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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.