Get matched with top lawn fertilization and treatment specialists in Sunburst, MT

The best type of fertilizer depends on the type of grass and your desired end result. Generally speaking, slow-release fertilizers are best for grass, as they gradually release nutrients into your soil instead of all at once, which meets the needs of many grass types. However, the tradeoff is that slow-release fertilizers contain phosphorus, which negatively impacts local water quality. Also, some grasses require different formulations to meet the demands of the soil. Test your soil to see how acidic or alkaline it is before choosing a fertilizer. 

Many gardeners charge an hourly rate for their services, and your total cost will depend on the amount of services and the experience of the gardener. Gardeners with basic experience charge between $20 and $30 per hour, while a more experienced gardener can charge as much as $60 to $88 per hour.

The cost of lawn mowing is about $125, which you might need on a weekly or biweekly basis. However, the cost of soil testing averages about $1,450, which should only be done every three to five years. 

How often you should fertilize your lawn depends on its health. 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 as often as every six weeks.

Yes, it can be cheaper to fertilize your own lawn. DIY lawn fertilization saves the cost of hiring a lawn care company or a company that specializes in lawn fertilization. It’s important to handle fertilizer carefully to avoid the potential dangers of getting fertilizing chemicals on your skin. Also, using the wrong type of fertilizer or misapplying it can permanently damage your lawn. On average, the cost to fertilize your lawn using a professional lawn care service is about $250 and may be worth checking into as professionals tend to have the equipment and knowledge to apply the most effective blend of fertilizer to your lawn for the best results.