For a green, lush, healthy lawn, you need to help your grass with fertilization. Professional lawn fertilization costs typically range from $103 to $343 per visit, with an average of $289. This includes the necessary fertilizer, equipment, and labor.
Prices vary with lawn size, fertilizer type, location, and watering habits. You will pay more if you need additional services such as aeration or weed removal. To save money on lawn fertilization services, choose an annual package over single applications. Or apply the fertilizer yourself.
Average lawn fertilization costs in 2024
You can hire a pro to apply fertilizer on your lawn for $103 to $343 per visit. Lawn care professionals take size into account when setting their prices. Typically, the cost per square foot lowers if the lawn is larger.
| National average cost | $289 |
| Typical price range | $103 – $343 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $42 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $733 |
You can lower costs by working with a company on an annual plan. Discounts for regular customers can be as high as 20% to 25%. Because labor is about 70% to 90% of the total cost, you can save even more by applying fertilizer yourself.
Some homeowners combine lawn fertilization with related services, such as aeration, dethatching, mowing, and weed removal. While these services can raise the total price, they will provide better nutrient absorption and support thicker, greener grass.
Prices can get higher if fertilization involves liquid fertilizer for faster results. Crystalline fertilizers are also more expensive, but they’re essential if your soil has a specific nutrient deficiency.
Lawn fertilization cost estimator by lawn size
While total fertilization costs rise with the size of your lawn, prices per square foot tend to lower.
For example, companies ask between $0.02 and $0.07 per square foot for a yard that’s around 5,000 square feet. But you can fertilize a ½-acre lawn for $0.01 to $0.04 per square foot.
| Lawn size | Typical price range |
| ⅛ acre (5,445 square feet) | $109 – $272 |
| ⅙ acre (7,260 square feet) | $145 – $363 |
| ⅕ acre (8,712 square feet) | $174 – $436 |
| ¼ acre (10,890 square feet) | $218 – $544 |
| ½ acre (21,780 square feet) | $218 – $871 |
| ¾ acre (32,670 square feet) | $327 – $1,307 |
| 1 acre (43,560 square feet) | $436 – $1,742 |
Other factors that affect cost
You can pay more or less than the average for lawn fertilization depending on factors such as fertilizer type, how much your lawn is exposed to the sun, type of grass, and watering strategy.
Fertilizer type
For the average lawn size, costs vary with fertilizer type from $104 to $554 (including labor costs for professional application). Prices are higher for:
- Liquid lawn feed
- Crystalline fertilizers
- Slow-release products
- Organic plant food
Note: Choose the right fertilizer formula for your lawn’s specific needs. Take a soil test or hire a professional to find the best choice.
| Type of fertilizer | Average cost range |
| Fast-release | $104 – $321 |
| Gradual-release | $162 – $470 |
| Moss and fungus control | $104 – $325 |
| Weed and feed | $104 – $325 |
| Granular | $130 – $350 |
| Water soluble | $146 – $370 |
| Liquid | $150 – $554 |
| Crystalline | $162 – $470 |
Fast-release vs. gradual-release fertilizers
For an average-sized lawn, applications of gradual-release fertilizers cost between $162 and $470. You need fast-release fertilizers more often, so the price is lower, but you have to buy them more regularly. With fast-release fertilizers, you can expect to spend $104 to $321 for an average yard.
Granular, water-soluble, or liquid lawn feed
When choosing between liquid and granular fertilizer, you should take into account a few important differences.
| Granular | Liquid | |
| Recommended uses | Safest for DIY | Better when applied by a pro |
| Price | $130 – $350 | $150 – $554 |
| Over-fertilization risk | Low; slow release, protects the plants | High; you can easily burn the grass |
| Nutrient release | Typically slow-release. Benefits last longer, but you won’t see results right away. | Typically fast-acting and powerful. Choose for immediate results. |
| Frequency of use | Less frequent, once every six to eight weeks | More often, once every four weeks |
| Form | Ready-to-use product | Ready-to-use product or concentrated, easy to dilute with water |
| Application | Use a spreader to disperse the granules on the lawn. They dissolve in time with water. | Apply with your regular hose. Professionals use a sprayer. |
You also have the option to use water-soluble fertilizers. These concentrated granular or powder products are more difficult to dissolve correctly in water. A beginner might burn the grass if the solution is not mixed correctly. That’s why water-solubles should only be used by pros. The cost is between $146 and $370 for 5,000 to 10,000 square feet (fertilizer and labor).
