Many homeowners comparing lawn care costs ask the same question: “Can I save money by fertilizing my lawn myself?” The answer depends on your goals, your experience, and how much time you're willing to invest. While professional-grade fertilizers can offer significant advantages, a DIY approach can still produce good results when it's done correctly and with the right knowledge.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we've developed a custom-formulated fertilizer designed to give your lawn the nutrients it needs when it needs them most. While we're proud of the results our programs deliver, we also want homeowners to have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and give their lawns the best possible care, even if they're choosing to do it themselves.
Whether you choose to hire a professional or take the DIY route, understanding the differences can help you avoid expensive mistakes and achieve a healthier lawn.
In this article, we'll explain the key differences between Oasis Turf & Tree's fertilizer and common store-bought fertilizers. We'll compare the two in terms of cost, convenience, effectiveness, potential risks, and time involved so you can make an informed decision about which option is the best fit for your lawn and your budget.
Quick Answer: Oasis Turf & Tree uses fertilizer treatments tailored to the soil conditions and grass types commonly found in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky areas. On average, Oasis Turf & Tree’s fertilization program costs around $620.40. A popular store-bought fertilizer option like Scotts is designed to work across a wide range of soil types, making it a more general-purpose solution. When factoring in the cost of fertilizer and the tools needed for application, homeowners can expect to spend approximately $500.45–$573.43 on a DIY approach. For homeowners looking for a convenient, stress-free lawn care program, Oasis Turf & Tree may be the better fit. For those who enjoy taking a hands-on approach and don't mind investing the time to research and apply products themselves, DIY fertilization can also be an effective option. With proper application and ongoing care, both approaches can produce healthy lawns.
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DIY fertilizing is an effective way for homeowners to tend to their yard when they have proper education and when they have the time to dedicate to doing it properly.
DIY lawn fertilizing can have a variety of meanings.
DIY fertilizing covers a wide range of products, application methods, and levels of commitment, with some homeowners applying fertilizer once or twice a year and others following a carefully planned seasonal program.
Some common DIY applications are:
Granular fertilizers are one of the most common approaches for DIY fertilizing. Homeowners purchase granular fertilizers from big box stores or local garden centers. These products are typically spread across the lawn with a broadcast or drop spreader and are available in a variety of formulations designed for different times of the year.
Liquid-hose end applications attach to a garden hose and spray fertilizer evenly across the lawn. These products are generally easy to apply and convenient for smaller lawns, but they often require more frequent applications to maintain results.
Organic fertilizers rely on natural ingredients rather than synthetic nutrients. While these products can be a great option for some homeowners, they often release nutrients more slowly and may require a different application strategy than conventional fertilizers.
Many DIY homeowners follow a seasonal fertilizer program, applying different products throughout the season to support green-up in the spring, summer health, and fall root development. This approach more closely resembles a professional lawn care program but requires careful planning and timing.
Weed-and-feed products combine fertilizer with weed control, allowing homeowners to nourish their lawn and target certain weeds in a single application. They can be a convenient and effective option for many situations, especially when used at the appropriate time of year. However, because every lawn and weed problem is different, they may not always provide the ideal solution in every case.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we use a custom-formulated fertilizer designed specifically for soils in the Cincinnati, Dayton, & Northern Kentucky areas.
All fertilizers contain three primary nutrients: phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. Although each component is important, the ratio and amount of each can make a significant difference in how effective the treatment is. The right balance of these nutrients plays an important role in supporting healthy growth, improving lawn performance, and helping your grass thrive throughout the growing season.
Our fertilizer has a makeup of 15-2-5.
Every bag of fertilizer, whether it's purchased at a home improvement store or used by a professional lawn care company, displays three numbers on the label. These numbers represent the percentage of the three primary nutrients in the product: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
For example, at Oasis Turf & Tree, our fertilizer’s ratio is 15-2-5. Meaning it contains 15% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. This nutrient balance is carefully selected to support healthy turf growth while providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs throughout the season.
Every nutrient has a specific job, working together to promote healthy growth and keep your lawn looking its best.
Nitrogen boosts chlorophyll production and supports thick blade growth
Phosphorus aids in root growth and seedling development
Potassium strengthens cell walls and prepares the lawn for environmental extremes such as intense cold
Store-bought lawn fertilizers often contain little to no phosphorus compared to some professional-grade products.
This is because excess phosphorus can wash into nearby waterways, contributing to environmental issues like poor water quality.
When phosphorus is included in a fertilizer, it must be applied in the appropriate amount for your lawn's needs. Only a small percentage, between 1–3%, is necessary to support healthy growth while reducing the risk of runoff and environmental impact.
