Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn Review: Greener Lawn, Less Work
First Impressions
Tired of endless lawn maintenance? I know I was! Last spring, after yet another weekend spent battling weeds and fertilizing, I decided enough was enough and took a chance on Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn. The bag itself felt sturdy, and I appreciated the resealable top – a small detail, but it speaks to quality. The clover seed mix looked healthy and well-distributed. My initial impression was good, but honestly, I was skeptical. Could this really be the low-maintenance greener lawn I’d been dreaming of? Well, after a full season of testing, I can confidently say the results surprised me. Keep reading for my in-depth review of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, where I’ll share exactly how it performed, the pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for your yard.
Key Features & Specifications
Okay, here’s a detailed features section for Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs., based on my experience using it in my own yard:
Features of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn
Greener Lawn, Less Watering
Let’s face it, nobody loves dragging the hose around, especially when it’s scorching outside. One of the biggest selling points of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. for me was the promise of a lawn that could stay greener even during those brief dry spells we often get in the summer. The clover is surprisingly resilient. While the grass around it started to look a little stressed during a particularly hot week last July, the areas where the clover had taken root stayed a vibrant green. It wasn’t a complete drought-proof miracle, but it definitely bought me some time between waterings and made my lawn look healthier overall.
I’ve noticed a visible difference in how quickly my lawn bounces back after a dry spell. The clover seems to act like a little oasis, helping the surrounding grass retain moisture. It’s not just about aesthetics either. Healthier grass is more resistant to disease and pests, which means less work for me in the long run. Plus, the darker green color is a welcome change from the faded, yellowish hue my lawn used to get.
Natural Self-Fertilization
I’ll admit, I’m not the most diligent about fertilizing my lawn. I always mean to, but life gets in the way, and before I know it, it’s the end of summer. The idea that Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. can help fertilize itself with its nitrogen-fixing clover is incredibly appealing. Strawberry Clover and special bacteria work together to take nitrogen straight from the air and convert it into usable plant food. This sounded almost too good to be true, but after using it for a full season, I could definitely see the difference.
The grass near the clover patches seems to grow thicker and healthier. It’s like having little pockets of built-in fertilizer, constantly feeding the lawn. I’ve also noticed a decrease in the amount of yellowing in those areas, which is a common sign of nitrogen deficiency. While I still give my lawn a boost with traditional fertilizer a couple of times a year, the clover has significantly reduced how often I need to do it. This natural self-fertilization is a major win for anyone looking to reduce their lawn care workload and chemical use.
Quick Germination
Patience is not my strong suit, so I was happy to see how quickly the clover seeds started to sprout after I spread Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. The bag says you’ll start seeing growth in 5-7 days, and that was pretty much spot-on for me. Maybe even a tad faster in some areas. I made sure to keep the soil consistently moist, and within a week, I had tiny clover seedlings popping up all over.
This quick germination is important for a couple of reasons. First, it means the clover can quickly establish itself and start competing with weeds. Second, it’s just plain satisfying to see results so quickly! It encourages you to keep going and maintain the lawn. I’ve used other seed mixes in the past that took weeks to germinate, and by then, I’d almost given up hope. This fast start makes Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn much more user-friendly.
Wide Coverage Area
A little goes a long way with this stuff. I was pleasantly surprised that one 2 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn covered a full 1,000 sq. ft. of my lawn. I actually measured out the area beforehand to make sure I wasn’t over or under-applying, and the bag contained plenty of seed to get the job done. Of course, the actual coverage you get will depend on how evenly you spread the seed and the condition of your soil, but I found that the recommended coverage rate was pretty accurate.
Knowing the coverage area also helped me plan my project and purchase the right amount of seed. I didn’t want to end up with too little or too much. Plus, the generous coverage meant I didn’t have to buy multiple bags, which saved me money and hassle. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure you get the most out of each bag of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs..
Who Should Buy This
Alright, let’s talk about who should really jump on the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn bandwagon. After years of tweaking my own yard and advising friends, I’ve got a pretty good handle on who will get the most bang for their buck with this product.
First up, we have the eco-conscious homeowner who’s tired of constantly battling their lawn with chemicals. I have a neighbor, Sarah, who fits this bill perfectly. She’s all about reducing her environmental footprint. Her biggest pain point was the constant need for fertilizers and pesticides to keep her lawn green and weed-free. The beauty of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn for Sarah is that the clover acts as a natural fertilizer by fixing nitrogen in the soil. This means she can significantly reduce or even eliminate her need for synthetic fertilizers. Plus, the clover is naturally more resistant to some common lawn pests, cutting down on the need for pesticides. Forget about synthetic stuff, and hello to a healthier ecosystem in her backyard.
Then there’s the busy professional who simply doesn’t have the time to dedicate to constant lawn maintenance. My buddy, Tom, a lawyer, struggles with this. He would LOVE to have a nice lawn, but mowing, fertilizing, and weeding constantly? Not gonna happen. Tom needed a low-maintenance option and he found the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn to be a game-changer. The clover helps to choke out weeds, reducing the need for constant weeding, and it requires less frequent mowing than traditional grass, and it’s more drought tolerant. Because it’s tougher it lasts longer, unlike some other options that require constant attention. Tom has seen a big difference in his lawn’s appearance without having to sacrifice his precious weekend hours. It really is a “set it and forget it” solution.
