How Much Does Lawn Fertilization Cost in 2025?
The average cost of lawn fertilization is $224
Homeowners pay an average of $224 for lawn fertilization, with most prices ranging between $72 and $377.
Costs for lawn fertilization vary based on location, lawn size, fertilizer type, and frequency of application.
Regular fertilization is essential for maintaining a healthy, lush lawn.
Hiring a lawn care professional ensures proper application, saving you time and money.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Homeowners pay an average of $224 for lawn fertilization, with prices ranging between $39 and $800. Your location, lawn size, fertilizer quality, and how often you apply it can impact the cost. Regular fertilization is key to maintaining a healthy, lush lawn. Hiring a lawn care professional ensures the job is done right, keeping your yard looking its best all season long.
Lawn Fertilization Cost Factors
Several factors affect the cost of lawn fertilization, including your location, the number of applications you require, your yard condition, and add-ons.
Location
Regional pricing differences for lawn fertilization can vary by up to 50% or more. What you pay in rural America is often less than in higher-cost-of-living areas like New York or San Francisco. Consult a local lawn care professional near you to learn about labor rates in your area.
Number of Applications
You'll pay two to three times more in southern states than in northern ones. In cold, northern climates, you might only need three applications, while southern areas may require six to 10 applications with longer growing seasons and mild, short winters.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping, a yard that uses little to no irrigation in arid climates, can save you money and time. With less water usage and no lawn services, you can save per year.
Some of the top benefits of Xeriscaping include:
Americans use 45 to 70 gallons of water per square foot yearly on their lawns. At an average of $1.50 per 1,000 gallons, you save on water and fertilizing for annual savings.
It'll both benefit the environment and reduce your water bill. You'll use less water with hardscapes and plants designed to thrive in dry conditions.
It reduces or eliminates the cost of fertilizing. Without fertilizer, there’s no runoff or freshwater pollution.
It’s expensive to install but inexpensive to maintain. Likely, you’ll make back your investment in a few years.
Additional Services
Many homeowners combine lawn fertilization with additional landscaping services, such as aerating, grub treatment, and dethatching. Many lawn care professionals offer reduced rates when you bundle multiple services. See the table below to discover the cost and treatment frequency of common lawn care add-ons.
| Service | Cost | Treatments Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilizing w/ crabgrass treatment | $30–$80 | 3-7 |
| Aerating cost | $75–$200 | 1-2 |
| Grub treatment cost | $30–$80 | 1-2 |
| Dethatching | $265–$295 | 1-2 |
| Adding lime | $100–$150 per 1,000 sq. ft. | 1-2 |
| Soil test | $10–$30 | As needed |
Lawn Fertilization Cost by Size
The size of your lawn significantly affects fertilization costs. For a small yard under an acre, expect to pay between $0.50 and $0.70 per square foot. Larger properties over an acre with varied terrain, like hills and trees, may cost between $50 and $500 per acre. The larger your lawn, the lower the cost per acre. The wide price range depends on the size and complexity of your property.
| Size (Sq. Ft.) | Cost Range (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| 500 | $10–$40 |
| 1,000 | $20–$80 |
| 2,500 | $50–$200 |
| 5,000 | $100–$400 |
| 7,260 (1/6 acre) | $250–$350 |
| 8,700 (1/5 acre) | $275–$375 |
| 10,900 (1/4 acre) | $300–$400 |
| 14,500 (1/3 acre) | $350–$450 |
| 21,800 (1/2 acre) | $400–$500 |
| 32,700 (3/4 acre) | $450–$550 |
| 43,500 (1 acre) | $500–$600 |
Lawn Fertilization Cost by Type
The type of fertilizer you choose affects your lawn's health and budget. Depending on your lawn's needs—like nutrient requirements and desired release time—you'll opt for different fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers, made from natural materials like plants and manure, cost more than synthetic ones but are better for long-term soil health. The table below outlines costs for fertilizing between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet based on fertilizer type.
| Fertilizer Type | Cost Range for 50-Lb. Bag (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Fast-release | $110–$310 |
| Moss and fungus control | $110–$325 |
| Weed and feed | $110–$325 |
| Granular | $140–$350 |
| Water-soluble | $190–$360 |
| Gradual-release | $240–$410 |
| Crystalline | $240–$410 |
| Liquid | $150–$475 |
Fast-Release
Applying fast-release fertilizer over 5,000 to 10,000 feet costs an average of $110 to $310. Fast-release fertilizers start releasing nutrients as soon as they hit the soil, which is ideal for a quick nutrient boost to help with immediate plant health.
