How Much Will It Cost to Fertilize My Lawn?

Lawn fertilization typically costs $200 to $500, with most homeowners paying around $400 for professional service. You can save money by fertilizing the lawn yourself if you know what you're doing, or you may want to hire a local lawn servicing company to apply fertilizer and handle additional treatments, such as aeration and applying insecticide or fungicide. The type of fertilizer you choose also directly impacts the cost of lawn fertilization.

Average Cost to Fertilize a Lawn

The average cost to fertilize a 10,000- to 11,000-square foot lawn is $400. This price includes all materials, equipment, fertilizer, and labor. The typical range is $200 to $500. 

How much you pay depends on the size of the lawn, current condition of your yard, additional treatments, whether you want a single application, if you already have a lawn care package, and more. 

For a single treatment that's already included in a lawn care package, you could pay as little as $50 for a 1,000-square foot lawn. At the other end of the scale, a homeowner can spend $600 for premium organic fertilizer, aeration, and grub treatment for a half-acre.

Lawn Fertilization Cost Breakdown

Labor, tools, and equipment make up 80% to 90% of the total cost of lawn fertilization. For example, the average cost of lawn fertilization is $400. The fertilizer for this project costs $40 to $80, with the remaining $320 to $360 paying for labor and professional equipment. 

Cost to Fertilize a Lawn by Size

How big your lawn is determines how much you'll pay to fertilize it. The bigger your lawn, the more fertilizer you need, and the longer it’ll take a pro to apply it. Typically, you can expect to pay between $0.02 and $0.08 per square foot for professional lawn fertilization.

However, if you choose to bundle additional lawn care treatments—a common cost-saving practice among homeowners—you can pay as much as $0.40 per square foot. Take a look at some common lawn sizes and the typical costs of professional fertilization without additional services.

Cost to Fertilize a Lawn by Fertilizer Origin

Synthetic fertilizers tend to cost less than organic ones, and they're usually faster-acting and more potent. However, even though organic fertilizers are more expensive, they're better for your soil long-term. They nourish and replenish the soil and build better soil health, reducing your lawn's reliance on a constant fertilization cycle. 

“Consider organic fertilizers, especially if pets and children use the lawn space,” says Tara Dudley, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Plant Life Designs.

Take a look at the typical costs.

Synthetic Lawn Fertilizers

Synthetic lawn fertilizers typically cost $100 to $300 for a 50-pound bag, including the labor cost to apply it. This is generally enough to fertilize 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. While cheaper, you generally need more synthetic fertilizer applications because the effects are temporary and don't build soil health in the same way organic products do.

Plus, the chemicals used in synthetic fertilizers are dangerous if mishandled, and lawn fertilizers can be dangerous for pets and people. It's also easy to overuse these products, creating different issues for your lawn, which can be costly to repair.

Organic Lawn Fertilizers

Expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a pro to apply 50 pounds of organic lawn fertilizer across a 5,000- to 10,000-square foot lawn. Organic fertilizers continue to gain popularity among homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and don't want to use unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals. 

Organic fertilizers consist of natural products like seaweed concentrate and so are less detrimental to the environment, don't risk polluting water sources, and are less hazardous to the health of your family and pets. Plus, it's more challenging to overuse organic fertilizers. 

However, these natural products tend to take longer to work but are effective over a more extended period. Because they build soil health over the long term, the cost of organic fertilizer is offset by the reduced number of applications you'll need year on year.

Cost to Fertilize a Lawn by Fertilizer Type

To fertilize between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet, you'll pay between $100 and $600. The type of fertilizer has a significant impact on the price you'll pay. The type of fertilizer you need depends on the type of grass, your climate, and any issues your lawn is facing other than basic feed needs. 

Your local lawn fertilizer pro can advise you on the best type of lawn fertilizer for your specific needs. Take a look at the typical costs of fertilizing 5,000 to 10,000 square feet with different kinds of fertilizer.

Fast-Release Fertilizer

You'll pay between $100 and $300 for synthetic fast-release fertilizer and $125 to $325 for its organic counterpart. Liquid, water-soluble, granular, or fast-acting fertilizers are popular because they get to work right away and are a good rescue remedy for a neglected lawn. 

While they act fast, they don't build soil health and don't work long term. Therefore, a fast-release fertilizer is often used to give immediate help in conjunction with a slow-acting fertilizer to provide long-term benefits.

