People are naturally drawn to simplicity, especially when it comes to managing their busy lives. We seek out easy solutions that save us time and effort, and lawn care is no exception. This desire for convenience is precisely why the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program has gained such popularity. It promises an uncomplicated, step-by-step approach to achieving a beautiful lawn, eliminating the guesswork for homeowners.
However, beneath the surface of this simplified program lies a critical truth: the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program is far from comprehensive.
While it offers a basic framework, it lacks essential elements necessary for optimal lawn health and appearance. To understand these shortcomings, let’s break down each step of the Scotts program and reveal the crucial components that are missing.
Step 1: Crabgrass Preventer and Lawn Food – The Timing Misconception
The first step of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program combines crabgrass preventer with lawn food, advising application “on or before Easter.” While using a memorable holiday for timing is convenient, it’s fundamentally flawed from a lawn care perspective.
The effectiveness of crabgrass preventer, specifically a pre-emergent herbicide, hinges on soil temperature, not a calendar date. Crabgrass preventer needs to be applied before crabgrass seeds begin to germinate. This pre-emergent herbicide creates a barrier in the soil that stops crabgrass seedlings from sprouting.
Relying on a fixed date like Easter disregards the variability of weather patterns each year. Soil temperatures fluctuate based on location and seasonal changes, making a date-based approach inaccurate and potentially ineffective. Applying crabgrass preventer too early or too late can significantly reduce its ability to control crabgrass.
Furthermore, a single application of crabgrass preventer, as suggested in Step 1, may not be sufficient. Crabgrass is a persistent weed, and its seeds can germinate over an extended period.
For robust crabgrass control, especially in regions with heavy spring rainfall that can degrade the pre-emergent barrier, two applications are often necessary. Professional lawn care programs often include a dual application of pre-emergent to ensure season-long crabgrass suppression. Moreover, effective lawn care addresses crabgrass breakthroughs with post-emergent spot treatments, a crucial element absent from the Scotts 4 Step program. Even the best pre-emergent strategies aren’t foolproof, and a comprehensive approach includes plans for when crabgrass inevitably emerges.
Step 2: Weed Control Plus Lawn Food – Granular Limitations and Delayed Action
Step two of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program focuses on weed control combined with lawn food. The primary issue here is the use of granular weed control. Granular weed control products are significantly less effective than liquid weed control, particularly professional-grade liquid applications.
Scotts’ granular weed control requires specific conditions for application to be somewhat effective. The lawn must be damp, and application should occur on a calm day with no rain expected for at least 24 hours. These requirements can be inconvenient and challenging to meet for homeowners with busy schedules, especially if weekends are their only time for lawn care.
Even when applied under ideal conditions, store-bought granular weed control products are less potent. Research from institutions like Ohio State University has indicated that these products are only around 40% as effective as professional-grade liquid weed control. For homeowners battling persistent weeds, accepting such limited effectiveness can be frustrating.
The timing of Step Two, “near Memorial Day,” is also problematic. By Memorial Day, many weeds have already established themselves and begun to flourish. Waiting until late May to aggressively target weeds puts you behind in the fight for a weed-free lawn. Effective weed control strategies begin earlier in the season to prevent weeds from gaining a foothold.
Step 3: Lawn Food with Iron – Ignoring Mid-Summer Lawn Stressors
Mid-summer, the focus of Step 3 in the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program, shifts to lawn food with iron. While lawn food is beneficial, this step completely overlooks other critical mid-summer lawn care needs. This is the period when lawns are most susceptible to various stressors, including:
- Crabgrass breakthrough: As mentioned earlier, crabgrass control is an ongoing battle, and mid-summer is a prime time for breakthroughs.
- Nutsedge and Summer Annual Weeds: These weeds thrive in the summer heat and require specialized treatments not included in the Scotts program.
- Lawn Insects: Mid-summer is peak season for lawn insects like grubs and surface-feeding insects. These pests can cause significant damage to turfgrass if left untreated. Grub control and surface insect treatments are essential components of a comprehensive mid-summer lawn care approach, yet they are entirely absent from the Scotts 4 Step program.
Ignoring these potential threats in Step 3 leaves lawns vulnerable to weed infestations and insect damage, undermining the overall health and appearance of your lawn.
Step 4: Fall Lawn Food – Missing the Fall Weed Control Opportunity
The final step of the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program is Fall Lawn Food. While fall fertilization is important for winterizing the lawn, Step 4 completely neglects fall weed control.
Fall is a crucial time to address weeds. Many weeds, particularly winter annuals and perennials, are actively growing and storing energy for the winter. Applying weed control in the fall effectively targets these weeds before they become a problem in the spring. Skipping fall weed control is a missed opportunity to significantly reduce weed pressure in the following season.
The Misleading Nature of 4 Step Lawn Care
The Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program markets itself as a complete and simple solution for lawn care. While the simplicity is undeniable, the “complete” aspect is highly misleading. It omits numerous essential services and considerations, particularly concerning weed and pest control, and soil health.
A truly effective lawn care program is far more nuanced than four simple steps. It requires:
- Proper Timing: Applications timed based on environmental factors like soil temperature, not just calendar dates.
- Comprehensive Weed Control: Including pre-emergent and post-emergent strategies, liquid applications, and addressing various weed types throughout the season.
- Proactive Insect and Disease Management: Addressing potential threats before they cause significant damage.
- Soil Health Focus: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn. Soil testing and amendments to improve soil health are crucial for long-term lawn success.
The Hidden Costs of DIY 4 Step Lawn Care
Beyond the program’s shortcomings, the cost-effectiveness of Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care is also questionable. While the individual bags may seem reasonably priced, the expenses accumulate. For an average lawn, multiple bags may be needed, quickly increasing the cost. Furthermore, a spreader is necessary for application, adding another expense. Cheaper spreaders can be unreliable, leading to uneven application and wasted product.
Considering the potential for subpar results due to the program’s limitations, the overall value proposition diminishes. Homeowners may end up spending time and money on a program that doesn’t deliver the desired lawn quality, potentially leading to further expenses to correct issues.
The Lack of Guarantee with 4 Step Programs
Another significant drawback of DIY programs like Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care is the absence of a guarantee. If the program fails to control weeds or achieve desired results, homeowners have little recourse. Scotts will not refund the cost of the products or compensate for the lack of effectiveness.
In contrast, professional lawn care companies typically stand behind their services. Reputable companies offer guarantees, promising to re-treat issues if necessary. This commitment provides peace of mind and ensures homeowners are investing in a service that delivers on its promises.
Ultimately, while the Scotts 4 Step Lawn Care program appeals to the desire for simplicity, it falls short of providing truly comprehensive lawn care. Homeowners seeking a healthy, beautiful lawn should consider the limitations of this DIY approach and explore the benefits of professional lawn care services. Investing in professional expertise can save time, effort, and potentially money in the long run, while ensuring a lawn that you can truly be proud of.
Want to discover more about professional lawn care services for your home? Request a free quote and explore our lawn care program options to find the perfect solution for your lawn care needs!