However, fast-release products don't build good, long-term soil health. You may end up having to fertilize more frequently than if you'd used other types. That's because soil health never truly improves, and the grass starts to rely on the rapid-release fertilizer products you apply rather than building strong, deep root systems to find nutrients for themselves.
Moss and Fungus Control
Moss and fungus control fertilizers range from $110 to $325. This combination fertilizer contains a moss and fungus killer to help keep your lawn nourished and free of moss and fungus.
Weed and Feed
Like pre-emergent, weed and feed costs between $110 and $325 for up to 10,000 square feet. Just like pre-emergent fertilizer, weed and feed has a pesticide and fertilizer combo. The difference is that weed and feed kill off already-growing weeds rather than inhibiting new growth.
Granular
Granular fertilizer can cost as little as $140 for 5,000 square feet or as much as $350 for 10,000 square feet. Granular fertilizer is usually slow-release, whether you choose synthetic or organic. These products are water-soluble, so application is more straightforward.
Water-Soluble
Water-soluble fertilizer costs between $190 and $360. As with liquid fertilizer, water-soluble products are easy to apply but easy to overdose. Pay close attention to the manufacturer's directions when mixing to ensure you don't over-fertilize your lawn.
Gradual Release
Gradual release fertilizer ranges from $240 to $410. You'll pay toward the higher end of the range for organic products. Gradual release is more expensive than fast-release because you need to use it less frequently, and it helps to build longer-term plant and soil health.
Crystalline
Crystalline fertilizer costs between $240 and $410 to cover up to 10,000 square feet. Crystalline fertilizers, particularly organic ones, cost more because they target a specific lawn problem or deficiency.
For example, a soil test costs $10 to $30 for a regular lawn testing kit. If your test reveals your soil lacks phosphorus and iron, you will choose a crystalline fertilizer formulated for high iron and phosphorus but low nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium.
Liquid
For liquid fertilizer, expect to pay between $150 and $475. Liquid fertilizers are easy to apply but also easy to use too much, so you'll need to be extra careful and read the directions on the packaging.
DIY vs. Hiring a Lawn Treatment Service
Fertilizing your lawn yourself might seem tempting, as you can save on labor rates. However, hiring a lawn care professional often provides better results, saves time, and ensures that applications are done in a timely manner. Fertilization professionals can achieve lusher, greener lawns due to their expertise. They also save you valuable time, allowing you to focus on other activities. Additionally, they know how to apply fertilizers safely and in compliance with local and federal guidelines, which can give you peace of mind.
While hiring a professional comes with a higher upfront cost than doing it yourself, the benefits often outweigh the expense. Consider hiring a lawn care professional near you for the best-looking yard on the block. Their expertise can help keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often you need to fertilize your lawn depends on its health. A healthy lawn might only need fertilizing once a year, while one in poor condition could benefit from fertilization every six weeks. Look for signs like poor growth or discoloration to determine if your lawn needs more nutrients.
You can fertilize your lawn right after mowing, and professionals often recommend it. Fertilizing right after a fresh cut gives the fertilizer time to absorb before the next cut or watering. Just make sure to collect any grass clippings before you begin so they don't block the fertilizer from reaching the soil.
Over-fertilizing your lawn can put it at risk of “fertilizer burn.” Too much fertilizer can cause brown or yellow patches to develop, scorch grass blades, and damage the roots. It's important to follow the recommended application rates to keep your lawn healthy. If you’re unsure, contact a local lawn care professional to determine the right amount of fertilizer for your property.
You can use compost instead of fertilizer. Compost adds natural nutrients to your soil and can be used alongside or instead of traditional fertilizers. While fertilizers provide a quick nutrient boost, compost helps build long-term soil health and fertility. Using compost in your lawn is a great way to improve soil health and support strong root growth.
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