Weed and feed
Some fertilizers also can help prevent or stop the growth of weeds, moss, and fungus. They have herbicides in the mix for weed control.
Look for pre-emergent formulas to prevent plants such as crabgrass from growing. Choose post-emergent for weeds already grown. You can buy fertilizers with weed control at an average price of $104 to $325 for a medium lawn.
Formulation
With synthetic options, you can fertilize 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of lawn for $100 to $300. It can cost twice as much, from $200 to $500, if you choose organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers are man-made, usually from by-products of petroleum. They are a mix of:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphate
- Potassium
Some might include iron, pesticides for insect control, and herbicides for weeds.
Synthetic fertilizers are easier to find, more powerful, and typically fast-acting. You will see your grass getting greener and thicker in no time. They focus more on plant growth and less on soil enrichment. They also lack some micronutrients found in organic options. This is why experts say to use an organic fertilizer at least once a year, in summer or fall.
Organic grass food takes longer to make, so prices are higher. It is usually made with:
- Bone meal
- Blood meal
- Wood
- Crushed shells
- Cottonseed meal
- Manure
- Compost
- Seaweed
Organic fertilizers break down slower and focus on making the soil healthier. This prevents over-fertilization and burning. It also makes organic fertilizers safer for beginners and DIY projects.
| Fertilizer formulation | Typical price range |
| Synthetic | $88 – $264 |
| Organic | $175 – $434 |
With synthetic options, you can fertilize 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of lawn for $88 to $264. It can cost twice as much, from $175 to $434, if you choose organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers are man-made, usually from by-products of petroleum. They are a mix of:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Some might include iron, pesticides for insect control, and herbicides for weeds.
Synthetic fertilizers are easier to find, more powerful, and typically fast-acting. You will see your grass getting greener and thicker in no time. They focus more on plant growth and less on soil enrichment. They also lack some micronutrients found in organic options. This is why experts say to use an organic fertilizer at least once a year, in summer or fall.
Organic grass food takes longer to make, so prices are higher. These fertilizers are usually made with:
- Bone meal
- Blood meal
- Wood
- Crushed shells
- Cottonseed meal
- Manure
- Compost
- Seaweed
Organic fertilizers break down slower and focus on making the soil healthier. This prevents over-fertilization and burning. It also makes them safer for beginners and DIY projects.
Labor costs
The cost of lawn fertilization also varies due to the skilled hands that bring your green haven to life. Labor costs, which range from $40 to $80 per hour, can significantly affect the overall cost of fertilizing your lawn.
These costs cover the expertise required to understand your lawn’s unique needs and the time invested in applying fertilizers with precision. The hourly rates depend on factors like location and experience.
Sun exposure
Full-sun lawns should get an average of 3 ounces of nitrogen per year for each 1,000 square feet. In full sun, grass needs more fertilizer to grow and recover from heat stress. On the other hand, shaded lawns need only half that quantity of nitrogen.
Type of grass
You should always fertilize during your grass’s growing season because this is when:
- The grass is hungry for nutrients and absorbs them more efficiently.
- You get better results with less fertilizer.
- Fewer chemicals leach into the groundwater.
The best time to fertilize cool-season grasses is in fall and spring, with an application before temperatures peak in the summer. They only need 1 to 2 ounces of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
On the other hand, warm-season grasses grow in late spring and summer. They need 3 to 4 ounces of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. So, if you live in the South and have a warm-season lawn, you might pay double to keep your lawn green.
