How much does it cost to fertilize a lawn?
How much does it cost to fertilize a lawn?
$65 – $100 cost per application (5K – 10K SF lawn)
$260 – $600 cost per year (4 – 6 visits)
Lawn fertilizer service cost
The average cost to fertilize a lawn is $65 to $100 per application for up to 10,000 square feet. The cost to fertilize a 1-acre lawn is $220 to $440 per treatment. Lawn fertilizer service costs $260 to $600 per year for 4 to 6 visits or $0.02 to $0.06 per square foot yearly.
| Lawn size | Cost per application | Service cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 square feet | $25 – $50 | $100 – $300 |
| 7,500 square feet | $40 – $75 | $160 – $450 |
| 10,000 square feet | $50 – $100 | $200 – $600 |
| 1/2 acre | $110 – $220 | $450 – $1,300 |
| 3/4 acre | $160 – $320 | $650 – $1,900 |
| 1 acre | $220 – $440 | $880 – $2,600 |
| 2 acres | $435 – $870 | $1,700 – $5,200 |
| 3 acres | $650 – $1,300 | $2,600 – $7,800 |
| 5 acres | $1,100 – $2,200 | $4,400 – $13,200 |
*For 4 to 6 applications per year. Minimum service fees are $40 to $80 per visit.
For DIY jobs, bag of fertilizer costs $15 to $40 and covers 2,000 to 5,000 square feet.
The cost of organic lawn care is 30% to 50% more than synthetic products.
Average cost of lawn fertilization and treatment
The following table shows the average cost to fertilize a lawn of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet.
| National average cost | $80 |
| Minimum cost | $40 |
| Maximum cost | $120 |
| Average range | $65 to $100 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Lawn treatment services cost
Common lawn treatment services cost $50 to $200 each on average. Discounts typically apply for yearly plans.
| Treatment | Treatments per year | Cost per service visit* |
|---|---|---|
| Aeration | 1 – 2 | $75 – $200 |
| Dethatching | 1 – 2 | $75 – $300 |
| Weed control | 6 – 8 | $50 – $125 |
| Adding lime | 1 – 2 | $60 – $200 |
| Grub control & pesticides | 1 – 2 | $50 – $150 |
| Tree & shrub fertilizing + pesticides | 2 – 3 | $70 – $90 |
| Overseeding / reseeding | 1 – 2 | $300 – $1,350 |
| Fertilizing & weed control | 6 – 8 | $50 – $125 |
| Mulching | 1 – 2 | $35 – $110 per cubic yard |
| Lawn mowing | 25 – 30 | $30 – $65 |
*Prices include materials and application.
Lawn aeration costs $75 to $200 to relieve soil compaction.
Dethatching costs $75 to $300 to remove old debris above grass roots.
Weed control costs $50 to $125 for common broadleaf plants like dandelions.
Lime treatments cost $60 to $200 per treatment for alkalizing highly acidic soil.
Grub-control treatments cost $50 to $150 each to get rid of crawling lawn bugs.
The cost to overseed or reseed a lawn is $300 to $1,350 on average.
Mulch costs $35 to $110 per cubic yard delivered and installed.
Lawn mowing costs $30 to $65 on average.
Lawn fertilizer prices by type
Lawn fertilizer prices are $15 to $40 per 20- to 40-lbs. bag on average or $0.75 to $1.00 per pound. One bag covers 2,000 to 5,000 square feet, depending on the type and application method.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Moss and fungus control | Added fungicides to kill moss |
| Quick greening | High iron content for greener grass |
| Slow release | Fewer applications & steady nutrient absorption |
| Fast release | Increased water solubility for quick results |
| Starter fertilizer | Extra phosphorous to promote grass-seed sprouting |
| Pre-emergent | Stops broadleaf weeds prior to sprouting |
| Weed & feed / post-emergent | Kills sprouted broadleaf weeds while also fertilizing |
Broadleaf-weed control uses ingredients that target only plants like dandelions and clover without harming the surrounding grass.
Organic vs. synthetic lawn fertilizer prices
The cost of organic lawn care is 30% to 50% more than synthetic products, depending on the type. Organic fertilizers come in liquid and granular types and have more long-term benefits.
| Fertilizer type | Prices | Pros & cons |
|---|---|---|
| Organic |
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| Synthetic |
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*Material prices only.
Organic fertilizer uses natural sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium along with secondary micronutrients.
Synthetic fertilizer uses chemical extracts of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphates, and ammonium.
Liquid vs. granular / crystalline fertilizer prices
Liquid fertilizer costs $10 to $20 per 32-oz. bottle and works faster than granular fertilizers, but it can burn plants. Granular fertilizer costs $15 to $40 per 20- to 40-lbs. bag and requires less applications that don’t wash off as easily as liquid fertilizers.
| Type | Average price | Common sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid fertilizer | $10 – $20 per bottle |
|
| Granular fertilizer | $15 – $40 per bag |
|
*Material prices only.
