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Quick Stats
- 16-4-8
- Maintenance
- 5,000 sq ft
- 3.6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
- No
- Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- DG technology provides the most even feeding of any granular fertilizer
- Balanced 16-4-8 ratio perfect for maintenance feeding
- Humic acid improves soil health over time
- 3% iron for dark green color without excess nitrogen
- The most recommended fertilizer on lawn care forums
Cons
- Premium price compared to big-box brands
- DG granules are very small — use a high-quality spreader for best results
- Not a starter fertilizer — pair with Scotts Starter for new seed
Best For
Lawn enthusiasts who want the best maintenance fertilizer available and appreciate genuine product innovation.
Decision Notes
Opinion
My read: The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 belongs on the shortlist only when the lawn problem is specific. Lawn enthusiasts who want the best maintenance fertilizer available and appreciate genuine product innovation.
The case for it is DG technology provides the most even feeding of any granular fertilizer. The part I would not wave away is premium price compared to big-box brands. I would rather buy a less glamorous seed or amendment that fits the site than force a premium product into the wrong soil, sun, or climate.
If you are comparing it with The Andersons HumiChar Organic Soil Amendment, do not start with the rating. Start with your zone, sun, soil, irrigation, and patience. Pick The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 when those conditions match the notes below; otherwise the alternative may be the more honest buy.
Pick It Over
- Pick The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 over The Andersons HumiChar Organic Soil Amendment when you want the stronger editorial score and can live with the tradeoffs called out below.
- Pick The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 over The Andersons Starter Fertilizer 18-24-12 when you want the stronger editorial score and can live with the tradeoffs called out below.
- Pick The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 over Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer when you want the stronger editorial score and can live with the tradeoffs called out below.
Skip If
- - You have not run a soil test and are guessing at pH, phosphorus, potassium, or amendment need.
- - Premium price compared to big-box brands
- - DG granules are very small — use a high-quality spreader for best results
Five-Year Cost
For a 5,000 sq ft lawn, one seasonal application is about 1000 bags. Over five seasons, that is roughly $175,000-$175,000 before soil tests, spreader rental, or companion amendments.
Our Review
If you spend any time on lawn care forums, you'll see PGF Complete recommended more than any other maintenance fertilizer. It's earned that reputation through a combination of genuine innovation and excellent results.
The DG (Dispersible Granule) technology is the standout feature. Unlike traditional fertilizer granules that sit on the surface and slowly dissolve, DG granules break apart into thousands of micro-particles when watered. This means more even feeding with no hot spots, no streaking, and no granules stuck in the grass blades. It's a real, noticeable improvement over standard granular fertilizers.
The 16-4-8 NPK ratio is designed for maintenance feeding — enough nitrogen to keep the lawn green and growing, moderate phosphorus for ongoing root health, and solid potassium for stress tolerance. It's a balanced formula that works well for most lawns most of the time.
The inclusion of humic acid is a nice bonus. Humic acid improves soil structure and nutrient uptake over time. One application won't transform your soil, but consistent use builds healthier soil biology that benefits your lawn long-term.
At 18 lbs covering 5,000 sq ft, the price is premium compared to Scotts or generic brands. But the DG technology genuinely delivers a better result, and the 3% iron gives a nice dark green color boost without excessive nitrogen.
We'd recommend PGF Complete as the maintenance fertilizer for anyone who's moved past the 'just throw Scotts on it' phase and wants something that performs at a higher level.
Where to Buy
Available from this retailer:
Also check: SeedSuperStore, SeedWorld, Outside Pride for additional availability.
What the Community Says
Common perspectives from the lawn care community
“The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 has been a staple in my lawn care routine. Quality product from The Andersons — you can tell the difference compared to cheaper alternatives.”
“Used this on my front yard renovation and the results speak for themselves. Would buy again without hesitation.”
“The Andersons consistently delivers. The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 is no exception — worth every penny if you care about your lawn.”
Representative of common community feedback based on product characteristics. Not direct quotes. Individual results may vary.
Pairs Well With
Grass SeedEditor's PickHomeowners who want to thicken their existing lawn with zero complexity — just spread and water.
Grass SeedEditor's PickPennington
Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade
Budget-conscious homeowners in zones 3-8 with mixed sun/shade conditions who want reliable results without premium pricing.
Similar Products
FertilizerEditor's PickThe Andersons
The Andersons HumiChar Organic Soil Amendment
Fill soil, sandy soil, or any degraded lawn lacking organic matter and biological activity
FertilizerThe Andersons
The Andersons Starter Fertilizer 18-24-12
Homeowners who want the best possible starter fertilizer and are willing to invest in a premium product. The enthusiast upgrade over Scotts Starter.
FertilizerMilorganite
Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer
Every lawn, honestly. The safest, most forgiving fertilizer for beginners and experienced homeowners alike.