you need 4 apps of fert min, lime, and issues for grubs/inserts etc. Problem is most homeowners apps are the stuff at china-mart or HD. I use Leco since it is better. I also like to use only spray but I need some grans. I agree, most homeoners over app since most don't know what what grass they have, soil levels, think more is better and some think the pros and homeowners have the same stuff.
I use Dimension 2EC for pre-post (up to 3 tiller) emg ($800 for 2.5 gallons), Drive 75 ($140 for 1lb), talstar for insects ($60 for 32 oz), Confront for weeds ($200 per gallon), Merit ($80) for grubs I can go on and on. Works 100 time better and use very little. Most homeowners do not understand what the real stuff is. Heck a nice spreader is $300 to $500.
I agree aerate is one of the best but I would toss in a new pre-emg in the fall and it will stop about 80% of the next years crab.
Lastly, I would never use Scotts stuff; over priced and there ferts are nothing that great.
Grass is anyother hobby. In fact I just installed another inground sprinkler sys. 9 zones, 54 PGP/I-20 Hunter heads, ProC controller, 2,000 ft of poly pulled, Blazzing saddles, over 200 ft of Funny, mini-click wireless, etc...Lawn get approx 1" of rain per week.
I have 3 show dogs and kids. The trick, I feel, is water in fert etc water in 24 hours later, then wait to dry and you are fine..But I wait 48 hours onces dry and then all go on. After that time, it is in the root system. Also be careful with the mulcher...Too much is a bad thing