Lawn treatment cost by company
Lawn Doctor prices are $50 to $100 per treatment. TruGreen costs $50 to $125 per treatment for fertilizing and weeding. Both companies offer fertilization and weed-control spraying together in one visit. Fertilization plans include 6 to 8 visits annually.
| Company | Cost per application |
|---|---|
| Lawn Doctor | $50 – $100 |
| TruGreen | $50 – $125 |
Cost factors to fertilize a lawn
Cost factors to fertilize a lawn include:
Location – The cost of fertilizing services differs based on local demand, labor rates, taxes, and suppliers.
Climate – Warmer regions have extended growing seasons that may need 6 to 9+ fertilizer applications depending on the fertilizer type. Quick-release fertilizers also require more applications.
Fertilizer quality – The cost of fertilizer varies according to the brands and formula ingredients. Many types have weed-control additives mixed in.
Labor – Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for additional services.
Services – Combining fertilizing with other lawn care treatments costs less than fertilizing separately.
Application method – Landscapers with sprayers apply fertilizer much quicker than those using broadcast push spreaders, which affects labor costs.
Grass type – Some grass varieties need more nutrients than others.
Soil test – Lawn soil analysis costs $10 to $25 on average to measure soil pH and nutrient levels, which determines which fertilizer to use.
DIY lawn fertilizer and treatment prices
Lawn fertilizer costs $15 to $40 per bag of 20 to 40 lbs. that covers 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. A fertilizer push spreader costs $50 to $150 on average. DIY fertilizing saves money in labor. However, incorrectly applying fertilizer kills plants and causes illnesses to people and pets.
Lawn fertilization FAQs
Are lawn treatment services worth it?
Lawn treatment services are worth it from a skilled and dependable company. Offering convenient lawn care at a reasonable price saves people the time and labor of yard maintenance.
When is the best time to fertilize a lawn?
The best time to fertilize a lawn depends on the grass type and weather conditions.
Ground temperatures should be warmer than 55°F.
The grass should be in its active growing season.
Cool-climate grasses don’t need fertilizer during summer.
Winter fertilizing isn’t necessary.
Don’t fertilize before it rains because the treatment will wash off.
Wait a few days after it rains to fertilize when all puddles are gone.
Mow prior to fertilizing.
A lawn care professional will set up a seasonal fertilizer schedule that is appropriate for the climate and the grass type.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
Most lawns need 4 to 6 fertilizer treatments per year, depending on the climate. Companies typically apply fertilizer treatments every 6 to 8 weeks.
Are lawn treatments safe?
Lawn treatments are safe for kids and dogs when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pets and children should stay off the lawn for 24 to 72 hours after application. Even natural or organic ingredients can harm individuals if used improperly.
Where do landscapers buy fertilizer?
Landscapers buy fertilizer from landscape supply stores, hardware stores, and local fertilizer distributors. Bigger lawn care companies have access to specially formulated commercial products.
Should I aerate my lawn before fertilizing?
Yes, you should aerate your lawn before fertilizing. Aeration removes plugs of soil to open pathways for roots to absorb air, water, and nutrients. Otherwise, compacted soil suffocates root structures, making it harder for them to absorb fertilizer.
Getting estimates from lawn fertilizing companies
Before hiring a lawn fertilizing company near you, be sure to:
Consider at least 3 estimates.
Verify the company has a business license, liability insurance, and a surety bond.
Make sure they have fertilizer-application certifications.
Research online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Choose a company with at least 5 years of experience.
Check references.
Never give full payment until the work is complete.
Remember that low prices may be a sign of poor quality service.
Questions to ask
How long have you been fertilizing lawns?
Can I get a detailed estimate of all the services you recommend?
Which brands and types of fertilizer do you use?
Do you have organic fertilizer options?
Is the fertilizer you use liquid or granular?
Do you recommend slow- or fast-acting fertilizers?
What is the best fertilizer type for my lawn and why?
Can I upgrade my fertilizer or lawn care package?
How long will it take to fertilize my lawn?
Can I mow after fertilizing?
How do you apply the fertilizer?
When can I water the lawn after fertilizing?
Should I aerate prior to fertilizing?
Do I need a soil test?
Will you spot spray for weeds during fertilizer application?
Do you offer weed or insect control with your fertilizer application?
How often should I fertilize?
Is your fertilizer safe for kids and pets?
When should I see the benefits of fertilization?
How will I know you sprayed the lawn if I’m not home?
Will you fix my lawn if the fertilizer burns my grass?