When I moved into my new home in Sacramento, my lawn was a dry, patchy mess. I wanted fresh, green grass—fast. Like many others, I turned to a big name: Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil. The bag claimed “50% thicker grass.” That sold me.
But two years later, I wish I had looked deeper. I learned a hard truth—one most weekend lawn lovers find out the hard way. In this Scotts Lawn Soil review, I’ll tell you what worked, what flopped, and what you must know before you buy.
Thinking of using Scotts for your lawn? Read on. My story might save you time, money, and stress—and help your grass grow for real.
Quick Look at Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil
- Name: Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil
- Type: Light mix with starter food for grass
- Best Use: Fixing small spots or overseeding in spring or fall
- Price: About $8–$12 per 1-cubic-foot bag at most U.S. stores
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Why I Chose It
When I stood in the garden aisle, I wasn’t guessing. I had done my homework. Here’s why I picked Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil:
A Name I Knew and Trusted
Scotts is a well-known brand. You see it at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Walmart. The bag said it could grow “50% thicker grass with proper care.” That sounded perfect for a first-timer like me.
Fertilizer Already Mixed In
This part grabbed me. Unlike plain topsoil, this one had starter food inside. I liked the idea of getting both soil and nutrients in one bag. No extra steps. No extra products.
Easy to Carry and Use
The bag was light. I didn’t need help or a wheelbarrow. I could lift and pour it on my own. That made weekend yard work quick and simple.
Good for Patch Jobs and Overseeding
My lawn had dry spots from sun and foot traffic. This soil was made for that. It claimed to fix patches and help new seed grow. That’s what I needed.
Easy to Find and Cheap Enough
I bought it at Home Depot for about $10. No shipping. No running all over town. As a new homeowner, that price worked for me.
What Could Be Better
Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil had some good points—but it wasn’t perfect in my yard.
Dries Out Fast
This was my biggest issue. In hot spots like Sacramento, the soil dries quickly. If you skip watering, it turns hard and crusty. That makes it tough for seeds to stay wet and grow.
Too Pricey for Big Yards
It works fine for small spots. But for a full lawn, the cost adds up fast. One bag doesn’t cover much. I had to buy a lot more than I planned.
Texture Isn’t Always Even
Some bags were soft and easy to spread. Others had clumps or small sticks. I had to break it up by hand or use a rake. It slowed me down.
Poor Drainage at Times
After rain, water sat on top. It didn’t soak in well unless I mixed it with my yard’s soil. If your lawn doesn’t drain well, this might be a problem.
Short-Term Boost Only
The fertilizer helped at first. But after a few weeks, I had to feed the lawn again. I thought it would last longer.
My Personal Gardening Experience
I’ve used Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil on and off for two years. Here are a few moments that stand out—the good and the not-so-good.
Weekend Rescue Mission
One Saturday, I spotted a dry patch by the walkway. It was likely from foot traffic and my dog’s sunbathing. I grabbed a bag of Scotts, raked the area, added seed, and spread a light layer of soil. The bag was light and easy to open. No mess. The job took less than 20 minutes. A week later, I saw green shoots. That felt like a win.
Summer Struggles
Last July, the heat in Sacramento hit over 100°F. I had used the soil in a shady spot to thicken the grass. But I missed a couple days of watering. The top dried out and got crusty. The seeds struggled. I had to re-seed and water more often. It taught me that in hot places like mine, this soil needs water every day at first.
Spring Touch-Up Success
This spring, I fixed thin spots from winter. I mixed the Scotts soil with native soil, added seed, and watered daily. By week two, I saw a full green patch. It wasn’t magic, but it worked when I followed the basics—prep, seed, soil, and water.
Who Should Buy This?
Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil isn’t for everyone. But it works well for certain people. Based on my use, here’s who it helps—and who might want to skip it:
Great for:
- New homeowners who need to fix a few patches. It’s easy to use and sold at big stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- Small lawn jobs like overseeding shady spots, high-traffic paths, or dry corners. One bag is enough for touch-ups.
- People who want convenience. The bag is light. It has starter food mixed in, so you don’t need extra products.
Not the best for:
- Big lawn makeovers. If you’re redoing a full yard, you’ll need a lot of bags—and the cost adds up fast.
- Hot, dry places without steady watering. Areas like Sacramento, Phoenix, or Vegas dry it out fast.
- Those wanting long-term results without more feeding. The built-in food fades fast. You’ll still need more lawn care later.
Alternative Option to Scotts Lawn Soil
Over the years, I’ve tried a few different soils to fix up my yard. One of the cheapest and easiest was plain topsoil. Here’s how it compared.
Scotts Lawn Soil vs. Topsoil: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Scotts Lawn Soil | Regular Topsoil |
| Nutrient Content | High – has starter food mixed in | Low – needs compost or extra nutrients |
| Texture | Light and crumbly | Can be clumpy, dense, or rocky |
| Drainage | Drains well but dries fast in heat | Varies – may hold water or stay soggy |
| Ease of Use | Ready to spread – no mixing needed | May need raking or compost added |
| Seed Support | Made to hold and feed new grass | Works, but not as well without extra help |
| Cost | $8–$12 per 1-cubic-foot bag | $2–$4 per bag, or less in bulk |
| Best Use | Fixing patches, reseeding small areas | Filling low spots, big jobs on a budget |
| Long-Term Results | Needs extra food after a few weeks | Varies – depends on what you mix in |
My Experience with Both
At first, I used topsoil because it was cheaper. It helped fill in low spots, but the grass came in thin and patchy.
Later, I switched to Scotts for bare spots. The results were better—grass grew faster and looked thicker, especially in shaded spots.
Still, in hot Sacramento summers, Scotts dried out fast. That’s when I learned water matters more than just the soil. My best tip? Use topsoil underneath and Scotts on top. It worked great and didn’t cost too much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re fixing up a few lawn patches, Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil is easy to use and gives fast results—especially in mild spring or fall weather. But if you’re in a hot, dry place like I am, be ready to water often or mix in topsoil for better hold.
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FAQs – Scotts Lawn Soil Review
Is Scotts Lawn Soil good for growing new grass?
Yes! Scotts Lawn Soil has starter fertilizer. It helps grass grow fast and thick. It works best for small spots or overseeding.
Can I use Scotts Lawn Soil for a full lawn makeover?
You can, but it may cost a lot. One bag covers a small spot. Big lawns need many bags. You’ll also need to water often.
Does Scotts Lawn Soil work in hot, dry places like California?
Yes, it works. But it dries fast in the heat. If you live in places like Phoenix or Sacramento, water it every day.
What’s the difference between Scotts Lawn Soil and topsoil?
Scotts has plant food and feels light. Topsoil is cheap but has no food. You may need to mix in compost with topsoil.
Where can I buy Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil in the U.S.?
You can find it at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart. It costs about $8–$12 for each bag.
