What is the reason for adding fillers to grass seed?

[AndyA]

I've been trying to fill in bare patches (lots of them!) in my lawn, and noticed that some grass seed is 50 percent filler. Why? Is there a reason other than the manufacturer being cheap and trying to provide less?

Pennington's seed says they have no fillers, and I read that some Scott's seed can be almost half filler. Scott's is one of the big names, so I wondered if there's a reason for adding filler.

[pecwae]

1. I'm going to guess

that the reasoning may be the same as for wildflower seeds which, they claim, filler is added for ease of broadcasting. Of course, it all really comes down to profit. I'd rather have the seeds and mix with my own broadcast agent like dirt, sand or ash.

[libodem]

2. It may have something to do with even

Dispersal. You don't want your grass seed too close together or it will form clumps. Maybe it has something to do with spacing the blades.

Sometimes you just wind up spacing the blades....borrowing a rift from "pacing the cage" which is a great song. (I used it to make a point in mental health group yesterday) I'm flat goofy today.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Just so you know..Scott's was made infamous for putting poison on its bird seed.

I would go with Pennington, were I you.

Scotts pleaded guilty in February 2012 to illegally applying insecticides to its wild bird food products that are toxic to birds, falsifying pesticide registration documents, distributing pesticides with misleading and unapproved labels and distributing unregistered pesticides.
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/September/12-enrd-1088.html

[AndyA]

4. Wow! I hadn't heard that.

I'm glad I haven't purchased any Scotts products!

I've used some Pennington Sun & Shade because I have lots of big trees, but some really sunny areas as well, and found a blend made specially for Oklahoma--supposed to be more drought tolerant, handle heat and humidity well, etc. Just put it down yesterday, so I'm going to see how it does before I buy anything else for the rest of my bare spots.

That's really crappy what Scotts did. I love watching the birds and squirrels in my yard, and found a rabbit is living in the back yard as well. Fun to watch all the activity!

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I question why they add filler too.

Is the Scott's seed half the price of the Pennington's? Filler is not what will do anything for you, so you shouldn't pay for it. My guess is that it is profit-driven.

You remind me that I have to reseed several areas where I have no grass.....and I am glad to know to look for "fillers" in the seed, since I do not need to broadcast the seed. I just scratch the surface of the dirt, hand scatter the seed, and cover with that dirt. No need for filler.

[AndyA]

6. Scotts seems more expensive than Pennington's seed.

Now that I've read about Scotts putting toxic substances in wild bird seed, I will not buy their products, as I think that's a strong reflection on the company's values, as it doesn't seem like it was a mistake.

[Curmudgeoness]

7. Well, there is your answer.

Scott's is selling filler at higher prices just because they can....they have the name recognition.

They also have some dubious reputation, if people are aware of it.