The average cost for weed control on a 1/4-acre lot is $100, with prices ranging from $65 to $165. On the extreme high-end, expect to pay a professional about $615 for an acre or more. If you have a very small area to treat, costs will be closer to $35.
If you want that picture-perfect, healthy green lawn, expect to dedicate significant amounts of time, energy, and money toward maintaining it. Weed control is a large part of this, with costs varying based on acreage, application, equipment, and cleanup. Other factors such as location also may affect the total cost of weed removal services.
Average Weed Control Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $100 |
| Typical Price Range | $65 – $165 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost (<⅛ acre) | $35 |
| Extreme High-End Cost (1 acre or more) | $615 |
These are the typical costs for an average yard. The average yard size is around one-fifth to one-fourth of an acre or about 8,712 to 10,890 square feet. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $65 to $165 for weed control services on yards of this size.
Ultimately, the final cost depends on what you want to do and the space you want to cover. For a small space with limited application such as “weed and feed” herbicide, prices start as little as $35. For larger spaces with more intensive services, you’re looking closer to $615.
Weed Control Cost Estimator By Lawn Size
Depending on your weed control service, you may be charged per acre. For yards between 1/8 acre and 1/4 acre, typical costs range between $50 and $95. For larger yards over 1 acre, expect that number to increase exponentially, with an average cost starting at $495.
| Lawn Size | Average Cost |
| ⅛ acre | $50 |
| ¼ acre | $95 |
| 1 acre (43,560 square feet) | $495 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Aside from lawn size, there are other factors that can affect how much a weed control service may charge you. These additional cost factors include the following:
- Weed Control Method
- Types of Herbicides
- Pet and Eco-Friendly Options
- Type of Weed
- Landscape Fabric
- Frequency
- Labor
- Weed Abatement
Weed Control Method
| Weed Control Method | Average Cost |
| Manual pulling | $105 – $330 |
| Weed and feed | $65 – $170 |
| Pre-emergent herbicide | $65 – $135 |
| Post-emergent herbicide | $75 – $145 |
| Organic weed killer | $95 |
| Selective weed killer | $65 – $180 |
| Non-selective weed killer | $40 – $165 |
The type of weed removal method you choose will affect the total cost of the treatment. The most common methods are hand-pulling weeds and herbicides.
- Manual weed pulling involves more labor and only includes the removal of existing weeds. Costs may vary depending on how much labor is required. The average cost for hand-pulling weeds is $105 to $330, with most pros charging a rate of $35 to $80 per hour.
- Herbicides are chemicals used either to prevent or get rid of weeds. This common weed control method often involves less work than hand-pulling. Costs vary depending on the type of herbicide used. Depending on the herbicide (see below), expect to pay between $55 to $160 per treatment.
Type of Herbicide
- Weed and feed is a type of product that combines a traditional herbicide with a fertilizer that is then used on lawns to get rid of weeds. The average cost for a weed and feed treatment in a standard 1/4-acre lawn ranges from $65 and $170.
- Pre-emergent herbicides are used prior to the growth of weeds in a yard. By applying pre-emergents before the start of the growing season, you can effectively prevent the growth of any new weeds above the surface. You can expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $135 for pre-emergent treatments.
- Post-emergent herbicides are used for weeds that have already sprouted during the growing season. If you’re trying to get rid of the existing weeds in your yard, post-emergents are most likely what you’ll be looking at. Typical prices for professional post-emergent treatments range from $75 to $145.
- Selective herbicides target specific types of weeds. Even if they target many weeds, they won’t kill every type of weed. The average price for selective weed killer treatments ranges from $65 to $180.
- Non-selective herbicides will kill all plants. These herbicides are made with synthetic chemicals like glyphosate or natural ingredients that injure all plants. Professional non-selective herbicide treatments cost anywhere between $40 and $165.
Pet and Eco-Friendly Options
When considering weed removal, pet-friendly and environmentally-friendly organic weed control should be something to consider.
- Organic weed killer is essential for those who want to be environmentally aware. Also, while not all herbicides will hurt animals, it’s best to avoid the possibility of allergies or harm by choosing an organic, pet-friendly option. Organic weed control services cost an average of $95 per treatment.
Type of Weed
Weeds can be classified by life cycle or their appearance. How they’re controlled and how easy they are to get rid of can vary based on their classification:
- Annual weeds grow, spread, and die within one year. They are easier to control than perennial weeds.
- Perennial weeds last for years and will survive if their roots stay intact. They are harder to control and will likely need to be sprayed with weed killer.
- Broadleaf weeds have wide leaves, which makes them easier to identify. Some difficult-to-kill weeds are broadleaf weeds.
- Grassy weeds look like turf because they are grasses. It might be more difficult for you to spot them. A common grassy weed is crabgrass.
- Sedges look like grass but are very difficult to kill.
