website product page says ``Tall grass should be mowed a day or two before application. Do not mow your grass on the day of application and don't mow for 2-3 days after application.''

Should I water my lawn after applying Scotts turf builder?

We recommend using a Scotts® spreader to apply this product. For Scotts® broadcast/rotary spreaders, use a setting of 3 ¾. For Scotts® drop spreaders, use a setting of 7 ¼. Do not water your lawn for 24 hours after application or apply if rain is expected within the next 24 hours.

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Can you put down too much Scotts Turf Builder?

Applying too much fertilizer to your lawn will cause the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil to increase rapidly, which can damage or even kill the grass. When this happens, it is known as “fertilizer burn” and looks like yellow and brown strips or patches of dead grass.

How long can fertilizer sit on grass before watering?

When to Water a Lawn After Fertilizing? At Master Lawn, we typically say to wait 24 hours before watering your lawn after fertilizing. But it is important to make sure that it does receive a good watering session soon after that 24 hour waiting period.

Can I put down grass seed and Scotts turf builder at the same time?

We recommend putting down a thin layer of Scotts® Turf Builder® LawnSoil™ evenly over the prepared area. Next, spread grass seed and lightly rake into soil.

Should I put turf builder down before it rains?

Rainfall before you fertilize won't ruin your plans and in some cases may actually help. A light rain after you apply fertilizer won't hurt either, but a downpour could wash the fertilizer away.

How long does it take for Scotts turf builder to work?

We recommend waiting at least 2 days after using herbicides such as Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 1 before mowing the lawn. So if it has been at least 2 days and you followed the application directions on the product label, then your application should be effective.

What happens if you put too much grass seed down?

Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.

Does mixing toilet paper with grass seed work?

The biggest benefit to using toilet paper is that it's cheap, easy and quick. Additionally, the toilet paper will protect the grass seeds from scavenging birds and keep them suitably moist.

Will grass clippings help grass seed grow?

While grass clippings themselves won't sprout new grass, they can play a significant role in supporting new grass growth and even contribute to natural reseeding under certain conditions.

What are the four steps for Scotts Lawn Care?

4 Steps to a Lush Lawn with Scotts 4 Step Program
  1. Step 1 Prevents Problem Weeds. The journey to your new, improved yard should ideally begin in the off-season. ...
  2. Step 2 Combats the Weeds You Already Have. ...
  3. Step 3 Strengthens Your Yard Against Summer Weather Woes. ...
  4. Step 4 Protects Your Yard for the Coming Winter.

When not to fertilize a lawn?

When Should You NOT Fertilize Your Lawn?
  1. Don't fertilize when it's winter or early spring. Your lawn needs an extended period to recover from the cold weather. ...
  2. Don't fertilize when it's raining. ...
  3. Avoid fertilizing your lawn in the sweltering heat. ...
  4. Don't fertilize without knowing your grass type.

How to get rid of crabgrass?

Pull the clumps out, roots and all. Use a garden weeder tool made to remove the roots of crabgrass. Typically, these tools feature a claw or plunger you can drive deep into the ground, under the roots, to remove the plant. This process is time consuming, but effective in controlling crabgrass.

What month do you use Scotts Turf Builder?

In Fall: Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Annual Program Fall

Get your lawn ready for a long winter's nap by applying Scotts® Turf Builder® Annual Program Fall between August and November, but at least 6 to 8 weeks after applying the Summer product. This will help your grass build strong roots for a better lawn next spring.

Is it okay to put fertilizer on dry grass?

Ideally, you should apply a fertilizer treatment to a dry lawn when there is no rain forecasted for the next couple of days.

What if it rains right after I fertilize?

The answer not very cut and dry, but here is the bottom line: The vast majority of the time, rain after a fertilizer application is not a problem at all. In fact, it is usually a good thing.

What happens if I use too much Scotts Turf Builder?

Too much fertilizer adds too much nitrogen and salt to the soil. It's called fertilizer “burn,” and can actually kill your lawn. Imagine the yellow or brown dog urine spots you see in lawns.

Can grass seed and fertilizer be spread at the same time?

For the fertilizer to be effective and not harm the grass seeds, you shouldn't fertilize and seed at the same time. You need to wait until the seeds begin to sprout, which usually takes about six to eight weeks.

What month should I put grass seed down?

The last five weeks of summer to early autumn, pending the weather, is the best time of year to plant grass seed. At this time, day and nighttime temperatures are cooling, dew is more present on lawns, and annual broadleaf weeds and crabgrass are dying.

Does Scott's turf builder need to be watered in?

Water the treated area for 15-20 minutes after application. One 27.40 lb. bag of Scotts® Turf Builder® Healthy Plus Lawn Food covers 8,000 sq. ft.

What happens if you don't water lawn after fertilizing?

Why Water After Fertilizing? Watering after fertilizing washes the fertilizer off of the grass blades and into the soil, where it can get to work nourishing your lawn. It's also important because if fertilizer sits too long without being watered in, it can burn the grass.

How long to keep dog off grass after fertilizing with Scotts?

When a Fertilized Lawn Is Safe for Dogs & Pets. Like children, dogs and other pets also enjoy playing and running through the grass. But after fertilizing, it's also best practice to limit their use of the lawn for 24-72 hours.

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