Lawn Champion Overview FAQ

Rachio Lawn Champion End of Life

This article will help solve some questions customers may have about why Rachio decided to end Thrive product line when the selling will stop or if we have any recommendations of what product to use now. 

Why is Rachio ending the Thrive product line?

Rather than supporting two very different lines of yard improvement products, we're choosing to focus on the hardware and software in our smart sprinkler controller, Rachio app, and more.

When will Rachio stop selling Thrive products (Lawn Champion and Weed Watcher)?

On Sept. 26, 2021, Rachio will suspend Thrive sales

You’ve been out of stock of most sizes, will any of that return into stock before Sept. 26?

It’s hard to anticipate what sizes will be available on rachio.com but we are selling different sizes of individual bottles of Lawn Champion through Customer Support. The only thing is that they will not include an applicator.

Do you have recommendations for similar products?

Yes, Sunday offers a similar product to Thrive.

Lawn Champion Application Process

How To Apply

1. Shake one bottle vigorously until there's no sediment on the bottom. (Don't worry, separation is normal during shipping and storage).

2. Screw spray applicator onto bottle, then attach the hose (either Rachio expandable hose, or a typical garden hose).

3. On the spray applicator, push in the tab and turn the safety knob to the ON position. Ensure the hose lever is in the OFF position (perpendicular to the hose) before turning on the water.

4. Turn on the water at your hose spigot and use the hose lever to control the spray applicator as you apply.

5. Cover your entire lawn once by "painting" over your grass, then continue applying until the bottle is empty.

6. Turn off the water and detach the hose. Finish by rinsing the spray applicator and storing the applicator and hose (if applicable) for your next application.

7. Repeat the process 45 days later.

Lawn Champion FAQ

What is Rachio: Lawn Champion? 

Rachio’s lawn care plan focuses on naturally building roots and innovating soil nutrition to create the strongest foundation for a lush, sustainable lawn that can dramatically improve soil and plant health. It’s designed to replace traditional fertilizers (which are often synthetic and harmful) with kid-and-pet-safe, complete nutrition for your lawn. 

How does it work?

Lawn Champion, uses a system of microalgae and nutrients to bring a healthy balance back to your soil. This extends your roots, helping your grass absorb more nutrients from revived soil. Once applied, this treatment can restore the natural chemistry of your soil so that grass can really thrive. While you do not need a Rachio controller to use Lawn Champion, having a controller connected to WiFi will allow you to use the Yard tab in the Rachio app. The app will let you know the optimal time to apply throughout the season. You’ll also receive an email, see a notification on the home screen, and receive a push notification with a reminder to apply. This link to our instruction guide. 

Rachio Lawn Champion Guarantee
We want you to love your lawn and the life within it. Not completely satisfied with Rachio Lawn Champion? We’ll easily refund your order in full up to 60 days from delivery.

Do I need a Rachio controller to purchase lawn treatments? 

Although you do not need a Rachio controller, Rachio Lawn Champion is most effective when combined with Rachio’s watering schedules, which are customized for your lawn’s needs. 

Is my yard compatible?

Rachio Lawn Champion can be purchased in bottles that cover up to 10,000 square feet. Additional bottles can be purchased to cover more area if needed. You can purchase Lawn Champion at Rachio.com. Unfortunately, Lawn Champion is not currently compatible in Alaska, Hawaii, Arkansas, Puerto Rico, or outside of the United States. 

How does Rachio Lawn Champion work with the Rachio app?

The use of Rachio Lawn Champion will improve your lawn’s soil structure and microbiome which in turn will reduce the number of watering days you need cumulatively. When you log your Lawn Champion applications in the Rachio app, our technology will know that Lawn Champion is helping grow your roots and improve your soil structure to keep you from having to water as frequently. Thicker, stronger roots need less water, therefore, you can start conserving your outdoor water use and lowering your water bill even more. 

What if I have already used other fertilizers or products on my lawn this year – can I still apply Rachio’s products?

Yes, you can still apply Rachio’s lawn care products! Because Lawn Champion is made up of nature-based ingredients like microalgae, there’s no risk of over-treating or burning your lawn (like with nitrogen-based fertilizers).

How many treatments will I get? 

Note: Lawn Champion will no longer be sold after Sept. 27, 2021. Rachio Lawn Champion kits are sold in sizes:

• SM | Covers up to 2,000 square feet
• MD | Covers up to 4,000 square feet
• LG | Covers up to 10,000 square feet

You can purchase a two bottle kit or a four bottle kit.

Can I only apply to grass/turf? Can I apply to other plants?

While Lawn Champion is completely safe for use on all vegetation types, it was specially formulated for grass. To ensure your applications are properly logged in the Rachio app, we recommend only using Rachio Lawn Champion on the grass.

How long does Rachio Lawn Champion take to work?

Our lawn treatments get to work rebuilding your soil health and ecosystem as soon as you apply! While it may take some time to see these results above ground, Rachio’s lawn treatments start improving soil health from your first application on; Rachio Lawn Champion produces more robust roots and greener grass just four weeks after your first application! 

When do I apply it? 

You can apply the first bottle of Lawn Champion as soon as it’s delivered to your door during the season. Once your kit is delivered, Rachio will recommend the best time to apply based on your location and predicted weather. You’ll note that you’ve applied Rachio Lawn Champion in the Rachio app and we’ll take it from there!

Should I apply Rachio Lawn Champion if rain is forecast?

As Lawn Champion is water-based, there's no reason to avoid the application if rain is forecast, but continued heavy rainfall could lead to washing the product too deep into your soil. In this case, we recommend waiting until after heavy rainfall has surpassed until applying Lawn Champion. 

Can I apply Lawn Champion with new seed/sod?

Rachio Lawn Champion will benefit your new seed/sod but should not be applied until after the regular watering period for the seed/sod has finished (usually needed for the initial 5-7 days). Watering multiple times a day can wash the Rachio Lawn Champion away making it less effective.

Do you still need help?

We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page and a member of the support team will contact you live.

Summer Hours (April-September)

7am-6pm (MST), 7 days a week.

Winter Hours (October-March)

9am-5pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.