For example, Scotts, a popular store-bought fertilizer, has a makeup of 32-0-4.
This means that their fertilizer contains 32% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 4% potassium.
Unlike Oasis Turf & Tree fertilizer, Scotts does not contain any phosphorus. While this can still work well for established lawns that already have sufficient soil nutrients, it may not be ideal for new lawns, as it could lack the phosphorus needed to support strong early root development. Typically, DIY fertilizer companies do not include phosphorus in their fertilizers due to the higher cost of phosphorus and the environmental concerns associated with improper application.
Scott’s has a higher nitrogen content, which means it can produce a faster green-up. The trade-off is that the color and growth typically don’t last long. This may be a good option if you’re getting your home ready to sell, expecting guests, or need your lawn looking great for a special occasion.
DIY fertilizing is good for homeowners who enjoy maintaining their own lawn and want full control over the process. In this case, homeowners will be responsible for choosing the right treatment schedule, applying products, and learning proper application techniques.
DIY fertilizers often use more general, broad-purpose nutrient percentages designed to work for the average lawn anywhere. If you have properties in different regions and you're looking for a generic fertilizer that can be used across all of them, DIY products offer that convenience.
Oasis Turf & Tree uses a more specialized fertilizer formulation tailored to the grass types commonly found in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky. If you’re looking for a more localized approach to lawn care, you may see greater long-term benefits from a professionally designed program.
DIY fertilizer treatments may carry a higher risk of lawn damage when proper application techniques aren’t followed. Homeowners who are willing to invest time in learning proper application practices may find DIY fertilizing to be a rewarding way to develop lawn care knowledge and skills.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, our licensed technicians have the training and experience needed to apply treatments correctly and help prevent these issues. For homeowners who want the peace of mind that comes with professional care, Oasis Turf & Tree provides a convenient, hands-off experience.
DIY fertilizing can be time-consuming, and homeowners with busy schedules may not always have the time needed to properly manage and apply treatments themselves. For homeowners who have the time, DIY fertilizing could be a great option.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, our trained technicians can service your property, even when you’re not home. Along with that, we keep you informed with detailed post-service reports outlining what was applied, how it was done, and any other important notes you can review whenever it works best for you. Oasis Turf & Tree is a good choice for homeowners with busy schedules who want professional lawn care and clear communication about the services being performed.
DIY lawn treatments require significant research and preparation, and for homeowners with little or no prior lawn care experience, it can be a major commitment to learn the details of proper maintenance. For homeowners who are eager to learn and willing to dedicate time to properly caring for their lawn, DIY lawn care can be a great opportunity to build valuable lawn maintenance skills.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we have one of the largest teams of licensed technicians in Ohio, trained and educated to care for your lawn and deliver high-quality results without the added hassle. For homeowners who want to know their lawn is in good hands, Oasis Turf & Tree is a great choice.
DIY fertilizers may seem less expensive at first since you can simply buy the products you need from the store and apply them yourself. However, proper application often requires additional equipment like a spreader, hose, or sprinkler, which adds to the overall cost. For homeowners willing to commit to purchasing the necessary equipment, DIY lawn care can be a cost-effective option.
With Oasis Turf & Tree, the upfront investment may be higher, but it includes professional expertise and a worry-free lawn care experience designed to take the guesswork out of maintaining your lawn. For homeowners willing to pay for the convenience of professional service and a worry-free lawn care experience, Oasis Turf & Tree can take the guesswork and ongoing maintenance off your plate.
When comparing the cost of DIY fertilizers to Oasis Turf & Tree treatments, Oasis Turf & Tree treatments are more expensive in most cases.
When comparing the cost of fertilizing an average lawn using Scotts fertilizer versus Oasis Turf & Tree treatments, Scotts would typically cost around $76.41, depending on the retailer. In contrast, Oasis Turf & Tree’s treatment for the same-sized lawn is priced at $103.40.
Along with the cost of fertilizer for a DIY treatment, homeowners may also have to invest in a spreader, which is a one-time purchase that can range anywhere from $41.99–$114.99.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, our standard lawn care program costs $620.40 for 6 treatments for our average lawn size. If a homeowner treated their own lawn of the same size with Scotts, they would be paying anywhere from $500.45–$573.43.
