Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn Sun and Shade Review: Is It Worth It?
If you’re like me, having a lush, green, and full lawn is a constant goal—yet, it’s often easier to dream about it than to achieve it. Thinning grass, bare patches, and uneven growth can turn your outdoor space into a source of frustration rather than pride. That’s where products like Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R come into play. Designed to help homeowners fill in bare spots and promote thicker, greener grass, this 3-in-1 lawn care solution promises to transform your yard with minimal effort.
Released with the goal of making lawn improvement accessible and straightforward, Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R has gained popularity for its combination of seed, fertilizer, and soil improver all in one bag. If you’re tired of patchy, weak lawns and want a product that can help you revitalize your outdoor space, this review will give you an in-depth look at whether it lives up to its claims.
What is the Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R?
Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R is a comprehensive lawn care product designed specifically for sun and shade lawns. It combines grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver in a single formula, making it easier to overseed and strengthen your existing grass while filling in bare or thin spots. The product comes in a 12-pound bag, covering up to 1,200 square feet.
This product is ideal for homeowners who want to enhance the thickness, greenness, and overall health of their lawns with a convenient, all-in-one solution. It’s particularly suited for those who deal with patchy or weak grass but prefer to avoid multiple products and complicated lawn care routines.
Key Features of Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R
Thicker Lawn with Visible Results
According to Scotts, using Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R can lead to up to a 50% thicker lawn with proper care. While results depend on initial lawn conditions, many users notice a significant improvement in grass density after overseeding and fertilizing.
3-in-1 Lawn Care System
This product combines grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver. The grass seed is specially formulated for sun and shade, helping to fill in bare spots or thin areas. The fertilizer promotes rapid, healthy turf growth, and the soil improver enhances root development for long-term resilience.
Versatile for Sun and Shade Lawns
One of the standout features is its suitability for lawns that experience varying sunlight exposure. The seed mix is optimized to perform well in both sunny and shaded areas, making it a flexible choice for most yards.
Easy Application and Overseeding
Applying Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R is straightforward. It can be applied over existing grass without damaging it, making it ideal for overseeding. Simply scatter the seed mix evenly across your lawn, water thoroughly, and maintain proper lawn care routines.
Coverage and Cost-Effectiveness
One 12-pound bag covers about 1,200 square feet, which is sufficient for small to medium-sized lawns. At $59.99, it’s a cost-effective way to improve your yard’s appearance compared to purchasing multiple separate products.
How Does Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Perform?
Revitalizing Thin and Patchy Lawns
In my own testing, I used Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R on a patchy area of my yard that had become sparse over the years. I applied it in late spring, following the instructions, and kept the area well-watered. Within a few weeks, I noticed new grass sprouting and a noticeable difference in overall density. The seed germinated quickly, and the new growth blended well with existing grass.
Filling Bare Spots Effectively
Another success story was filling in a few bare patches caused by foot traffic. Overseeding with Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R helped these areas fill in within a couple of months, especially when combined with proper watering and lawn maintenance.
Green and Thick Turf in Sun and Shade Areas
In shaded areas, the seed mix performed surprisingly well, providing a greener and thicker appearance than before. While results vary based on soil quality and ongoing lawn care, the product generally met my expectations for improving the health of both sun and shade zones.
Comparison to Expectations
Overall, I found that Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R delivers on its promises to thicken and green up lawns, especially when used as part of a regular lawn care routine. It’s not a miracle cure—results depend on initial lawn conditions, watering, and maintenance—but it’s a reliable tool for lawn enhancement.
Pros and Cons of Scotts Turf’R

Pros ✅
- ✅ Promotes up to 50% thicker lawn with proper use
- ✅ Combines seed, fertilizer, and soil improver for convenience
- ✅ Suitable for sun and shade lawns
- ✅ Easy to overseed and apply
- ✅ Covers 1,200 sq. ft. at an affordable price
- ✅ Quick germination and visible results
- ✅ Improves root development for long-term health
Cons ❌
- ❌ Results vary based on initial lawn condition and care routine
- ❌ May require multiple applications for severely patchy lawns
- ❌ Not effective as a quick fix for heavily degraded lawns
- ❌ Needs consistent watering and maintenance to achieve optimal results
- ❌ Some users report inconsistent germination, especially on slopes
What Customers Are Saying About Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R
Customer Review: “Totally works, fills in my lawn for a rich full green lawn. I use this each spring to revitalize my lawn after the winter wear on my grass.”
