Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food (38-0-4) Review (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · 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 pick for feeding an established lawn. High-N, cheap per square foot and forgiving on grass type, but skip it for brand-new seed and always follow the bag's spreader rate.
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 |