The Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care Program is a well-known name in lawn maintenance, promising a vibrant, weed-free, and resilient lawn throughout the year. For homeowners aiming for that perfect green carpet, the Scotts program offers an accessible, DIY approach. But does it live up to the hype? And more specifically, is Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer the right starting point for your lawn care journey?
In this review, we’ll delve into the Scotts 4-Step system, focusing specifically on Step 1. We’ll break down what Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer does, explore its pros and cons, discuss cost considerations, and compare it to professional lawn care services to help you make an informed decision for your lawn.
Understanding the Scotts 4-Step Lawn Care System
Scotts designed their 4-step program as a comprehensive, year-long approach to lawn care. Each step is formulated to address specific lawn needs at different times of the year, ensuring your grass receives the right nutrients and protection throughout the seasons. The four steps are:
- Scotts Lawn Pro Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer: Applied in early spring, this step focuses on pre-emergent crabgrass control and provides initial fertilization.
- Scotts Lawn Pro Step 2 Weed Control Plus Fertilizer: Applied in late spring, this step targets broadleaf weeds while continuing to feed the lawn.
- Scotts Lawn Pro Step 3 Lawn Fertilizer: Applied in summer, this step provides essential nutrients to maintain lawn health during hotter months.
- Scotts Lawn Pro Step 4 Lawn Fertilizer: Applied in fall, this final step strengthens the lawn for winter and prepares it for a healthy spring growth.
Today, our focus is squarely on Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer, the foundation of the Scotts program.
Scotts Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer: A Closer Look
Scotts Step 1 is designed to be applied in early spring, typically between February and April, depending on your geographic location and climate. The application timing is crucial and we’ll discuss why shortly. It is designed to be applied using a lawn spreader – either a rotary or broadcast spreader for even coverage. Scotts advises against hand broadcasting to ensure consistent application and avoid over or under-application. The product is available in bag sizes to cover 5,000 and 15,000 square feet.
The Advantages of Scotts Step 1
- Crabgrass Prevention: The primary benefit of Step 1 is its pre-emergent herbicide action. It’s formulated to prevent the germination of crabgrass, a common and unsightly lawn weed that thrives in warmer months. By applying Step 1 in early spring, you create a barrier in the soil that stops crabgrass seeds from sprouting.
- Broadleaf Weed Control: Beyond crabgrass, Scotts Step 1 also offers protection against several other common broadleaf weeds. This dual-action approach helps to keep your lawn cleaner and healthier from the outset of the growing season.
- Fertilization: As the name suggests, Step 1 is also a fertilizer. It provides an initial feeding to your lawn, promoting early spring green-up and healthy growth. This early nutrient boost helps your grass get a strong start to the season.
Potential Drawbacks of Scotts Step 1
- Application Rate Sensitivity: Achieving optimal crabgrass prevention and lawn coverage requires careful attention to the application rate. Scotts provides coverage guidelines, but user experience suggests that the advertised coverage area on the bag might be optimistic. For instance, the 15,000 sq ft bag might be more realistically suited for a 10,000 sq ft lawn if you aim for the best weed prevention. Accurate spreader calibration and even application are key to maximizing effectiveness.
- Timing is Critical: The effectiveness of pre-emergent crabgrass preventers hinges on proper timing. Applying Step 1 too early might lead to a breakdown of the preventative barrier before peak crabgrass germination time, especially if germination is delayed due to fluctuating spring temperatures. Conversely, applying too late, after crabgrass has already started to germinate, will render the pre-emergent component ineffective. Soil temperature, not calendar dates, is the key indicator for optimal application timing. Soil temperature varies significantly across regions, making a generalized application window less reliable.
- No Full-Proof Crabgrass Solution: It’s important to understand that no crabgrass preventer, including Scotts Step 1, guarantees 100% crabgrass-free lawn. Application errors, uneven coverage, or product breakdown can lead to breakthrough crabgrass in patches. This often necessitates spot treatments with a post-emergent crabgrass killer later in the season to manage any escaped weeds.
Alt text: A bag of Scotts Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer leaning against a garage door, illustrating product packaging and typical home storage.
Cost Considerations: DIY vs. Professional Lawn Care
Many homeowners choose the DIY route with products like Scotts Step 1, believing it’s a more cost-effective approach. Let’s analyze the actual costs and compare them to professional lawn care services.
DIY Cost – Scotts Step 1 Example (for 10,000 sq ft lawn):
- Scotts Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer (bag for up to 15,000 sq ft, effectively covering 10,000 sq ft for optimal prevention): Approximately $60 (price may vary by retailer and location).
- Post-Emergent Crabgrass Killer (for spot treatments, e.g., Ortho Crabgrass Killer): Approximately $12 (for a 400 sq ft coverage bottle).
Total DIY Cost: $72
Professional Lawn Care Cost (for 10,000 sq ft lawn):
- Round 1 Fertilizer & Crabgrass Preventer Application (professional grade product and application): Approximately $65 (price may vary by location and service provider).
- Crabgrass Spot Treatments (throughout the season, if needed): Often included in the service price at no extra charge.
Total Professional Cost: $65
As this cost comparison illustrates, the perceived cost savings of DIY lawn care might be an illusion. In this example, using Scotts Step 1 actually ends up being slightly more expensive than a comparable professional service, once you factor in the almost inevitable need for additional spot treatments for crabgrass.
Furthermore, this cost comparison doesn’t account for the value of your time and effort spent applying the product yourself. Professional lawn care services handle the application, product selection, and often include follow-up treatments, freeing up your time and ensuring expert application.
Making the Right Choice for Your Lawn
Scotts Step 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer is a decent DIY option for homeowners seeking to prevent crabgrass and provide early spring fertilization. It offers convenience and accessibility through readily available retail channels. However, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations, particularly the need for precise application, critical timing based on soil temperature, and the potential for breakthrough crabgrass requiring additional treatments.
For homeowners who value convenience, guaranteed results, and potentially cost-effectiveness when considering the total picture, professional lawn care services offer a compelling alternative. Professionals possess the expertise to accurately assess your lawn’s specific needs, apply products at the optimal time and rate, and provide ongoing monitoring and treatment throughout the season.
Final Thoughts: Whether you choose the DIY route with Scotts Step 1 or opt for professional lawn care depends on your individual preferences, budget, and desired level of lawn perfection. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, consider the true costs involved, and make an informed decision to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn you can be proud of.
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