Additional treatments
While basic lawn fertilization lays the foundation for a healthy green lawn, additional treatments can help address specific challenges and promote overall turf vitality.
| Treatment | Typical price range |
| Grub control | $36 – $96 |
| Soil amendments | $80 – $175 |
| Tree and shrub fertilization | $55 – $85 |
Grub control
Grubs, the larvae of beetles, can wreak havoc on lawns by feeding on grassroots. Grub control treatments, which cost around $36 to $96, act as a protective shield against these subterranean pests.
Soil amendments
Do a soil test before treating your lawn with fertilizer (or anything else). A pH that’s too low or too high will negatively affect nutrient absorption. You can change soil pH by adding lime when values are lower than 5.5 or adding sulfur when pH is higher than 7.5.
Adding lime or sulfur is vital for optimizing soil pH levels — helping with nutrient absorption and promoting robust grass growth. With costs ranging from $80 to $175, soil amendments prove to be valuable in ensuring the effectiveness of other fertilization efforts.
Tree and shrub fertilization
Apart from your lawn, the trees and shrubs in your landscape also need TLC. Fertilization for trees and shrubs, which costs between $55 and $85, ensures they receive the essential nutrients for sustained growth and vitality.
You can improve fertilizer efficiency by cleaning your yard before application. Compacted soil and a thick layer of thatch limit absorption rate, and more fertilizer will be washed away by the first rain instead of getting to the roots. Get regular lawn care services (such as aeration and dethatching once a year) to get the most out of lawn fertilization.
Aeration
The cost of lawn aeration ranges from $82 to $251, with an average of $143. The role of aeration is to break down compacted soil and thatch. It makes it easier for water, air, and nutrients to reach the grassroots.
Aerate once a year when the grass is growing:
- Late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses
- Early spring or late fall for cold-season grasses
Aerate your lawn before fertilizing so the grass can absorb more nutrients.
Dethatching
Lawn dethatching costs typically range between $145 and $247, with an average of $196.
Thatch is a layer of dead grass formed at the soil’s surface. Under ½ inch thatch:
- Keeps moisture in the ground
- Maintains cooler soil temperatures
- Prevents weeds from growing
- Breaks down in time and provides valuable nitrogen
If thatch is over ½ inch thick, it becomes a barrier. It stops fertilizer from getting into the soil, so you’ll waste a lot of the nutrients you spread. Dethatch before fertilizing to prevent this.
Mowing
For an average lawn size, mowing services cost $35 to $100. Or you can mow your own lawn by buying a mower. The cost of a lawn mower varies widely, from around $123 to $2,547.
Mow your lawn and collect the clippings before fertilizing. Nutrients will have better access to the soil and roots.
Apply fertilizer at least two days after mowing. Don’t mow again until the fertilizer is watered in. Otherwise, you can get granules on shoes and mower wheels.
Leaf removal
If you have a layer of dead leaves on your lawn, fertilizers might land on them and not get into the soil. You can hire a pro for leaf removal before fall fertilization or do the task yourself.
Overseeding
While fertilization provides essential nutrients to support existing grass, overseeding can fill in sparse areas — replenishing and thickening your lawn. Moreover, overseeding contributes to the resilience and health of your lawn by introducing grass varieties that are better adapted to changing environmental conditions or more resistant to pests and diseases.
Weed removal
Before fertilization, you should have weeds removed If you don’t want to feed them when fertilizing. This way, more nutrients are available for your grass, and you avoid helping the weeds spread. You can remove weeds yourself or hire a local pro.
While it’s a notorious intruder in lawns, crabgrass is not invincible — it can be effectively managed through specialized lawn treatments. Crabgrass treatment, costing between $28 and $87, not only targets existing weeds but also serves as a preventive measure, shielding your lawn from future invasions.
