Lawn Care
Scotts vs Pennington Grass Seed: Turf Builder Tall Fescue vs Kentucky 31
Quick answer
Buy Pennington Kentucky 31 if you need the most seed for the money on a large lawn: a 40 lb bag covers up to 8,000 sq ft at under $100. Buy the Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue Mix for a smaller lawn where the built-in fertilizer and coating save a step: a 16 lb bag covers 1,330 sq ft of new lawn or 4,000 sq ft of overseeding.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix, 16 lb
Under $100A coated 3-in-1 mix rated for 1,330 sq ft of new lawn or 4,000 sq ft of overseeding.
Best for: overseeding a cool-season lawn in spring or fall
Check price on AmazonPennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed, 40 lb
Under $100An economical K-31 bag rated up to 8,000 sq ft.
Best for: large utility lawns on a budget
Check price on AmazonBoth bags are tall fescue, a cool-season grass that tolerates heat and drought better than most. The difference is the product around the seed. The Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix, 16 lb (under $100) is a coated 3-in-1 mix with fertilizer and a soil improver, while the Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed, 40 lb (under $100) is a plain, economical bag of Kentucky 31.
Work out how much seed your lawn needs with the grass seed calculator before comparing bags, since you will buy by square foot, not by weight.
How do Scotts and Pennington tall fescue compare on specs?
Pennington's bag covers far more area; Scotts adds coating and fertilizer in a smaller bag.
| Factor | Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue | Pennington Kentucky 31 |
|---|---|---|
| Grass type | Tall fescue mix | Tall fescue (K-31) |
| Bag size | 16 lb | 40 lb |
| New lawn coverage | 1,330 sq ft | Up to 8,000 sq ft |
| Overseeding coverage | 4,000 sq ft | Not listed separately |
| Coated | Yes, with fertilizer and soil improver | No |
| Best for | Overseeding a cool-season lawn | Large utility lawns on a budget |
| Budget | Under $100 | Under $100 |
Coverage figures are the manufacturers' own ratings. Seeding rates vary with the lawn and the conditions.
Which should you choose, Scotts or Pennington?
Choose Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue if:
- You are overseeding a smaller cool-season lawn and want seed, starter feed and soil improver in one bag.
- You prefer a coated seed that holds moisture.
- You want the easiest, fewest-step process.
Choose Pennington Kentucky 31 if:
- Your lawn is large and cost per square foot matters most.
- You want a drought-resistant, economical tall fescue for full sun to medium shade.
- You are happy to buy starter fertilizer separately.
What about shade or patching bare spots?
Neither bag is a shade or patch product. For shaded lawns see best grass seed for shade. For spot repair, the Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair covers 225 sq ft per bag, and for partly shaded northern lawns the Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade North is rated for up to 6,660 sq ft.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotts or Pennington grass seed better?
Neither wins everywhere. Pennington Kentucky 31 is the economical choice for large lawns, covering up to 8,000 sq ft per 40 lb bag. Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue is a coated 3-in-1 mix that simplifies overseeding a smaller lawn.
Can I use tall fescue in the South?
Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that tolerates heat better than most, but it is best suited to the northern and transition zones. Check the grass types page for your region.
How much seed do I need?
It depends on lawn area and whether you are seeding a new lawn or overseeding. Use the grass seed calculator for an exact amount.
When should I plant tall fescue?
Early fall is the usual window for cool-season grasses, with spring as a second option.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved.
