Birds can potentially eat Scotts Turf Builder, but it is not specifically designed as bird food. Scotts Turf Builder is a lawn fertilizer and weed prevention product for grass lawns. While small amounts are not likely to harm birds, it is best to keep them away from treated areas until the fertilizer is watered in and dried.
What is Scotts Turf Builder?
Scotts Turf Builder is a popular brand of lawn fertilizer and weed control products made by the Scotts Miracle-Gro company. There are several different Scotts Turf Builder products formulated for different purposes:
- Turf Builder Lawn Food – Provides nutrients to fertilize and strengthen grass.
- Turf Builder Weed & Feed – Contains fertilizer plus an herbicide to prevent weeds.
- Turf Builder Triple Action – Fertilizes, prevents weeds, and controls insects.
- Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn – Focuses on making grass blades thicker.
- Turf Builder Starter Food – Helps new lawns establish roots and growth.
The main ingredients in Scotts Turf Builder products include:
- Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer
- Phosphorus and potassium for root development
- Iron for deep green color
- Herbicides like 2,4-D, Mecoprop, and Dicamba to control broadleaf weeds (in weed control formulas)
- Insecticide agents like carbaryl, bifenthrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin (in insect formulas)
How to Use Scotts Turf Builder
Scotts Turf Builder is applied by spreading granules evenly across the lawn using a broadcast spreader. The fertilizer needs to be watered in after application so it soaks into the soil. Follow package directions carefully for best results.
Are Birds Attracted to Scotts Turf Builder?
Birds are not specifically attracted to standard Scotts Turf Builder products. However, birds often forage on lawns for food, and may inadvertently ingest some granules.
Certain Scotts Turf Builder varieties contain ingredients that could potentially attract birds:
- Weed and feed formulas – contain nitrogen fertilizer which could draw in seed and insect eating birds.
- Insect control formulas – contain carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides which could poison insects and attract insectivorous birds.
Overall though, the main ingredients in Scotts Turf Builder are not designed to be bird food. The fertilizers and herbicides are intended to absorb into grass plants and soil.
Bird Species Commonly Found on Lawns
The following birds frequently forage on grass lawns and could come across Scotts Turf Builder applied to turf:
| Bird Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Sparrows | House sparrow, chipping sparrow |
| Starlings | European starling |
| Robins | American robin |
| Grackles | Common grackle |
| Doves | Mourning dove |
| Crows | American crow, Northwestern crow |
| Blackbirds | Red-winged blackbird, Brewer’s blackbird |
| Jays | Blue jay, Steller’s jay |
| Thrushes | American robin, Eastern bluebird |
These species walk on lawns frequently looking for seeds, fruits, insects, and worms. Granular chemicals like Scotts Turf Builder could get picked up incidentally as they forage.
Risks of Birds Ingesting Scotts Turf Builder
If birds ingest Scotts Turf Builder chemicals, here are some potential risks:
Fertilizers
The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in standard Scotts Turf Builder products are plant nutrients, not intended as bird food. But small amounts are unlikely to harm birds.
Weed Killers
Herbicides like 2,4-D, mecoprop, dicamba, and carfentrazone can be moderately toxic to birds. Ingesting weed killers could cause symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or reproductive problems at high doses.
Insecticides
Carbaryl, bifenthrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in insect control formulas are highly toxic to birds. Even small amounts could kill or seriously harm birds that ingest granules.
| Insecticide | Toxicity Level to Birds |
|---|---|
| Carbaryl | Highly toxic |
| Bifenthrin | Highly toxic |
| Lambda-cyhalothrin | Highly toxic |
Coated Granules
The plastic coatings on Scotts Turf Builder granules could cause intestinal blockages if eaten. However, birds tend to break apart granules with their beaks when feeding.
How to Keep Birds Safe Around Scotts Turf Builder
Here are some tips to minimize risks to birds when using Scotts Turf Builder products:
Avoid Application Before Rain
Apply when no heavy rain is forecast for 24-48 hours. This allows the chemicals to fully absorb into the grass rather than washing away where birds can ingest it.
Water in Immediately
Water thoroughly after application to start dissolving granules. This prevents birds from eating the visible granules.
Use Safety Signs
Place signs on treated lawns to deter birds from landing. Let the chemicals fully dry before removing signs.
Time Applications Carefully
Avoid applying during spring nesting season when bird activity is highest. Fall is safer when most birds have migrated.
Clean Up Spills
Promptly sweep up any spilled granules so birds don’t eat them.
Follow Label Directions
Use only as much product as necessary. Don’t over-apply.
Conclusion
Scotts Turf Builder lawn chemicals are not intended to be food for birds. While small amounts are unlikely to be toxic, it’s best to keep birds away from treated lawns until the products have been watered in. Follow safety precautions on the label to prevent birdexposure when applying Scotts Turf Builder or similar lawn fertilizer and pesticide products.
