A structured fertilizer plan increases turf density, improves color, and reduces weed pressure. Scotts Turf Builder products provide a straightforward schedule for most cool-season lawns in Pennsylvania, where Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and turf-type tall fescue dominate.
The Turf Builder line has options for both granular and liquid products. Below is a recommended application schedule for each method, granular first, liquid second:
Granular Scotts Turf Builder Program
1. Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer
Target window: Late March through mid-April
Specs: 30-0-4, one bag (13.35 lbs) covers 5,000 sq ft
Soil temperature in Pennsylvania typically reaches crabgrass germination range around 55-60°F, usually around mid to late-April. Apply Halts before germination, and water it in for proper activation.
Shop in-person or online through Herbein’s: Turf Builder Halts (5k and 15k sizes)
2. Turf Builder Lawn Food
Target window: Late May through June
Specs: 32-0-4, one bag (12.5 lbs) covers 5,000 sq ft
After the spring green-up, the lawn needs nitrogen to support steady growth. This application reinforces color and turf density. Applying during late spring avoids excessive top growth caused by early-spring fertilization.
Shop in-person or online through Herbein’s: Turf Builder Lawn Food (15k bag)
3. Turf Builder Weed & Feed
Target window: Late August through mid-September
Specs: 26-0-2, one bag (11.32 lbs) covers 4,000 sq ft
This aligns with the regional broadleaf weed surge. Apply when weeds are actively growing and the lawn is moist. Do not seed immediately before or after this step because Weed & Feed will inhibit seedling growth.
Shop in-person or online through Herbein’s: Turf Builder Weed & Feed (12k bag)
4. Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food
Target window: Mid-October through mid-November
Specs: 32-0-10, one bag (10 lbs) covers 4,000 sq ft
Winterguard supports root storage heading into dormancy and improves spring green-up. Apply once temperatures consistently sit below summer highs yet before the ground freezes.
Shop in-person or online through Herbein’s: Turf Builder Winterguard (4k and 12k sizes)
Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food
Specs: 29-0-3, one (32 fl. oz.) container covers 4,000 sq ft of cool-season grasses
Some homeowners prefer liquid feeding for faster nutrient availability and easier spot coverage. Liquid applications require higher frequency because they deliver nutrients in readily available form with minimal residual duration.
Shop in-person or online through Herbein’s: Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food
Liquid Turf Builder Schedule:
*Late April: First liquid application after initial mowing
*Late May: Second application to support late-spring growth
*Early July: Third feeding, but only if the lawn is irrigated and not heat-stressed
*Late August: Fourth feeding to rebuild density after summer stress
*Early October: Fifth feeding to promote fall growth and root development
The intervals should be roughly every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season. Skip periods of drought stress to avoid growth surges that the turf cannot support.
Not sure where to start or looking for some help with getting your lawn to its best health? Our expert lawn technicians at Lehigh Valley Lawn would be happy to help!
