10 Best Cheap Lawn Fertilizer 2025 in the United States

The Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 is a combination of weed killer and lawn fertilizer designed to control a range of common lawn weeds like dandelions and clover while nourishing the grass. This product is suitable for various grass types including Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. One of its key strengths is its coverage; a 14.29 lb. bag can cover up to 5,000 sq. ft., making it a cost-effective option for medium to large lawns.

This product works by killing over 50 different types of weeds and feeding the lawn to make it thicker and healthier, thus preventing future weeds from taking root. The product is synthetic, so it acts quickly but might not be the best choice for those seeking an organic option. Users should apply it to a wet lawn when the weeds are actively growing and the daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F for optimal results.

However, it is not available in Florida, which limits its accessibility for some users. Additionally, the need for precise weather conditions for application could be seen as a drawback. Despite this, its dual action as both a weed controller and a fertilizer, combined with its extensive coverage and ease of application in granule form, make it a strong contender for those seeking an affordable solution for lawn care.

Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control is a good choice if you're looking for an affordable fertilizer that also helps protect your lawn from a variety of common bugs like ants, armyworms, and chinch bugs. It covers a decent area of 5,000 square feet with one 13.35-pound bag, making it suitable for small to medium-sized yards. This product is synthetic and comes in granule form, which is easy to spread. It is designed to feed and strengthen your lawn, particularly helping it handle summer heat and drought conditions. The added insect control is a useful bonus, especially if you’ve had problems with pests damaging your grass.

You should apply it to a dry lawn during summer once you notice insect activity, which means the timing is important to get the best results. If you prefer organic fertilizers or want to know the precise nutrient breakdown, this product might not fully meet those needs. It’s also a bit specialized for summer use rather than year-round fertilizing.

This product represents a practical option for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly, dual-purpose fertilizer and insect control treatment, especially during the hotter months.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a synthetic granular fertilizer designed to quickly improve lawn color, thanks to its added 5% iron which helps grass green up within about three days. It covers a decent lawn size of 5,000 square feet per 16.67-pound bag, making it suitable for medium-sized yards. The product can be used during spring, summer, or fall and is safe to walk on right after application, which is convenient for busy homeowners.

One notable benefit is that it’s formulated not to stain driveways or concrete when used as directed. Being a synthetic fertilizer, it might not appeal to those preferring organic lawn care options. Typically, synthetic fertilizers like this are applied every 6-8 weeks during growing seasons.

If you want fast results and ease of use without organic certification, Scotts Green Max is a solid pick, though those seeking natural products should look elsewhere.