How much does a weed control service cost?
How much does a weed control service cost?
$50 – $125 average cost per application (spraying)
$50 – $100 average cost per hour (pulling by hand)
$150 – $400 cost per acre (residential)
Weed control cost
Weed control costs $50 to $125 per treatment, depending on the yard size, removal method, and lawn condition. Weeding prices are $50 to $100 per hour for manually pulling weeds. Weed removal service costs $150 to $400 per acre. The average cost of herbicide is $8 to $45 per gallon.
| Lawn size | Yard size in square feet | Weeding price per application |
|---|---|---|
| ⅛ acre | 5,445 | $20 – $50 |
| ⅙ acre | 7,260 | $25 – $65 |
| ⅕ acre | 8,712 | $30 – $80 |
| ¼ acre | 10,890 | $40 – $100 |
| ½ acre | 21,780 | $75 – $200 |
| ¾ acre | 32,670 | $115 – $300 |
| 1 acre | 43,560 | $150 – $400 |
| 2 acres | 87,120 | $300 – $800 |
*Minimum service fees of $40 to $150 apply for the first hour of work.
Average weed control cost calculator
The following table shows the average weed-control cost per application:
| National average cost | $85 |
| Minimum cost | $40 |
| Maximum cost | $160 |
| Average range | $50 to $125 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Weeding prices by method
Weeding prices depend on the removal method, lawn size, and whether it’s part of a total lawn care package.
| Method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Spray weeds | $50 – $125 per application |
| Pull weeds by hand | $50 – $100 per hour |
| Weed and feed application* | $50 – $200 per application |
*Herbicide and fertilizer
Cost to spray for weeds
Spraying for weeds costs $50 to $125 per application of up to 10,000 square feet. The cost per acre to spray weeds is $150 to $400 on average for most residential lawns. Prices vary according to the spraying equipment used and the herbicide type.
Cost to have weeds pulled by hand
Landscapers cost $50 to $100 per hour for pulling weeds by hand, with a 1-hour minimum charge. Pulling weeds by hand takes longer than spraying herbicides but gives instant results. Plus, hand-pulling protects nearby plants from herbicide exposure.
Charges increase with thickly weeded areas that require bigger tools.
The results of hand-pulling weeds are more long-lasting with less visits.
Weed and feed fertilizer treatment cost
The cost to weed and feed a lawn is $50 to $150 per application on average. In comparison, the cost to fertilize a lawn alone is $65 to $100. Weed-and-feed fertilizers contain herbicides for broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelions. Prices increase for organic products.
Weed removal service cost by company
Weed removal service costs depends on the company, location, and treatment options.
Lawn Doctor prices are $50 to $100 per visit.
TruGreen weed control costs $50 to $125 per visit.
| Company | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Lawn Doctor | $50 – $100 |
| TruGreen | $50 – $125 |
*For a lawn of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet.
Charges and factors for spraying and pulling weeds
Additional costs to get rid of weeds include:
Yard size – Labor and herbicide costs increase for weed control in larger lawns.
Accessibility – Companies charge more labor fees for limited-access lawns.
Lawn condition – Costs increase for heavily weeded yards, especially when workers hand-pull the roots.
Yearly contracts – Lawn care packages cost $30 to $100 per visit with fertilizer and weed control. Bundling services decreases the cost of a lawn treatment.
Warranties – Companies include as-needed weed control in most lawn care packages, or they offer weed-removal warranties at an extra cost.
Environmental concerns – Organic herbicides cost an average of 30% more than chemical herbicides for residential applications.
Weed abatement – When codes require homeowners to remove weeds that are a fire hazard, then extra penalty fees apply.
Chemical vs. organic weed spraying cost
Chemical herbicide costs $8 to $35 per gallon and works quicker even on underground roots, but it’s toxic to pets and children. Organic herbicides cost $20 to $45 per gallon and are safe around kids and pets. Most organic herbicides kill both weeds and grass, but not the roots.
| Herbicide type | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Chemical | $8 – $35 |
| Organic | $20 – $45 |
*One gallon of unconcentrated herbicide covers 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
Selective vs. non-selective herbicide prices
Selective herbicide prices are $10 to $20 per gallon and kill broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. Non-selective herbicides cost $8 to $25 per gallon and kill both weeds and grass. Concentrate mixes cost up to twice as much.
| Herbicide type | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Selective | $10 – $20 |
| Non-selective | $8 – $25 |
*One gallon of unconcentrated herbicide covers 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
Weed barrier fabric prices
Weed barrier fabric prices are $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot on average, depending on the size, thickness, material, and brand. Weed barrier fabric comes in rolls of 3’ to 12’ wide by 25’ to 300’ long with thicknesses from 1 to 11 millimeters.
| Material | Price per square foot |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Landscape fabric | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| Burlap | $0.15 – $0.25 |
Landscape fabric – This material doesn’t decompose but allows air and water through. Some professional installations of commercial weed barrier fabrics have long-term warranties.
