How to price fertilization and weed control per 1,000 sq ft
6 min read · updated October 2026
The short answer
Price each treatment round from the product cost per 1,000 square feet times the lawn size, plus application time at your crew-hour cost, plus margin, with a minimum per round. Sell the rounds as a program with a price per round.
Product cost per 1,000 sq ft
Start from the label rate. For a granular fertilizer, the pounds of product per 1,000 sq ft are the nitrogen you want divided by the product’s nitrogen percentage.
| Product | N % | Product per 1,000 sq ft | Bag | Cost per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-0-6 | 24% | 3.1 lb | 50 lb at $45 | $2.81 |
| 32-0-10 | 32% | 2.3 lb | 50 lb at $52 | $2.44 |
| 18-0-4 | 18% | 4.2 lb | 50 lb at $38 | $3.17 |
Tip: Always follow the label and your state’s fertilizer law. Many states limit phosphorus and nitrogen per application and restrict application dates.
Application time
A ride-on spreader-sprayer covers a lot more ground per hour than a push spreader. Time a few lawns, including the walk-around and blowing granules off hard surfaces, to get your square feet per hour.
Put it together
- Product: $2.81 per 1,000 sq ft × 10 lawn thousands = $28.10 for a 10,000 sq ft lawn.
- Time: 15 minutes on site at $70 per hour = $17.50.
- Cost $45.60; at a 45% margin the round is $45.60 ÷ 0.55 = $82.91, so about $80–85.
- Set a minimum per round (for example $55) for small lawns.
Programs
Most companies sell five to seven rounds a season. Quote the price per round and how many rounds, and bill per round or spread monthly.
Do the math for your own lawns
Try the fertilizer calculator →Let GroundsQuote do the pricing
Set your rates once. Every request arrives with the lawn measured and a suggested price, and customers can see an instant estimate.
Start freeQuestions
Do I need a license to apply weed control?
In most states, applying pesticides for hire needs a commercial applicator license and the business may need its own. Check your state department of agriculture.