With winter fast approaching, many of us are frantically trying to get through our long lists of fall projects. We’re wrapping up various projects from the warmer seasons and preparing our homes for the upcoming cold. On the list, many of us have something along the lines of “fertilize the lawn.”
Many experts recommend fertilizing the lawn before winter arrives, as it gives the lawn a boost of nutrients before it enters a dormant period. However, some fertilizers aren’t suitable for the autumn season. So, what about Scotts Triple Action? Is it a good choice for prepping our yards in the fall? Let’s find out.
What Is Scotts Triple Action?
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is a lawn additive that serves three purposes, all in one application. This particular formula feeds (and strengthens) your lawn while simultaneously killing and preventing weeds that are scattered across your lawn. So, there’s no need to buy multiple products, as this single product can tackle all three areas.
The formula effectively kills broadleaf weeds (such as dandelions and clover) and works to prevent crabgrass (for up to 4 months after applying). Aside from broadleaf weeds, it prevents a few additional grassy weeds, such as fall panicum, annual bluegrass, and foxtail.
You can safely use Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action on Fine Fescue, Zoysiagrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Centipedegrass. However, if you have a St. Augustinegrass, Lippa, Dichondra, Carpetgrass, or Bentgrass lawn, don’t use Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action.
Can I Use Scotts Triple Action During Autumn?
According to the Scotts website, you can use this product on your lawn in the fall. That said, the company outlines specific requirements for the perfect application window.
You can also use this product on your lawn in the spring, but no more than twice per year. If you apply the product during the spring season, ensure at least two months pass before your next application.
When Should Scotts Triple Action Be Applied?
While you can apply this product during the fall, it’s important to apply the product when daytime temperatures are regularly between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In some areas, temperatures may begin to drop lower than the recommended application range by mid-fall, so an early fall application is best. Or, temperatures may exceed this range throughout the early fall season, so a mid to late fall application is best.
Applying this product in the fall can be an excellent way to fertilize your lawn one last time before winter, but it also can help control fall-germinating winter weeds and cool-season perennial weeds (like dandelions and clover).
It’s important to note that there are a few parameters to the application window for certain grass types. If you have a Centipedegrass lawn, don’t treat it with this product after the 1st of October. Or, if you have a Bahiagrass lawn, never treat it with this product after the 1st of November.
How To Apply Scotts Triple Action In The Fall
Once you carve out the time in your busy schedule for lawn maintenance, it’s time to apply the product of your choice. If you decide on Scotts Triple Action for your lawn, be sure to choose a nice, calm day for application. Ensure the temperatures fall within the recommended application range so it isn’t too cold or hot.
Lightly water your lawn (if it just rained, and the grass is wet, you don’t need to), as you need to apply the product to a wet lawn. Apply the product to your lawn with a spreader of your choice, ensuring the settings on the spreader are correct.
If you use a Scotts spreader, adjust the spreader settings as needed:
- Scotts Wizz Spreader: 3 ¾
- Scotts Drop Spreader: 6
- Scotts Broadcast or Rotary Spreader: 3 ¼
- Use the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader to apply Scotts lawn care products
- Comes pre-calibrated and ready-to-use
- Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology keeps lawn product off landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- Features redesigned hopper and agitator for smoother product funneling and consistent coverage
After 24 hours, water your lawn to wash the particles into the soil. And tada, you can check that box on your fall to-do list!
Which Scotts Fertilizer Is Best For Fall?
Scotts offers a few lawn fertilizers intended for use in the fall. While you can use Scotts Triple Action on your lawn in the fall, it isn’t your only option from the product lineup.
For example, Scotts also offers a Turf Builder Fall Lawn Food 32-0-10 that is suitable for all grass types (including sod and newly seeded lawns). Since the Triple Action product isn’t suitable for St. Augustinegrass, Lippa, Dichondra, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass, this product might be a solid alternative if you have one of these grass types.
Or, you could choose to apply Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food, which is designed to encourage robust root growth for better survival and a better lawn the following growing season. Like the Fall Lawn Food product, this product is safe for use on all grass types and should be applied anytime during the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Scotts Triple Action Kill Crabgrass?
Although Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action can prevent the growth of new crabgrass, it doesn’t kill existing crabgrass. So, if your lawn is infested with crabgrass, this product won’t be the solution you’re looking for (if you’re trying to get rid of it). That said, if you want to control a few crabgrass plants from spreading, this product is an excellent way to ward off new infestations.
Why Can’t I Find Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action In My Area?
Unfortunately, this product isn’t available everywhere throughout the U.S. This product is unavailable to residents in Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass,…
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed,…
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy…
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall…
However, the Scotts Turf Builder Fall Lawn Food and Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food should be available in most home improvement stores and garden centers, regardless of where you live in the U.S. So if you can’t find Scotts Triple Action, consider switching to one of the other products designed for fall fertilization.
Of course, these products don’t offer the same 3-in-1 benefits, but if you don’t need to kill or prevent weeds, they should work fine.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API