I actually find it cheaper to go with a good service vs buying tons of bags and doing the labor yourself. I pay $75 x 5 this season and they come back free of charge if weeds or crabgrass pop up. If I did all the ‘steps’ myself I would pay more than $400 for the season. I’ve also freed myself to do other landscaping projects that I otherwise would not have the time to do...cuz I’d be constantly worrying about doing my lawn care, when to apply, 1hr roundtrip drive to the store, etc etc.