Trying to choose between Scotts Lawn Soil and regular topsoil? Here’s the deal: Scotts Lawn Soil is made to help grass grow. Topsoil is more for filling low spots. I’ve used both in my yard. Topsoil worked well for leveling. But Scotts made my grass greener and thicker.
After years of lawn care, I’ve learned that the type of soil you use matters. Want to plant new grass or fix bare spots? Keep reading. I’ll share what I’ve learned from real use.
Table of Contents
Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil: Easy-to-Read Comparison
I’ve worked on my lawn for years—seeding, patching, and leveling. I’ve used both Scotts Lawn Soil and regular topsoil. If you’re wondering which is better, here’s what I’ve seen.
Nutrient Content: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
Scotts Lawn Soil has starter fertilizer and organic stuff. It helps grass grow fast.
Topsoil doesn’t have much unless you mix things in. It’s mostly for filling spots.
Feature | Scotts Lawn Soil | Regular Topsoil |
Nutrient Levels | High, with fertilizer | Low, unless mixed with compost |
Best Use | Growing grass, seed help | Leveling ground, filler |
Organic Matter | Added for roots | Varies, often low |
What I saw: Grass grew greener and faster with Scotts. Topsoil needed help—like extra compost or fertilizer.
Rating:
- Scotts Lawn Soil: 9/10
- Topsoil: 6.5/10
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Texture and Feel: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
Scotts Lawn Soil feels soft and light. Roots and water move through it easily.
Topsoil can be different. Sometimes it’s fine. Other times, it’s heavy or full of rocks.
Feature | Scotts Lawn Soil | Regular Topsoil |
Texture | Light, crumbly | Can be dense or rocky |
Drainage | Very good | Depends on mix |
Root Growth | Easy for roots | Can be hard for roots |
My results: Grass didn’t grow well in topsoil. Once I used Scotts, it took off fast.
Rating:
- Scotts Lawn Soil: 8.5/10
- Topsoil: 6/10
Grass Growth: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
Scotts is made to help grass grow. It’s ready to go out of the bag.
Topsoil can work too, but only if you add things.
Feature | Scotts Lawn Soil | Regular Topsoil |
Germination Speed | Fast | Slower |
Grass Thickness | Full, lush | Thin unless improved |
Weeds | Less due to fast growth | More likely |
My test: I used the same seed and water. Scotts filled in fast. Topsoil was patchy.
Rating:
- Scotts Lawn Soil: 9.5/10
- Topsoil: 6.5/10
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Cost and Value: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
Scotts costs more, but it’s ready to use.
Topsoil is cheaper, but you might need to add stuff.
Feature | Scotts Lawn Soil | Regular Topsoil |
Price | Higher | Lower |
Extra Needs | None | Compost or fertilizer |
Long-Term Results | Strong | Weaker unless improved |
My take: I spent more fixing spots where topsoil failed. Scotts saved time in the long run.
Rating:
- Scotts Lawn Soil: 8.5/10
- Topsoil: 7/10
Final Thoughts: Which One to Pick?
If your goal is grass, go with Scotts Lawn Soil. It gives better results.
Topsoil still helps for leveling, but it needs a boost to help grass grow.
Category | Winner |
Best for Seeding | Scotts Lawn Soil |
Best for Leveling | Regular Topsoil |
Easiest to Use | Scotts Lawn Soil |
Top Performer | Scotts Lawn Soil |
My tip: Use Scotts for seeding. Use topsoil for leveling. That mix worked best for me.
Overall Rating:
- Scotts Lawn Soil: 9/10
- Topsoil: 7/10
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My Simple Soil Strategy for a Thicker, Greener Lawn
A few years ago, I got tired of bare patches that never grew right. After some rough Midwest winters, my lawn looked worn out. I didn’t want to start from scratch, so I tried fixing it with better soil.
At first, I used topsoil. It was cheap and easy to get in bulk. It helped smooth out low spots, but the grass looked dull. It grew slow and felt thin when I walked on it.
Out of frustration, I tried Scotts Lawn Soil. Big difference. In just a week, the grass was thicker, greener, and more even. It looked much better.
What I liked most: Scotts was easy to use. I didn’t need to add compost or fertilizer. It was already mixed in. That saved time. I started using it for reseeding and fixing bare spots. For bigger fills or leveling, I still used topsoil. But I topped it off with a thin layer of Scotts. That combo worked great.
Here’s how I break it down:
- Topsoil is great for leveling or filling deep spots.
- Scotts Lawn Soil is best for reseeding and fixing bare patches.
Using both together works better than either one alone.
Tips for Best Results
- Loosen the top inch of soil before adding new soil. It helps them blend.
- Water lightly after spreading. That helps the soil settle.
- Don’t press it down too hard. Grass roots need air.
- If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, mix in a little compost with topsoil.
Read More: Miracle-Gro vs Vigoro
Final Thoughts: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
If you want fast, strong grass growth, go with Scotts Lawn Soil. It costs more, but it saves time and effort. You don’t need to redo bad patches again and again.
Topsoil still helps, especially if you need a lot or are on a tight budget. But if you can, use both. Topsoil first, then a layer of Scotts on top.
That’s my simple soil plan—and it’s worked well for years.
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FAQs: Scotts Lawn Soil vs Topsoil
What’s the difference between Scotts Lawn Soil and topsoil?
Scotts Lawn Soil has fertilizer added and helps grass grow fast. Topsoil is plain soil used to fill or level spots.
Can I grow grass using just topsoil?
Yes, but it may not grow as well. Topsoil has fewer nutrients. Adding compost or fertilizer can help the grass grow thicker.
Is Scotts Lawn Soil worth the higher price?
Yes, for reseeding or bare spots. It helps grass grow faster and saves time. You may not need to add other products.
Can I mix Scotts Lawn Soil with topsoil?
Yes. Use topsoil to level the area. Then add Scotts Lawn Soil on top for better seed growth and strong roots.
Which is better for patching bare spots in the lawn?
Scotts Lawn Soil works better. It holds seed in place and helps grass grow fast and thick, unlike plain topsoil.