Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food (38-0-4) Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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4.6$25~$24-28 for 12.5 lb bag (covers ~5,000 sq ft); larger bags cover 12,000-15,000 sq ftCheck Price on Amazon →
- Lawns
The default granular pick for feeding an established lawn: this high-nitrogen 38-0-4 formula greens and thickens all common grasses quickly, is labeled for any season, and prints clear spreader settings. Know its limits: with 0% phosphorus it won't feed new seed, it must go on at the label rate and be watered in or you risk streaking, and it adds no organic matter.
Pros
- High nitrogen greens up and thickens all common grass types quickly
- All-in-one formula labeled for any season and every grass type
- Widely stocked with clear spreader settings printed on every bag
Cons
- 0% phosphorus, so it won't feed a new seedbed that needs starter P (buy a starter formula instead)
- Must be applied at label rate and watered in, or you risk streaking and tip burn
- Synthetic-only; adds no organic matter for long-term soil improvement
Specifications
| NPK | 38-0-4 |
|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic granular |
| Release | Part slow-release nitrogen |
| Coverage | ~5,000 sq ft (12.5 lb bag) |
| Best for | Greening and thickening established lawns, any season |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use Turf Builder on a new lawn seeding?
- No — it has 0% phosphorus, and a new seedbed needs starter P for root development. Buy a starter formula for seeding and save this for established turf.
- Why does lawn fertilizer streak?
- Uneven application or not watering it in. Apply at the labeled rate using the spreader setting printed on the bag, then water — skipping either step risks visible stripes and tip burn.
- How much lawn does one bag cover?
- About 5,000 sq ft from the 12.5 lb bag. The high-nitrogen 38-0-4 analysis greens and thickens all common grass types quickly, though it adds no organic matter for long-term soil health.