Landscape Fabric
If you’re in the market for weed removal, you might come across landscape fabric. When used correctly, landscape fabric can help to limit weed growth by acting as a physical barrier. It prevents weeds in the soil from getting sunlight, thus reducing the need for post-emergent weed control.
- Woven landscape fabric is usually made from linen fibers or polypropylene woven together and is the most common. Rolls of this fabric come in different sizes. The small end, a 3-foot-by-50-foot roll is about $15. On the large end, a 6-foot-by-250-foot roll costs about $290. This type of fabric costs an average of $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot.
- Non-woven fabrics are mostly made from polypropylene or polyester. These are best used for rock, gravel paths, or beds. The cost for a 6-foot-by-12-foot roll comes to around $10. The price for a 6-foot-by-300-foot roll is about $170. This type of fabric costs an average of $0.05 to $0.85 per square foot.
- Spun landscape fabrics are a type of non-woven fabric that layers bonded polyester. On the small side, a 3-foot-by-40-foot will cost about $20. More robust rolls around 6 feet to 300 feet can go as high as $170 or more. This type of fabric costs an average of $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot.
- Perforated landscape fabrics are usually the cheapest and the lightest fabrics. They have pre-cut holes in them designed for your plants. These can be purchased in smaller sizes, such as 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets, for around $8. Expect to pay $35 or more for a 4-foot-by-25-foot roll or larger.
Frequency
Lawn care companies sometimes offer package services for weed control and general lawn care. While they can be more expensive than a singular treatment, you save money by keeping weed growth to a minimum. More intense weed infestations cost a pretty penny, especially on a larger lawn.
These package services are usually bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
Labor
Weed control pros typically charge a $30 to $55 per hour labor fee. If you have a lot of weeds and/or a large lawn, then you can expect the pro to work on your lawn for a longer time.
Weed Abatement
Weed abatement is the process of removing all weeds from a property. This is ordered by a court upon a property that has overgrown (and usually noxious) weeds violating state, county, or city regulations. These regulations are put in place to prevent weeds from becoming fire, health, and public safety concerns.
Pros who offer weed abatement services will charge between $70 and $120 for these services .
Related Services
The best way to get rid of weeds for good is to have a healthy lawn. Don’t stop with weed removal. Try these related lawn care services to keep your lawn growing healthy without pesky weeds popping up year after year:
Gardener Services
Unlike lawn care services that will cover traditional lawn maintenance like lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, and occasionally pest control, gardeners focus on garden and flower beds. Most gardeners charge from $40 to $85 per hour — $65 per hour on average — for their services.
Some people prefer hiring services such as a gardener for recurring services rather than one-time visits. Availing a monthly plan with a gardener may be more expensive upfront, but you’re paying for regular maintenance to prevent problems from ballooning into expensive headaches.
Monthly gardener plans typically come in tiers with different services. Their visit frequency ranges from once a week, once every two weeks, and once a month.
The national average to hire a gardener on a monthly basis is $245 per month, with a typical range of $150 to $325 per month.
| National Average | $65 per hour or $245 per month |
| Typical Price Range | $40 – $85 per hour or $150 – $325 per month |
Aeration
One of the most important things to include when thinking about a healthy yard with fewer weeds is lawn aeration. This technique pokes holes into the soil to give the grass roots more nutrients and oxygen. Lawn aeration is most useful on heavily compacted yards with a lot of foot traffic.
On average, you can expect to pay $144 to aerate a lawn with a typical cost range of about $78 to $238. If you’re trying to pinch pennies, you may be able to spend as little as $42 for a small yard. On the other end of that scale, depending on how big your yard is and what equipment is needed, you could spend as much as $636.
| National Average Cost | $100 |
| Typical Price Range | $78 – $238 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $42 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $636 |
Dethatching
Thatch, a layer of organic materials such as dead grass, can be very beneficial to your yard. That said, excessive thatch can prevent the soil beneath from getting the nutrients it needs. Dethatching your lawn helps to break the surface of the thatch so that the soil beneath can breathe easy. Healthy soil means a healthy lawn with less opportunity for weeds to sprout.
The average cost to dethatch your lawn is about $195. Prices typically range from $146 to $246.
| National Average | $195 |
| Typical Price Range | $146 – $246 |
Fertilization
As discussed in the weed and feed section, fertilizer is a great way to keep your lawn healthy. Fertilizing your whole lawn can be expensive, so let’s break it down. The average cost is roughly $289 with location, type of fertilizer, and lawn size all influencing the price. Costs for lawn fertilization can range from $103 to $343.
| National Average | $289 |
| Typical Price Range | $103 – $343 |
Mulching
Mulch is a great way to keep weeds out of garden beds and comes in organic and inorganic options such as wood chips, lawn clippings, leaves, plastics, or rocks. Not only will adding mulch help to keep moisture and nutrients in your garden, but it also will suppress weed growth.
