NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone - been using Scotts Step 1 for years on my KBG/fescue mix in Rutherford and it's solid, but I just saw the price jump to $38 for a 14lb bag at the Home Depot on Route 17. Generic pendimethalin at the local Agway is like $12 for the same active ingredient. Is the Scotts actually better or is it mostly marketing? Looking to hear from folks who've tried both - my lawn is about 4,500 sq ft and I've got some compaction issues near the driveway. Appreciate any real-world experience!

I've done side-by-side tests over three seasons in my Yard. Used Scotts HF at full rate on half my front lawn, then generic pendi at the labeled rate on the back half - literally could not tell you which was which come August. Both kept the crabgrass down. The kicker is the generic actually flowed better through my spreader - less clogging than the Scotts granules for some reason. My neighbor who's a turf grad student said there's zero difference in the AI (active ingredient) itself. You're paying for the brand, the pretty yellow bag, and the marketing. Save your money honestly.

Thanks for posting this - I'm new to Wyckoff and was about to drop $40 on Scotts myself. Quick question - do you need to water it in right after applying or does it work best when it's dry? I've read conflicting advice on the 'care guides' and want to make sure I don't waste the product. This is my first spring with an actual lawn (came from a townhouse) so still learning. Appreciate any tips!

@MowerMike appreciate the thorough breakdown - that's exactly what I was wondering. Did you notice any difference in how long each lasted? Like did the generics seem to wear off faster by mid-July? Curious about the flow issue too - I have an old Agri-Fab spreader and sometimes the Scotts gets stuck in the hopper if I don't clean it right away. @NewbieNate For pendi/Prodiamine I'd say water it in within 24 hours ideally - helps activate it into the soil profile. If it's super dry like last June you'll want to lightly water. Also check out the Rutgers extension site - they have solid NJ-specific timing guides.

@LawnLover Good questions - I didn't notice any difference in longevity honestly. I'd reapply at the same interval regardless. The generic I use has a slightly coavier颗粒 which sounds bad but actually helped with even spreading. One thing nobody talks about though - Scotts does have the better surfactant package in their combo products. If you're getting the weed-and-feed combo then yeah you're paying for that convenience. But straight pendi? Generic all the way. Also try not storing your spreader with product left in the hopper - that'll clog anything lol.

Update - grabbed the generic from Agway in Waldwick yesterday, Pendimax or something like that? Was only $14. Applied it late afternoon and hit it with the sprinkler for about 20 mins this morning. No crusting or anything yet, hope that's normal. Honestly feeling better about not dropping $40 during my first year - thanks everyone!