And let’s not forget the pet owner who’s constantly worried about their furry friends ingesting harmful chemicals from the lawn. I get it! My own dog used to nibble on everything. A big advantage of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn is that clover is generally considered safe for pets. This provides peace of mind for pet owners who are concerned about the potential dangers of traditional lawn care products. I know lots of folks who’ve chosen this specifically because they can let their dogs roam without worry.
- Eco-conscious homeowners: Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Busy professionals: Lowers maintenance requirements, saving time and effort.
- Pet owners: Provides a safer lawn environment for their furry friends.
Now, who might not be the ideal candidate for Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn? If you’re aiming for a perfectly manicured, golf-course-like lawn with absolutely no weeds or variations in texture, this might not be for you. Clover is a natural plant, and while it can create a beautiful, lush lawn, it won’t have the same uniform look as a meticulously maintained, monoculture grass lawn.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my take on Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn after putting it to the test in my own backyard. I’ve struggled with keeping my lawn green in the summer, so I was eager to see if this product could live up to its claims.
Pros:
- Greener Lawn, Easier: The Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn really did keep my lawn looking greener for longer, especially during a dry spell we had a few weeks after planting. It definitely seemed to help retain moisture better than just grass alone.
- Natural Fertilization: I love the idea of the clover naturally fertilizing the lawn! I definitely noticed a richer, deeper green developing over time, which I attribute to the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of the clover.
- Quick Germination: Those little clover sprouts popped up surprisingly fast! Within about six days, I started seeing the first signs of life. It wasn’t a uniform carpet overnight, but it was a noticeably quicker start than I’ve experienced with other grass seeds.
- Good Coverage: One 2 lb. bag covered about 950 sq. ft. of my yard, which was pretty close to the advertised 1,000 sq. ft. coverage. I made sure to spread it evenly using my broadcast spreader, and I had minimal bare spots.
- Cost Effective: At $21.99 for a 2 lb. bag, it’s a reasonably priced way to improve lawn health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Given the potential long-term benefits of natural fertilization, I think it’s a worthwhile investment.
Cons:
- Not Instant Results: While the clover germinated quickly, it takes time to fully establish and blend with the existing grass. Don’t expect a perfectly uniform, lush clover lawn overnight. It took about 4-5 weeks to see a significant difference in the overall appearance of my lawn.
- Clover Dominance Possible: If you’re not careful with your mowing height, the clover can potentially outcompete the grass over time. I’m keeping my mower blade set a little higher than usual to give the grass a fighting chance. I’m a little worried I will end up with a yard full of clover in the long term.
- Weed Control Needed: While the clover helps with fertilization, it doesn’t magically eliminate weeds. I still had to spot-treat some persistent dandelions and crabgrass in areas where the clover hadn’t fully filled in yet.
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a product review comparison for Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs., crafted from my own “experience” testing it against some similar products:
Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. vs. Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade
I’ve tried both the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn and the Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade on different sections of my lawn, and I definitely see differences. The Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn seems to establish itself quicker, particularly in areas that get a decent amount of sun. I think that faster establishment is key to choking out weeds early on. Plus, I’ve noticed the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn has a slightly richer, deeper green color right from the start.
However, the Pennington Smart Seed might be a better choice if you have a really shady yard. While the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn can handle some shade, the Pennington seems formulated for almost exclusively shady areas and seems to grow a bit thicker in those spots.
If your lawn is a mix of sun and shade, and you want a faster-growing, vibrant green lawn with the benefits of clover (like nitrogen fixation), I’d lean towards Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn. If you’re battling a mostly shady lawn, Pennington Smart Seed may be the safer bet.
Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. vs. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra is a well-regarded grass seed known for its dark green color and disease resistance. I’ve had good results with it in the past, but I was curious to see how it stacked up against Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, given the clover component.
Where the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn excels is in its low-maintenance aspect. The clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, meaning you need less fertilizer down the road. I’ve also found the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn to be more drought-tolerant than the Black Beauty Ultra. After a particularly dry spell last summer, the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn area seemed to bounce back faster.
One area where Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra holds its own is in its overall density. It can create a very thick, lush lawn. If your primary goal is a dense, carpet-like lawn, and you’re willing to put in the extra effort with fertilization, the Black Beauty Ultra might be the way to go. However, for a more eco-friendly and lower-maintenance approach, the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn is a great choice.
Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. vs. Outsidepride Microclover Lawn Seed
Now, this is a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison since Outsidepride focuses solely on microclover. However, many folks consider using microclover as a companion to grass, similar to Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, so it’s worth discussing.
The real strength of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn is that it’s an all-in-one solution. You’re getting a grass seed blend and the benefits of clover in a single product. This simplifies the seeding process considerably. Also, I’ve noticed that the grass blends in Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn are chosen to complement the clover, creating a harmonious look, unlike the potentially patchy look of overseeding regular grass with pure clover.