Plastic sheeting – This barrier deprives weeds of air, light, and water. Plants need holes large enough to prevent soil overheating or drying out.
Burlap – Water and air can penetrate a burlap weed barrier, but weeds cannot. Burlap is an eco-friendly choice because it decomposes within 10 years.
Paper – Eco-friendly paper smothers weeds well but needs yearly replacement.
Lawn services to aid with weed treatment
Related lawn services aid with weed treatment by encouraging healthy grass growth that blocks out weeds. Complete plans for long-term weed control can include:
Lawn aeration costs $75 to $250.
Lawn mowing costs $30 to $65.
Installing mulch costs $35 to $70 per yard.
The cost to seed a lawn is $300 to $1,350.
Dethatching costs $75 to $300.
Pest control prices are $250 to $400.
Commercial herbicide application cost per acre
Commercial herbicide application costs $15 to $100 per acre, depending on the application method. These prices are for large ranches, farmland, and forests only. Total costs depend on the amount of herbicides applied per acre and the weed type.
| Acres | Aerial spraying cost | Ground spraying cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15 – $30 | $25 – $100 |
| 25 | $375 – $750 | $625 – $2,500 |
| 50 | $750 – $1,500 | $1,250 – $5,000 |
| 100 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| 250 | $3,750 – $7,500 | $6,250 – $25,000 |
| 500 | $7,500 – $15,000 | $12,500 – $50,000 |
*Costs include herbicides and labor.
Weed control FAQs
When to apply weed control to lawn
The best time to apply weed control depends on the type of herbicide used:
Pre-emergent herbicides – Apply in early spring or late summer prior to weed germination, or when the soil temperature begins to consistently reach 55°F.
Post-emergent herbicides – Apply from early spring to late fall when weeds are visible. Avoid applying in temperatures more than 85°F.
How long does it take for weed control to work?
Weed killers take 2 to 4 weeks to work completely, but weeds may start wilting within the first week of application. Herbicide effectiveness depends on the chemicals used, type of plant sprayed, and weather conditions.
Is weed control safe for pets?
Weed control is safe for pets if using non-toxic products. Pet-safe options for weed-control options include:
Hand-pulling
Acetic acid (vinegar)
Pelargonic acid (from geraniums)
Clove oil
Citric acid
Dish soap
Salt
Does mowing help control weeds?
Mowing helps control weeds if done correctly. A few mowing tips for weed prevention include:
Set the mower blade at 2” to 3” high so that the grass is tall enough to block sunlight to the seeds of weeds.
Mow weeds before they flower and drop seeds.
Bag the clippings to avoid spreading any weed seeds.
Do cornmeal, lime, or mulch help control weeds?
Mulch helps control weeds by smothering them to prevent all growth and feeding the soil. Horticulture experts recommend spreading a mulch layer 2” to 4” thick.
Lime helps control weeds indirectly by alkalizing highly acidic soil to promote healthy grass growth. Lime is not an herbicide.
Corn-gluten meal does not help control weeds effectively, according to studies by Oregon State University and Washington State University.
Hiring landscapers to pull and spray for weeds
Before hiring a weeding service near you, be sure to:
Get several estimates for comparison.
Only use licensed, bonded, and insured landscapers with 3+ years of experience.
Check that they have an EPA-approved commercial pesticide-applicator license.
Ask if they belong to any landscaping or nursery associations.
Look at online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid because it may signal low quality.
Request a copy of the bid, warranty, and the service contract.
Clarify all flexible costs that could add to the estimate.
Never pay in full before the work is complete.
Questions to ask
What is the most effective weed-control method for my yard?
Are there any eco-friendly and pet-friendly herbicide options?
How long should this job take?
What’s the cost to install weed-barrier fabric under rocks in my garden beds?
How long should I stay off my lawn after you apply herbicide?
What can I do to help discourage weed growth?
Do you offer a warranty?
When can I start watering and mowing again?
How many workers will you bring to the job?
Have all workers passed a criminal background check?
What is the experience level of the workers?
How often should I re-apply herbicides?
Do you offer any discounts with other lawn-care packages?
Are all labor, materials, and cleanup in this bid, or will extra charges apply?