For homeowners seeking a straightforward path to a beautiful lawn, the promise of a 4 step lawn care program is undeniably appealing. The Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program, in particular, has gained considerable popularity by marketing itself as an easy-to-follow solution that eliminates the complexities of lawn maintenance. It speaks directly to our desire for simplicity and convenience in an already busy life.
However, while the allure of a simplified lawn care routine is strong, it’s crucial to examine whether the Scotts 4 Step program truly delivers on its promise of comprehensive lawn care. As lawn care experts, we’ve delved into the details of this program and, while the concept is understandable, our analysis reveals some significant shortcomings. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective, dissecting each step of the Scotts program and highlighting critical elements that are often overlooked, ensuring you have a complete picture before making decisions about your lawn care.
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer and Lawn Food – Timing is Everything (Problem 1)
The first step of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program focuses on crabgrass preventer combined with lawn food. Scotts advises application “on or before Easter,” aiming for simplicity by linking it to a recognizable holiday.
The problem here lies in the oversimplification of timing. While Easter is easy to remember, it’s not agriculturally relevant. Effective crabgrass prevention hinges on soil temperature, not a fixed date. Applying pre-emergent too early or too late can drastically reduce its effectiveness. Crabgrass preventer, or pre-emergent, works by creating a barrier in the soil that stops crabgrass seeds from germinating. Therefore, precise timing before germination is paramount.
Furthermore, a single application of crabgrass preventer, as recommended in step one, is often insufficient, especially in regions with heavy crabgrass pressure. Crabgrass is a tenacious weed, and its persistent nature often requires a more robust approach. At Oasis Turf & Tree, we understand this challenge and employ two applications of pre-emergent crabgrass control in the spring to ensure comprehensive prevention. This is particularly important given unpredictable spring rains, which can degrade the pre-emergent barrier.
Critically, the Scotts program neglects to address crabgrass breakthrough. Even the most diligent pre-emergent applications aren’t foolproof. A comprehensive lawn care strategy should include post-emergent crabgrass control to tackle any weeds that manage to germinate. This reactive approach is a vital missing component in the Scotts 4 Step program.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food – Granular Limitations (Problem 2)
Step two of the Scotts program combines weed control with lawn food, utilizing a granular weed control product. This is where another significant limitation arises: granular weed control is inherently less effective than liquid weed control, especially when compared to professional-grade liquid applications.
Granular weed control relies on the product sticking to weed leaves to be absorbed. Scotts acknowledges this, advising application on a “damp lawn, and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.” This reliance on specific weather conditions presents a significant inconvenience for homeowners. Finding that perfect window of opportunity, especially for those with limited weekend time for lawn care, can be challenging.
Moreover, even under ideal application conditions, studies from institutions like Ohio State University have shown that store-bought, non-professional-grade granular weed control products achieve only about 40% effectiveness compared to professional-grade liquid alternatives. For homeowners battling weeds, often a primary lawn care concern, settling for 40% effectiveness is a considerable compromise.
The timing of step two, suggested “near Memorial Day,” is also problematic. By late May, many weeds will already be well-established. Aggressively addressing weeds should ideally begin earlier in the season for optimal control. Delaying weed control until Memorial Day means you’re already behind in the fight against unwanted plants.
Step 3: Lawn Food with Iron – Missing Insect Control and Summer Threats (Problem 3)
Moving into mid-summer, step three of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program recommends lawn food with iron. While lawn food is beneficial, this step drastically underrepresents the comprehensive needs of a lawn during the summer months.
Mid-summer is a critical period for addressing various lawn threats beyond basic fertilization. This is when crabgrass breakthrough needs attention, and other summer annual weeds like nutsedge emerge, requiring specialized treatments not included in the Scotts program. Furthermore, summer is prime time for lawn insects to cause significant damage. Grubs, for example, feed on grass roots, and surface-feeding insects can quickly decimate turf. Grub control and surface insect treatments are essential components of a robust summer lawn care strategy, completely absent from the Scotts 4-step approach. The Scotts 4-step program’s omission of any insect control is a major oversight, leaving lawns vulnerable to potentially devastating infestations.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food – Ignoring Fall Weed Control and Soil Health (Problem 4)
The final step in the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program is Fall Lawn Food. While fall fertilization is important for winterizing the lawn and promoting spring green-up, this step, like the others, is incomplete. It completely ignores the need for fall weed control.
Fall is an opportune time to manage perennial weeds that can become even more problematic in the spring. Fall weed applications can significantly reduce weed pressure in the following season. By skipping weed control in the fall, the Scotts program misses a valuable opportunity for proactive weed management.
Beyond weed control, the Scotts 4 Step program fundamentally lacks a focus on soil health throughout the year. Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving lawn. Soil health involves a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, organic matter, and balanced nutrients. Simply applying lawn food, as in each step of the Scotts program, doesn’t address the broader needs of soil health. At Oasis, we prioritize soil health through bionutrition and other specialized treatments throughout our comprehensive lawn care programs, recognizing its profound impact on long-term lawn health and beauty.
The Truth? 4 Step Lawn Care is More Misleading Than Simple
The concept of a 4 step lawn care program is undeniably attractive, promising ease and simplicity. Scotts has successfully marketed this idea to DIY homeowners. However, the reality is that the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program is misleadingly presented as a complete solution. It omits numerous essential lawn care practices, and when you factor in the necessary additions to achieve truly comprehensive care, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness quickly diminish.
The Hidden Costs of 4 Step Lawn Care
While the individual bags of Scotts 4 Step products might seem reasonably priced, the overall cost can quickly escalate. Online retailers list the 4-step program bags around $110, but this assumes one bag is sufficient for your entire lawn. Larger lawns will require multiple bags, increasing the expense. Furthermore, application requires a spreader, adding another $60 to $90 for a basic model. These seemingly small costs accumulate, and when combined with the subpar results often associated with DIY programs, the value proposition becomes questionable.
The Absence of a Guarantee
Perhaps the most telling aspect of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program is the lack of any performance guarantee. If weeds persist, or your lawn doesn’t thrive, Scotts offers no recourse. You’ve invested time and money with no assurance of success. In contrast, professional lawn care companies stand behind their services. Reputable providers will revisit your property to address unresolved issues, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Ultimately, homeowners choose professional lawn care for peace of mind. While a 4 step program sounds simple, the worry of proper application timing, product effectiveness, and addressing unforeseen lawn issues remains. Oasis Turf & Tree customers don’t just hire us for a beautiful lawn; they hire us to eliminate their lawn care anxieties. We take ownership of your lawn’s health, providing expert knowledge and comprehensive treatments tailored to its specific needs.
Ready to experience worry-free, professional lawn care services in Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio, or Northern Kentucky? Request a free quote today and explore our lawn care programs to find the perfect fit for your lawn care goals. Let the professionals at Oasis Turf & Tree help you achieve the lush, healthy lawn you’ve always wanted!
