10 Best Cheap Lawn Fertilizer 2025 in the United States

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Fertilizer is designed to prepare your lawn for a healthy spring by building strong, deep roots. It works well on all grass types and covers up to 4,000 square feet with one 10-pound bag, making it a good choice for medium-sized yards.

This fertilizer uses granules that can be applied on both wet or dry lawns in the fall, the ideal season for feeding grass to help it recover from summer stress such as heat and drought. It is a synthetic product, which typically results in faster nutrient release compared to organic fertilizers.

You will likely need to apply it once per fall season, fitting well into a simple lawn care routine. The 10-pound bag size suits medium lawns but might require multiple purchases for larger areas. If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use fertilizer to strengthen your lawn before winter, this product is a strong option, especially from a reputable brand like Scotts.

The Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer is designed to help new grass grow thicker and faster, making it a solid choice for people planting seed, sod, or plugs. Its N-P-K ratio of 24-25-4 means it has high nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for strong root and shoot development in young grass. This ratio is well suited for starting new lawns but might be too strong for established grass needing maintenance only. The fertilizer is synthetic and comes in powder form, which usually means quicker nutrient availability compared to organic types, but it lacks the long-term soil benefits that organic fertilizers offer. One 15-pound bag covers up to 5,000 square feet, a decent area for typical lawn sizes, and it is meant for use during planting or reseeding, not for frequent or routine feeding throughout the season.

Users report that it can improve grass growth by up to 70% compared to unfed grass, which highlights its effectiveness for new lawns. However, because it is a starter fertilizer, you may need to follow up with a different product for continued lawn health once the grass is established. Its safety for all grass types is a plus, making it versatile for many users. The product has strong customer ratings and is not discontinued, indicating reliability and steady popularity. In summary, this fertilizer provides a good budget-friendly option specifically for new lawns, but it is not necessarily the best choice for ongoing lawn maintenance or those seeking organic options.

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is a versatile lawn fertilizer that caters to all grass types and covers a substantial area of 15,000 sq. ft. This makes it a good choice for large lawns. Weighing 37.50 lbs, it is designed to be easy to apply on both wet and dry lawns, providing flexibility for users.

One notable strength is its capability to feed and strengthen grass, promoting deep root growth and improving the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can result in a healthier lawn that is more resilient to future problems.

Despite being a synthetic product, its broad coverage and ease of use make it a strong contender for those in need of a reliable and effective lawn fertilizer at an affordable price.