Full lawn care services
If you want all of the above services (and maybe even more), you can choose to sign up for a pro lawn care package. It includes all the lawn care services you need (seeding, aeration, fertilization, etc). Prices are usually lower per individual service when you sign up for a package deal.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Lawn fertilization is among the lawn care tasks you can do yourself with minimal cost and effort. All you need to fertilize your own lawn is fertilizer and a spreader. Since these products are relatively affordable, DIY is significantly cheaper than pro, especially for large lawns.
You pay $11 to $248 one time to buy a spreader and then $27 to $72 for each fertilizer application. Compared to lawn care companies’ pricing of $130 to $350 for each application of granular fertilizer, DIY looks pretty good.
If you want to apply fertilizer yourself, go for granular fertilizer. It’s the safest, and it’s easy to spread. Use a handheld spreader for small lawns or a broadcast spreader for larger yards. Here’s what you’ll spend:
| DIY equipment/materials | Typical cost |
| Handheld spreader (for lawns under 5,000 sq. ft.) | $11 – $35 |
| Broadcast spreader (50-80 lbs. and for lawns over 5,000 sq. ft.) | $88 – $248 for residential models |
| Granular fertilizer | $27 – $72 per fertilizer application (for 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft.) |
| Total DIY cost | Lawns under 5,000 sq. ft.: $38 – $107 Lawns over 5,000 sq. ft.: $115 – $320 |
Still, there are a few things a pro can do better than you can:
- Deciding the right fertilizer type and quantity. You need to consider grass type, climate, location, and soil characteristics. With more than one factor, choosing can be difficult.
- Setting a fertilization schedule. While fertilizing less is not a problem, it’s important to do it when your type of grass is growing. For a pro, it is easier to pinpoint the best time.
- Spreading fertilizers evenly. If you don’t get it right and you spread too much fertilizer in some areas, you will end up with burned grass.
- Deciding on how to prepare the lawn. A professional can easily test if your property needs aeration or dethatching before fertilization.
Cost of lawn fertilization by location
Lawns in northern regions only need two to three applications of fertilizer per year. In the South, the growing season is longer, and winters are also warmer. So, six to eight applications might be needed in some cases. This means the cost of fertilization, either pro or DIY, could double for some homeowners in the South.
You also pay more or less depending on the city you live in. In cities with high costs of living, the cost of lawn fertilization can go as high as $0.07 per square foot, while in rural places, the price can be as low as $0.01 per square foot.
FAQ
How much fertilizer does your lawn need?
To find out how much fertilizer your lawn needs and avoid overfertilizing it, you need to determine how much nitrogen it needs. It’s the primary nutrient in most lawn fertilizers, placed first among the three numbers showing composition (e.g., 10-0-5, meaning the fertilizer is 10% nitrogen).
Professionals say:
- Typically, 0.75 to 0.9 ounces of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is enough nitrogen for a healthy lawn.
- Don’t go over the total limit of 3.25 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
This means a 50-pound bag of fertilizer with 20% nitrogen (10 pounds of nitrogen) is enough to fertilize about 3,000 square feet for a whole year.
Should I fertilize my lawn before or after rain?
It’s better to wait two days after rain before fertilizing so the soil is moist and without pools. Also, ensure you’ll have at least two days before the next rain. This way, more of the fertilizer will be absorbed by plants and less washed away.
Can I have a lawn that doesn’t need fertilizing?
If you want a lawn that doesn’t need fertilization, you can opt for artificial grass instead. It also won’t need any watering, mowing, weeding, or any other routine lawn services. You can replace natural grass with synthetic turf if lawn care takes too much of your time and energy.
Additionally, groundcovers and wildflower meadows do not require fertilizing as traditional lawns since they are adapted to the local soil and climate conditions. These types of landscaping features often thrive in more natural and undisturbed conditions.
Final thoughts
Fertilize your lawn correctly, and you’ll step on green, lush, thick grass every morning. You can buy and apply the fertilizer yourself, or you can hire a pro for $103 to $343. Either way, make sure it’s the right fertilizer, at the right moment, perfectly spread.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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