The average price range for mulch is about $30 to $110 per cubic yard. If you’re looking for less volume, you can buy mulch by the bag for $3.25 to $6.5. The labor cost for getting mulch installed by a landscaper starts at $35 but can easily cost more if you have a lot of mulch that needs to be spread over a large area.
Mowing
Mowing keeps weeds away in two ways. First, it keeps your lawn healthy; second, it can hurt weeds and prevent them from producing seeds.
The cost of lawn mowing by a professional ranges between $36 and $105, with an average cost of $77.
| National Average | $77 |
| Typical Price Range | $36 – $105 |
Overseeding
Weeds will grow in bald spots around your lawn. Get rid of those bare patches by sprinkling grass seeds over your lawn (overseeding). It also helps thicken a lawn and make it healthier, making it more likely to outcompete weeds.
The typical cost of overseeding ranges from $490 to $1,250, depending on the project size.
Pest Control
Weeds and pests often come hand-in-hand as both thrive in sickly lawns. Weeds also can attract pests to your yard. If you see pesky pests, then you might want to call a pest control pro. The cost of lawn pest control averages around $50 to $200 per treatment.
LawnStarter’s sister site Pest Gnome can connect you with a local pest control pro who can solve your pest problems.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you want to tackle the weeds in the lawn by yourself, first choose a method. Hand-pulling weeds is a great way to save money but can be strenuous and time-consuming. The basic equipment you’ll want for hand-pulling weeds is gardening gloves, a kneeling pad, and the occasional weeder tool to get the particularly tough weeds out of the soil.
| Equipment | Average Cost |
| Gardening gloves | $12 |
| Kneeling pad | $21 |
| Weeder tool | $25 |
| Total cost | $58 |
Prices for a weeder tool vary depending on the specific kind of weeder. Glove and kneepad costs may vary based on whether they are multipacks, the brand, and the size. If you’d prefer to jump straight to weed killers, costs change based on the size of your lawn and the brand you choose. Organic and inorganic costs differ slightly.
| Equipment | Average Cost |
| Gardening gloves | $12 |
| Safety goggles | $14 |
| Chemical herbicide | $45 |
| Organic herbicide | $35 |
| Fertilizer spreader | $48 |
| Pump sprayer (2 gal.) | $30 |
| Garden hose | $38 |
| Total cost (liquid herbicide) | $91 – $109 |
| Total cost (granular herbicide) | $109 – $119 |
Homeowners with large areas to cover will probably spend more on herbicides than others. Still, hiring professionals to apply weed treatment typically costs $65 to $165. Taking matters into your own hands can save you a lot of money, but you’re likely to pay for it in time and labor spent out in the yard.
If you want to go the DIY route, see our recommendations for the best weed killers overall and the best weed killers for flower beds specifically to help you choose the right product to use.
Cost of Weed Control by Location
One thing to know about weeds is that they’ll grow just about anywhere. Prices for weed control may vary from location to location depending on the cost of living. The main thing that will determine the price of weed removal, however, is the size of the lawn or garden area. The current average household lot size is about 8,177 square feet, or under 1/4 acre.
Rural areas with larger yards and room for more plants will likely pay more than someone in the city suburbs with a small plot of soil to work with. For example, in Vermont, the average lot size is about 78,408 square feet. Homeowners there that are looking for weed control for their whole property will likely be looking at higher prices.
To find out how much weed control services cost in your area, it’s best to ask a local lawn care pro who offers those services.
FAQ About the Cost of Weed Control
What is the Cheapest Way to Get Rid of Weeds?
The cheapest way to get rid of weeds is to simply grab and pull. Hand-pulling weeds from your yard, garden, or flower beds costs next to nothing. The only thing you’ll spend is time and manual labor out in the dirt.
Granted, this method isn’t always the most effective, and at times a weed-puller tool is needed to get the deep-rooted weeds.
What Stops Weeds From Coming Back?
One sure way to stop weeds from coming back the following year is to use systemic herbicides. Weeds are hard to kill, and more often than not, you’ll see them pop up in your garden regardless. Don’t give up hope just yet! Systemic herbicides are the best option to kill the entire weed down to the root.
These herbicides are absorbed by the plant once applied and are then transported through the rest of the plant. This process kills the roots so that there is no chance of future germination. Systemic herbicides are especially useful on weeds such as dandelions whose taproots can reach 10 inches down into the soil.
What is the Best Way to Kill Weeds?
The most effective way to kill weeds is through herbicides. For weeds that are already poking through the soil in your garden, post-emergent systemic herbicides are the most effective. Whether you’re using herbicides or hand-pulling, the key is to get the roots of the weed so that it doesn’t appear next season.
Take it a step further by using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds before the growing season begins.
Hire a Weed Control Pro for a Healthy Lawn
Weeds continue to be a nuisance for anyone interested in lawn care. Whether you’re a master gardener or just trying to keep a neat yard, weeds can be a headache to deal with year after year. Get back to a beautiful lawn and contact a local lawn care professional for price estimates on weed control services.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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