Scotts Turf Builder Ingredients

Turfbuilder with Weed & Feed or Insect Control

Scotts fertilizer products also have additional ingredients to help control unwanted weeds and insects in the lawn. Scotts Weed & Feed contains 1.82 percent 2,4-D and mecoprop, commonly known as MCPP, to kill a variety of weeds including dandelions. The fertilizer analysis is 28-0-3 or 28 percent nitrogen, no phosphorous, and 3 percent potassium. Scotts Turf Builder with Summer Guard not only provides insect protection for a lawn but also helps strengthen turf against heat and drought. The active ingredient for insect control is bifenthrin at .086 percent, which kills such insects as fleas, ticks and earwigs. The fertilizer analysis is 20-0-8 or 20 percent nitrogen, no phosphorous and 8 percent potassium.

Although Scotts rebranded its fertilizer/herbicide combination, homeowners still use the “weed-n-feed” moniker when referring to Scotts Turf Builder With PLUS 2 Weed Control. The Scotts Co. also altered the original Scotts Weed and Feed 22-3-3 formulation slightly, removing dicamba, an herbicide, and sulfur. Although Scotts and many other fertilizer companies still offer fertilizer/herbicide products, researchers, governments and environmental groups have concerns about the effectiveness and detrimental impacts of weed-n-feed combinations.

Health Canada, a department of the Canadian government responsible for consumer safety and environmental protection, released a statement restricting sales of fertilizer/herbicide combination products. After December 2012, retailers will not sell weed-n-feed products in Canada. Health Canada stated that the decision “is not based on the health or environmental risk assessments but rather the nature of combination products.” Using a combination product often forces homeowners to apply herbicides where and when they are not needed, the agency said.

Scotts Turf Builder With PLUS 2 Weed Control is a complete fertilizer. Complete fertilizers include all three major nutrients — nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Scotts adds urea as a source of nitrogen, boosting quick blade growth. Ammonium phosphate encourages strong root development, while potassium chloride releases potassium, a nutrient important to new growth. Keep in mind that your lawn may not need additional fertilizer, and adding a weed-n-feed product to your regular routine might contribute to fertilizer runoff and groundwater contamination. Test your soil before fertilizing, clean up any spills and follow directions carefully.

Kimberly Richardson has been writing since 1995. She has written successful grants for local schools as well as articles for various websites, specializing in garden-related topics. Richardson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and is enrolled in her local Master Gardener program.

Scotts Weed and Feed uses a combination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-(2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid (mecoprop) for weed control. While 2,4-D breaks down relatively quickly, having a half-life of seven to 10 days, the slower-acting mecoprop may remain active for two months or more and is water soluble, making it a groundwater contamination risk, according to the Extension Toxicology Network. Grasses metabolize these herbicides. Broadleaved weeds, however, suffer the full effects. Your ornamental plants may have roots extending under the lawn, absorbing herbicides that percolate through the lawn and into the underlying soil. If you have ornamental plants surrounding your lawn, use a spot weed treatment instead of applying herbicides over the entire lawn.

Based in Atlanta, Valerie Liles has been writing about landscape and garden design since 1980. As a registered respiratory therapist, she also has experience in family health, nutrition and pediatric and adult asthma managment. Liles holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Colorado State University and a Master of Science in technical communication from the University of Colorado.

With thousands of lawn and garden supplements on the market, it often gets a little confusing as to which product to buy. While Scotts brand soil supplements often include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the amounts can vary, so check the packaging N-P-K statement. Your choice of supplement depends on the type of grass, length of growing season and level of maintenance required. There are also additional ingredients that you should be aware of.

FAQ

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