Moss and Fungus Control Fertilizer

Synthetic moss and fungus control fertilizer costs $100 to $325, and an organic option costs $125 to $325. These products feed your lawn while killing off moss and fungus. If you have mossy patches or persistent fungal problems in your yard, then moss and fungus control fertilizer is a smart choice. Interestingly, synthetic products kill off the moss and fungi, while organic products achieve the same effect by changing the soil's chemistry. 

Weed and Feed Fertilizer

Weed and feed synthetic products cost $110 to $325, while organic weed and feed costs $125 to $325. This type of fertilizer uses a blend of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to feed the lawn and employs specific herbicides that combat common lawn weeds, including dandelion, dollarweed, clover, and chickweed, among others. Some also kill crabgrass without harming the lawn.

Granular Fertilizer

Granular synthetic fertilizer costs $140 to $350, while organic granular fertilizer is similarly priced at $150 to $350. Generally, slow-release granular fertilizers are water-soluble. Because of their wide availability, natural granular fertilizers are one of the most affordable organic lawn fertilization options. 

Water-Soluble Fertilizer

For water-soluble synthetic fertilizer, expect to pay $190 to $360. If you want to go organic, you'll pay a little more, with products ranging from $215 to $375. Water-soluble fertilizers are easy to apply. They need correct measuring and mixing to ensure accurate coverage, and, once mixed, you apply the product with a sprayer. 

Liquid Fertilizer

Synthetic liquid feed typically costs $150 to $475, while the organic version will run you $150 to $600. Liquid fertilizers are easy to use as long as you dilute them correctly. Add the necessary amount of concentrated fertilizer to the water, and spray over your lawn. While costly, liquid fertilizers are easy to use and generally give the best, longest-lasting results.

Gradual-Release Fertilizer

Gradual-release synthetic fertilizer costs $240 to $410. The organic version is more costly at $350 to $500. These products slowly release their nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, providing continuous nourishment over a longer period. Gradual release fertilizer is a better option than fast-acting fertilizer alone. While the latter gets to work quickly and gives an immediate boost, gradual-release products mean you'll need fewer applications and your soil will remain healthier and more balanced over the longer term.

Crystalline Fertilizer

Synthetic crystalline fertilizer costs $240 to $410, and the organic equivalent costs $350 to $500. Crystalline fertilizers contain a more specific blend of nutrients than standard lawn fertilizers. If, for example, you do a soil test that shows your soil lacks magnesium and potassium, you'll choose magnesium- and potassium-rich crystalline fertilizer to correct the issue.

Cost of Additional Lawn Fertilization Treatments

If your lawn has other issues, you can often save money and time by bundling services and having multiple treatments and services simultaneously. Prices vary significantly depending on the treatment required, your lawn size, and the complexity of the task.

FAQs About Lawn Fertilization

How often should I fertilize my lawn?

This depends on the health of your lawn. A healthy, lush lawn with good soil health may only need fertilizing once per year. Other lawns with shallow roots or that have been neglected or overly reliant on fertilizers may need an application every six weeks.

Can I fertilize right after mowing?

You can fertilize right after mowing as long as you've collected the clippings. If you leave grass clipping, they can form a mat that prevents the fertilizer from reaching the soil. Plus, grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, so if you leave them and then apply fertilizer, you can end up with too much nitrogen in the soil.

What if I put too much fertilizer on my lawn?

Overfertilizing can burn and kill the grass as well as upset the soil's nutrient balance, leaving your grass prone to disease and infestation. You'll see brown and yellow patches of dead grass that need to be reseeded. 

What is the best lawn fertilizer for spring?

The best fertilizer for early spring is an organic slow-release fertilizer that sets up your lawn for continued good health and vigorous growth throughout the whole growing season. If your lawn is particularly neglected or has specific issues, you may need an application of quick-release fertilizer alongside a slow-release one for an immediate boost. 

Can I use compost on my lawn?

Yes, you can use compost on your lawn alongside or even instead of standard fertilizer. Compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter and restores the balance and health of your soil. It also replenishes depleted soil, adding volume as well as nutrients. It's a great alternative to synthetic slow-release fertilizer. And if you compost at home, you can save money by applying your own compost.

“Compost will also help break up clay soils over time,” says Dudley. “This type of soil is common with new construction homes. Over time, as the soil becomes richer in nutrients, fertilizer treatments will work better as well, improving overall health of the lawn.”