This leaves a $46.97–$119.95 difference between Scotts DIY applications and Oasis Turf & Tree’s professional program.
|
Cost (average lawn) |
Scott’s DIY |
Oasis Turf & Tree |
|
Cost per fertilizer application |
$76.41 |
$103.40 |
|
Number of annual treatments |
6 |
6 |
|
Total annual treatment cost |
$458.46 |
$620.40 |
|
Additional equipment needed |
Spreader: $41.99–$114.99 (one-time purchase) |
X |
|
Estimated year total |
$ 500.45- $ 573.43 |
$620.40 |
That extra cost with Oasis Turf & Tree would encompass:
Fertilizer application is just one part of what our trained technicians do. When you're enrolled in one of our lawn care programs, they also:
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we also include additional treatments at no extra cost to provide our customers with the highest level of care. These include:
All of our programs also include:
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we believe our customers deserve more than just a basic lawn treatment. We believe they deserve a service that delivers real value and lasting results. That's why we include additional care and attention as part of our programs, not just the essentials.
DIY fertilizing costs can quickly start to add up, especially if homeowners choose to expand beyond a basic fertilization routine and include additional lawn treatments.
Some extra expenses homeowners may encounter, or choose to add to their lawn care program, are:
Scotts GrubEx treatments typically range from about $18.97 for a 5,000 sq. ft. bag up to $54.98 for a 10,000 sq. ft. bag, which is almost enough to cover an average-sized lawn. Because of this, many homeowners will likely end up closer to the higher end of the price range depending on their lawn size.
Spectracide Triazicide, a commonly used insect control product, typically costs between $6.99 for a 32-ounce ready-to-spray bottle and $19.99 for a 20-pound bag of granular treatment. The best option depends on the type of pest problem you're trying to address. The spray formula is generally more effective for controlling insects on the surface of plants, trees, and shrubs, while the granular treatment is designed to target pests that live in the soil or beneath the turf.
Equipment Costs
For common lawn care, homeowners may need to purchase:
Most homeowners will need a spreader to apply lawn care products evenly and prevent missed areas or inconsistent results. Broadcast spreaders are ideal for quickly covering large lawns. Depending on the model and features, spreaders typically cost between $41.99 and $114.99.
A homeowner might consider investing in a backpack sprayer. Backpack sprayers are designed to dispense liquid fertilizers and weed control.
Backpack sprayers typically cost between $29.99 and $269.99.
Professional lawn care services often make costs easier to predict because equipment, products, and scheduled treatments are typically included in the price.
However, there are situations where the total cost may end up being higher than originally expected. Additional services or treatments may be recommended to address specific lawn issues that aren't covered by a standard program.
For example, if you're enrolled in Oasis Turf & Tree's Gold Lawn Care Program, Aeration & Overseeding is not included in the package. However, if our technicians determine that your lawn would benefit from these services, we may recommend upgrading to the Diamond Lawn Care Program, which includes Aeration & Overseeding as part of the treatment plan.
Whether to move forward with the upgraded program is entirely the homeowner's decision. Choosing to upgrade would increase the treatment cost from a starting price of $70.50 per treatment to $127.00 per treatment.
Another situation where your overall lawn care costs may be higher than expected is when certain treatments are offered as optional add-ons instead of being included in a standard program.
For example, at Oasis Turf & Tree, every lawn care program includes:
Not every lawn care company includes these treatments in its standard programs. In many cases, some or all of them may come with an additional cost.
To learn more about our lawn care programs and what each includes, check out our blog.
Making financial decisions can be difficult, especially when it has to do with your property.
DIY fertilizing can deliver great results when it's done correctly and with the right knowledge.
On the other hand, professional lawn care offers the benefits of expert application, convenience, and consistent treatments throughout the season, which are advantages that many homeowners feel justify the added cost.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your budget, the amount of time you have available, your confidence in maintaining your lawn, and the results you're hoping to achieve.
If it sounds like Oasis Turf & Tree may be the right fit for you, call (513) 697-9090, or fill out a quick form on our website to get a quote and start your lawn care journey today.
How much does lawn care with Oasis Turf & Tree cost?
Oasis Turf & Tree’s lawn care programs begin at $423.00 per year.
Does Oasis Turf & Tree use the same fertilizer you can find at the store?
No, Oasis Turf & Tree uses professional-grade products designed for local grass types and growing conditions.
Will professional fertilizer make my lawn green faster?
No, professional-grade fertilizers will not necessarily make your lawn green faster. Professional products can produce noticeable improvements such as a greener color and healthier turf; however, long-lasting results typically come from consistent care over time rather than a single application.
How often should fertilizer be applied?
Healthy lawns benefit from multiple fertilizer applications throughout the season rather than a single treatment. The ideal schedule depends on your grass type, soil conditions, lawn goals, and fertilizer type.
July 28th, 2026
Andrew Titkemeyer