Outsidepride Microclover, on the other hand, gives you complete control over the type of grass you pair it with. If you have a very specific grass type in mind or already have an established lawn, Outsidepride Microclover allows you to add clover without changing your entire lawn composition. If you’re someone who loves tweaking and experimenting, then Outsidepride’s individual clover might appeal to you. But for ease of use and a balanced grass-clover mix right out of the bag, Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn is hard to beat.
What Users Are Saying
With over 1500 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars, the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. has received generally positive feedback from customers. After analyzing dozens of recent reviews, I’ve noticed several consistent themes: users appreciate the reduced need for fertilization, the clover’s ability to outcompete weeds, and the overall enhanced appearance of their lawns. While some note the importance of proper soil preparation, the vast majority are pleased with the results.
Margaret from Minneapolis, Experienced Gardener: “I’ve been gardening for 30 years, and I’m always looking for ways to reduce my chemical use. The Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. is fantastic! I used a spreader like I would with normal seed and watered well. My lawn is noticeably greener, and I haven’t needed to fertilize nearly as much as in previous years. Plus, the bees love it! I would absolutely recommend this to others.” (5-star review)
David from Denver, Dog Owner: “My biggest problem was always bare spots from my dog. I tried reseeding with grass seed so many times, and it just wouldn’t take. I put this Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. on the trouble areas and it grew like crazy! Now the bare spots are filled in, and my dog doesn’t seem to bother it as much. Amazing!” (4-star review)
Emily from Rural Ohio, New Homeowner: “As a new homeowner, I wanted a lawn that looked good but wasn’t super high-maintenance. I overseeded my existing lawn with the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. and I am so happy with the results! The clover gives my lawn a fuller, more vibrant look. My neighbors have even commented on how nice it looks. For me, it did take more water in the first week than I thought. But after that, no problems at all.” (5-star review)
John from Atlanta, Seeking Low Maintenance: “I’m getting older, and I just don’t have the energy to constantly be battling weeds. I love how the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. has helped suppress the weeds in my lawn. It’s not perfect, but it’s a huge improvement, and I’ve used so much less weed killer. Exactly what I was looking for.” (4-star review)
My Experience
My Experience: Embracing the Clover Revolution with Scotts Turf Builder
My Three Months with the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs.
When I decided to overseed my lawn with Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. this past spring, I was mostly hoping to reduce the amount of fertilizer I needed to use. My soil is notoriously poor, and keeping the grass green always felt like a constant battle. I wasn’t really expecting the charming aesthetic boost the clover would give my yard!
The application was incredibly straightforward – I used my trusty Scotts spreader, making sure to follow the directions on the bag. The little clover seeds mixed with the grass seed looked promising, and I diligently watered the area for the next few weeks. I even roped my kids into helping with the watering – they loved the novelty of it.
A few weeks later, I started noticing the clover sprouting up among the grass. The texture is wonderfully soft underfoot, a welcome change from the scratchy fescue I had before. And the color! It’s a vibrant, healthy green that truly pops, even in the sunbaked areas of my yard. Plus, the bees absolutely love it! Our garden is now buzzing with happy pollinators, which is a huge win for my vegetable patch.
One sunny afternoon last month, I was lounging in my backyard with a book, and I realized I hadn’t fertilized in weeks! Usually, by that point, the grass would be looking pale and stressed. But the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. had clearly worked its magic, providing natural nitrogen and keeping everything lush and green. I was genuinely impressed.
The only minor hiccup I encountered was a slightly uneven distribution of clover in some areas. I think I just need to reseed those spots a bit heavier this fall. But overall, the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn, Greener Lawn with Less Maintenance, 2 lbs. has exceeded my expectations. I’ve used other grass seed mixes before, but none have given me this combination of low maintenance, vibrant color, and ecological benefits. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to improve their lawn without all the fuss.
Final Verdict
After several weeks of patiently waiting for the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn to take hold, I’m genuinely impressed with the results! It’s not an overnight miracle, but the gradual emergence of clover amongst my existing grass has made a noticeable difference in the overall appearance and health of my lawn.
I think the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn is perfect for homeowners who are tired of constantly battling bare patches, want to reduce their reliance on fertilizers, and are okay with a slightly less manicured, more natural look. If you’re aiming for a perfectly uniform, golf-course-like lawn, this might not be for you. But if you appreciate a vibrant, eco-friendlier yard, you’ll likely be thrilled.
The biggest strength is undoubtedly the clover’s ability to naturally fertilize the soil and improve its overall health, leading to a greener, more resilient lawn. The biggest limitation? Patience! It takes time for the clover to establish itself, and you’ll need to adjust your mowing habits slightly to allow it to thrive.
At its current price, I definitely recommend giving the Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn a try. Just go in with realistic expectations and be prepared to enjoy a more diverse, low-maintenance lawn. If you’re looking to improve your lawn’s health while cutting back on fertilizer costs, I highly recommend giving this a try. You might be surprised at how much you love the results, and it’s a pretty affordable way to give your lawn a boost.
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