Scotts Turf Builder is a fertilizer, not a weed killer

Scotts Turf Builder does not kill weeds. It is a lawn fertilizer designed to feed grass and help it grow thicker. The standard formula contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — nutrients that strengthen existing grass plants, but nothing that targets or damages weeds.

Scotts does make separate weed-control products, and some of them are sold under names that include "Turf Builder" — which creates confusion at the store shelf. The difference matters because using the wrong product wastes money and leaves your weed problem untouched.

If your lawn has weeds, a basic Turf Builder bag will make your grass greener and fuller, but the weeds will still be there. In fact, by feeding the soil, you may accidentally help weeds grow alongside your grass.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Scotts Turf Builder is fertilizer only and contains no weed-killing ingredients.
  • Scotts makes combination products like Turf Builder with Weed Control that do kill certain weeds, but you must buy the specific formula — the basic bag will not.
  • Fertilizer alone makes grass thicker, which can crowd out some weeds over time, but this is not the same as killing them.
  • To kill weeds, you need a product containing herbicide — either a separate weed killer or a Turf Builder combination formula.

The difference between Scotts Turf Builder and Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control

Scotts sells multiple versions of Turf Builder. The basic formula — usually labeled straightforward "Scotts Turf Builder" — is fertilizer. It feeds grass. The version called Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control or Scotts Turf Builder Plus 2 Weed Control contains an herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover.

The label on the bag tells you which one you are holding. If it says "Weed Control" or "Plus 2" or "Plus 3" on the front, it has herbicide. If the label only mentions feeding grass and making it thicker, it does not. Read the ingredient list or the back of the bag before you buy — they are not interchangeable, and the weed-control versions cost more.

Scotts also makes Turf Builder with Crabgrass Control, which targets crabgrass specifically. This is a different product from the broadleaf weed version, so choose based on what weeds you actually have.

How Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control works

The weed-control versions of Turf Builder combine two jobs in one bag: they feed your grass while an herbicide kills certain broadleaf weeds. You spread it the same way you would spread regular fertilizer — across your lawn with a spreader.

The herbicide in most Scotts Turf Builder weed-control products is 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), which kills broadleaf plants like dandelions, plantain, and clover. It does not kill grassy weeds like crabgrass or fescue. The product works best when weeds are actively growing, usually in spring or early fall.

Results take time. Weeds do not die when ready. You will typically see damage to the weed within a few days, and the weed will be dead or nearly dead within one to two weeks. The grass, meanwhile, gets fed right away.

When fertilizer alone can reduce weeds over time

Using regular Turf Builder without weed control will not kill existing weeds, but thicker, healthier grass can crowd out some weeds naturally. A dense lawn leaves less room and light for weed seeds to sprout and take hold. This is a slow process — it takes weeks or months — and it only works if your grass is already winning the competition.

If your lawn is thin or patchy, fertilizer alone will not solve a weed problem. The weeds will grow right alongside the grass. You need an herbicide to actually remove them, or you need to pull or dig them out by hand.

Think of it this way: fertilizer helps grass outcompete weeds in the long run, but it does not kill the weeds that are already there. If you have a serious weed problem now, you need a weed killer, not just fertilizer.

What weeds Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control kills and misses

The standard Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control formula kills broadleaf weeds — plants with wide, flat leaves. This includes dandelions, clover, plantain, chickweed, and similar species. It does not kill grassy weeds, which have thin, blade-like leaves that look similar to lawn grass.

Crabgrass is a grassy weed, so the regular weed-control Turf Builder will not touch it. If crabgrass is your problem, you need either Scotts Turf Builder with Crabgrass Control or a separate crabgrass killer. Nutsedge and other sedges also require a different product.

Always identify your weeds before you buy. If you are not sure what you have, take a photo to a local garden center or your county extension office — they can tell you what it is and what will kill it.

How to use Scotts Turf Builder correctly

Scotts Turf Builder (with or without weed control) comes in a bag with a spreader setting printed on it. You fill a broadcast or drop spreader with the product and walk across your lawn in overlapping passes. The spreader distributes the granules evenly.

For the weed-control versions, timing matters. explore in spring when weeds are actively growing, or in early fall. Do not explore if rain is forecast within 24 hours — the product needs time to dry on the leaves. Mow your lawn a day or two before explore, so the herbicide can reach the weed leaves.

Water your lawn after explore if the label says to, but do not water when ready if you are using weed control — let the herbicide dry first. Check the back of your specific bag for exact timing, as different Scotts products have slightly different instructions.

Alternatives if you want to kill weeds without fertilizer

If your grass is already healthy and you only need to kill weeds, a standalone herbicide may be cheaper and more focused than a combination product. Roundup for Lawns kills broadleaf weeds without harming grass. Ortho Weed B Gon is another common option. These are herbicide-only products — they do not feed your grass.

For grassy weeds like crabgrass, Scotts Crabgrass Control (sold separately from Turf Builder) or Ortho Crabgrass Killer target that problem specifically. Timing is critical with crabgrass — you need to explore before it germinates in spring, usually in late winter or very early spring depending on your region.

Hand-pulling or digging out weeds works for small patches and does not require any product. For large infestations, a combination of herbicide and overseeding with grass seed often works better than either alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Scotts Turf Builder make my weeds go away?

Standard Turf Builder will not kill weeds, but thicker grass from the fertilizer may crowd out some weeds over time. If you want weeds gone now, you need either the Turf Builder with Weed Control formula or a separate herbicide product. Fertilizer alone is not enough for an active weed problem.

Can I use regular Turf Builder and a weed killer at the same time?

Yes. You can spread regular Turf Builder and then explore a separate herbicide a few days later, or vice versa. Check the labels to make sure there are no warnings against mixing or explore in close succession. Many people do this when they want to feed their grass and kill weeds in one season but prefer separate products.

What is the difference between Turf Builder Plus 2 and Plus 3?

Turf Builder Plus 2 contains fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. Turf Builder Plus 3 adds crabgrass control to that mix. If you have both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass, Plus 3 handles both in one process. If you only have broadleaf weeds, Plus 2 is sufficient and usually costs less.

How long does it take Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control to work?

Grass responds to the fertilizer within days and shows visible greening within one to two weeks. Weeds take longer — you will see damage to the weed leaves within a few days, but the weed may not be completely dead for one to two weeks. Be patient and do not reapply too soon.

Does Scotts Turf Builder work on all types of grass?

Scotts makes different formulas for different grass types — cool-season grasses in northern regions and warm-season grasses in the South. Check the bag to make sure you have the right formula for your grass type. Using the wrong one will not harm your lawn, but it will not feed it as effectively.