How Long to See an Effect From Turf Builder?

Turf Builder Nutrients

• Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer Plus 2% Iron contains a 32-0-4 fertilizer and 2 percent iron. The first number, 32, represents nitrogen, a key ingredient to keeping your lawn dark green and lush. Nitrogen is a macro-nutrient that is used in abundance by grass, and is often lacking in soils. Many different forms of nitrogen exist, each with its own unique releasing properties. Scotts Turf Builder has a slow-release nitrogen to prevent burning and provide long-lasting results. The "0" represents phosphorus, which is not found in many lawn fertilizers due to its natural abundance in soils. The "4" represents potassium, and helps the grass strengthen cell walls and increase overall health. The 2 percent iron helps to green up the lawn quickly, due to iron's key role in chlorophyll production.

Water Smart Technology

• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company produced and patented Water Smart Technology and incorporated it in many of its fertilizer and grass seed products. The products used in Water Smart Technology are proprietary information, and are closely guarded by the Scotts Company. The technology claims to aid in water retention and nutrient uptake, all important factors that directly relate to how quickly results appear after applying Turf Builder.

Turf Response Factors

• According to the Scotts Help Center, you should see results in as little as one week, depending on environmental conditions. Factors that influence nutrient availability and uptake vary from season to season and yard to yard. Grasses have spikes in growth, depending on what type they are. Cool-season grasses naturally grow faster, and take up more nutrients in the spring and fall, whereas warm-season grasses grow rapidly during the hot summer months. Turf Builder applied during these times will see faster results. Other variable factors to consider include fertilizer concentration, water content of the soil, oxygen availability, temperature and pH.

Fertilizer Maintenance Tips

• To see better results from fertilizer applications, Scotts recommends that you follow some basic maintenance guidelines. Setting your broadcast spreader correctly will ensure adequate application to meet your lawn's nutritional needs. Apply Turf Builder on a wet or dry lawn, and immediately water it in if temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fertilizer in Turf Builder will last six to eight weeks, and will need to be reapplied to maintain a dark green lawn. To take full advantage of the Water Smart Technology, set your lawnmower on the highest or second highest setting to promote deep roots that can retrieve more water and nutrients.