How much does it cost to fertilize a lawn?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to fertilize a lawn?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to fertilize a lawn?

$65 – $100cost per application (5K – 10K SF lawn)
$260 – $600cost per year (4 – 6 visits)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$65 – $100 cost per application (5K – 10K SF lawn)

$260 – $600 cost per year (4 – 6 visits)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
Written by
Sarah Noel
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Cost to fertilize a lawn per square foot and acre
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.

Get free estimates from lawn fertilizing companies near you.

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.

Average lawn fertilizer service cost
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.

A lawn care professional fertilizing a residential lawn with a manual fertilizer spreader.
A lawn care professional fertilizing a residential lawn with a manual fertilizer spreader.

Lawn treatment services cost

Common lawn treatment services cost $50 to $200 each on average. Discounts typically apply for yearly plans.

Lawn treatment services cost
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 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.

Lawn fertilizer by type
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

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.

Organic vs. synthetic lawn fertilizer prices
Fertilizer type Prices Pros & cons
Organic
  • $15 – $20 per 32 oz. bottle
  • $20 – $40 per 20 – 40 lbs. bag
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Safer for pets & kids
  • Requires less fertilizer applications over time
  • Improves long-term soil health
  • Slower results
Synthetic
  • $10 – $20 per 32 oz. bottle
  • $15 – $40 per 20 – 40 lbs. bag
  • Fast-acting for quicker results
  • Feeds the lawn more evenly
  • Needs more applications over time
  • Burns grass when over-used
  • Can pollute groundwater
  • Runoff harms local ecosystem

*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.

Get free estimates from lawn fertilizing companies near you.
Liquid vs. granular fertilizer prices
Type Average price Common sizes
Liquid fertilizer $10 – $20 per bottle
  • 32 oz. bottle
  • Covers 2,000 ­– 3,500 SF
Granular fertilizer $15 – $40 per bag
  • 20 – 40 lbs. bag
  • Covers 2,000 – 5,000 SF

*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.

Lawn treatment cost by company
Company Cost per application
Lawn Doctor $50 – $100
TruGreen $50 – $125

Cost factors to fertilize a lawn

Get free estimates from lawn fertilizing companies near you.

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?