Is It More Cost Efficient to Fertilize Myself?

I’ve been using two different companies for fertilizing my lawn over the last four years. It generally involves a 6 or 7-step process, but the price has now skyrocketed to nearly $600, which I find insane; it used to be around $400. I know very little about lawn care but I’m eager to learn. Is it more cost-efficient for me to handle the pre-emergent and fertilizing myself? I’m in Zone 6b.

There’s a few ways to read that subject… but as this is a lawn chat, I’ll assume it’s not the ones my mind went to first :joy:.

Zion said:
There’s a few ways to read that subject… but as this is a lawn chat, I’ll assume it’s not the ones my mind went to first :joy:.

Asexual reproduction was my first thought too.

@Hale
Turkey baster was mine. But I have issues, so…

Zion said:
There’s a few ways to read that subject… but as this is a lawn chat, I’ll assume it’s not the ones my mind went to first :joy:.

Lol, same here. Other comments are pretty funny too. This brings back memories of an SNL skit about guys discussing their ‘big decks’ at home.

Zion said:
There’s a few ways to read that subject… but as this is a lawn chat, I’ll assume it’s not the ones my mind went to first :joy:.

I just fertilized myself, and I’ve never felt better. Soiled myself, too.

Zion said:
There’s a few ways to read that subject… but as this is a lawn chat, I’ll assume it’s not the ones my mind went to first :joy:.

Haha, I had the same thoughts until I checked which subreddit it was posted in. I was worried anonymous mode was still on :rofl:.

Yes. You’ll have enough chemicals for multiple years for $600.

Jai said:
Yes. You’ll have enough chemicals for multiple years for $600.

I do it myself. 15,000 sq ft at Menards costs about $38 each application. I apply four times a year. There’s a lawn company that charges around $400 for a similar frequency, but mine looks great.

@Bran
Exactly! Actually caring for your lawn makes a big difference. If you want a service that takes the time to analyze your lawn and make adjustments, you’ll pay extra. My neighbor’s service left a five-foot wide strip of deep green grass while missing large areas.

@Riley
There are companies that do all the soil testing with professional lawn care specialists, but I’ve seen bills as high as $1,200 for those services. That’s reserved for golf courses or serious landscaping, while fescue is pretty resilient with some attention.

Baylor said:

Seems obvious to DIY.

Nyle said:

Baylor said:

Seems obvious to DIY.

Agreed. I’m scheduled to perform brain surgery on myself next week.

Harley said:

Nyle said:
Baylor said:

Seems obvious to DIY.

Agreed. I’m scheduled to perform brain surgery on myself next week.

Make sure the replacement is Abby Normal.

The guy I cut off in traffic recommended I do it. Who am I to argue?

Had to check what sub this was in, haha!

Ali said:
Had to check what sub this was in, haha!

Now I’m curious what sub this would make sense for, lol.

Hadi said:

Ali said:
Had to check what sub this was in, haha!

Now I’m curious what sub this would make sense for, lol.

Is there a subreddit for flowers? Maybe OP is a marigold or rose impersonating a human!!

How big is your yard? You can start small and gradually gather what you need. You don’t need a huge backpack sprayer; just grab a 2-gallon pump sprayer from a local store. Also, find a decent-sized spreader.

For products, try talking to your local golf course wholesaler or look for specific retailers in your area. They can guide you on what to buy initially, usually at a lower price with better quality. Your first year, get the fertilizer they recommend for the season, a pre-emergent, and a liquid herbicide like Tzone (which lasts for many seasons). You’ll gain knowledge over time, so don’t overwhelm yourself.

@Kelsey
Awesome info, thanks! My front lawn is 5,000 sq ft. Backyard is larger but tiered due to a slope.