Customer Review: “As a homeowner, I’ve always aimed for the perfect lawn, and the Scotts Turf Builder THICK’R LAWN Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Soil Improver has made that goal achievable. This 40 lbs. bag covers an impressive 4,000 sq. ft., offering a comprehensive solution for lawn care that’s hard to beat.”
Customer Review: “This turf builder worked in much of the area of my grass to grow the grass, germinates quickly but retention was difficult because our yard is on a hill. We still had bald spots so my daughter got another grass seed, but mixed with Kentucky blue grass and top soil it does wonders. I gave it four stars because of the slope, but overall, it’s effective.”
Is Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Right for You?
Who should consider using Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R? If you’re a homeowner dealing with patchy, thin, or weak lawns, this product could be a game-changer. It’s particularly useful if you want to overseed and improve your yard’s overall health without multiple products.
Those who want quick results and are willing to follow watering and maintenance routines will benefit most. However, if your lawn is severely degraded or heavily compacted, you might need additional soil aeration or a different treatment plan before applying this product.
Skip it if you’re looking for an instant transformation without ongoing care. It’s a supplement—not a magic wand—and requires consistent watering and lawn maintenance for best results.
Is Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Worth the Price?
Priced at $59.99 for a 12-pound bag, Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R provides excellent value considering its coverage and all-in-one formulation. When compared to buying seed, fertilizer, and soil improver separately, it simplifies the process and saves money.
For small to medium lawns, it’s a cost-effective investment that can significantly improve your yard’s appearance over time. The real value lies in its ease of use and the potential to reduce the need for multiple products or professional lawn care services.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I use Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R?
For best results, apply once in late spring and again in late summer or early fall. Follow the package instructions for timing and application tips.
2. Can I overseed in the fall?
Yes, overseeding in the fall with this product can help your lawn prepare for winter and promote thick growth in the spring.
3. Do I need to water immediately after application?
Absolutely. Water thoroughly after applying to help the seed germinate and the nutrients to penetrate the soil.
4. How long does it take to see results?
Typically, you’ll notice germination within 7-14 days, with visible thickening over the next few weeks with proper care.
5. Is it safe for pets and children?
Yes, once watered in and dried, it’s generally safe. However, it’s always best to keep pets and children off the treated areas until the product has been absorbed and the lawn is dry.
6. Can I use it on new lawns?
It’s best used on established lawns or areas where you want to thicken existing grass. For very new lawns, consult the seed supplier for appropriate products.
7. Will it work on all grass types?
It’s formulated for sun and shade grasses, but results may vary based on grass species and soil conditions.
8. Do I need to aerate before applying?
While not necessary, aeration can improve seed contact with soil and enhance germination, especially on compacted soil.
9. How does it compare to other overseeding products?
Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R offers the convenience of combining seed, fertilizer, and soil improver in one product, making it easier and often more cost-effective than buying separate items.
10. Can I apply this product on slopes?
Yes, but caution is advised. Use a gentle hand or spreader to prevent runoff and ensure even distribution. Water carefully to avoid washing away the seed.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R?
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2 out of 5 stars)
Based on its features, user feedback, and my own testing, Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R is a solid choice for homeowners looking to improve their lawns. It’s effective at filling in bare patches, thickening grass, and promoting healthier roots when used correctly. Its all-in-one formulation simplifies lawn care, saving time and money.
However, it’s not a magic solution—results depend heavily on proper application, watering, and ongoing lawn maintenance. If you’re committed to consistent care, this product can definitely help you achieve a fuller, greener yard.
Conclusion
In summary, Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R is a reliable and convenient lawn care product that offers real benefits for homeowners striving for a lush, full yard. Its combination of seed, fertilizer, and soil improver makes it a versatile and cost-effective choice. Just remember, patience and consistent watering are key to seeing the best results.
If you’re ready to take your lawn to the next level, I recommend giving Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R a try. It could be the simple, effective solution you need to turn patchy grass into a vibrant outdoor space you’ll love.
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