The average cost of having a lawn care professional seed or reseed your lawn is between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot. The total cost of your project will depend on the size and complexity of the job, with the typical lawn costing between $680 and $1,815 to seed.
When budgeting for your landscaping project, consider the costs of seeding, fertilizing, and other factors that may affect how much you’ll spend on your lawn.
While the type of grass you choose will significantly impact the cost – for example, fine fescue will cost less than a Kentucky bluegrass lawn – your yard’s complexity could also affect your costs. If you have difficult terrain or need to install an irrigation system, you may spend more.
In this article:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Lawn Size
- Cost to Seed a Lawn vs. Artificial Turf vs. Installing Sod
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Seed a Lawn in 2023
| National Average Cost | $1,085 |
| Typical Price Range | $680 – $1,815 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $195 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $2,960 |
While the national average cost to seed a lawn is around $1,085, the total cost of your project could range from as little as $195 to as much as nearly $3,000, depending on size and complexity. This includes the grass seed costs, the necessary equipment to spread them, and labor charges from a lawn care specialist.
If you choose to seed your own lawn, you will only incur the expense of seeds and equipment, but it will take a significant amount of time and effort. It will cost you, on average, $195 to seed a small lawn yourself.
Seeding Cost Estimator by Lawn Size
| Lawn Size | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $160 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $300 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $425 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $575 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $820 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | $1,330 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | $2,435 |
| 1 acre | $4,900 |
The size of your lawn is the primary factor in determining the cost to seed. For a small lawn measuring up to 5,000 square feet, you can expect to pay $820 on average, while a full acre of land will run you $4,900, including the cost of materials and labor.
While it might be tempting to go the DIY route and save money, hiring a professional for larger lawns is better. A specialist can help you choose the right type of grass seed for your climate and soil type, which will ultimately result in a more attractive, healthier lawn.
Cost to Seed a Lawn vs. Artificial Turf vs. Installing Sod
There are alternatives to seeding if you’re looking for a quick, low-maintenance lawn solution. While the upfront cost of installing artificial turf or sod is significantly more than seeding a lawn, it can provide long-term value. Let’s look at the differences between these three options more closely.
Seeding
Planting grass seed is the least expensive option and can provide you with a lush, natural lawn. However, it takes time and requires more maintenance than other options, and it may not be suitable for all climates. On average, it will cost you between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot to seed your lawn.
Artificial Turf
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, is made of a combination of nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene materials. It requires little to no maintenance and is extremely durable. Artificial grass installation costs between $5.50 and $19.75 per square foot.
Sod Installation
Sod is a great option if you want an instant lawn, as it takes just days to install and requires little maintenance to get established. Installing sod costs, on average, between $0.90 and $1.80 per square foot, making it more expensive than seeding but less costly than artificial grass.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While the size of your yard is the primary factor in determining the cost of seeding or reseeding your lawn, other factors can influence the total price. These include:
Overseeding vs. Slice Seeding vs. Hydroseeding
There are several ways to seed a lawn, and each method has its own cost that should be considered when deciding which is best for your budget and lawn size. Here is a breakdown of each method and its associated cost:
Overseeding
Overseeding is the process of sprinkling grass seed over existing turf. This technique can help thicken a thin lawn or revitalize an old one. The cost of overseeding a lawn will depend on the square footage of your lawn but typically ranges from $650 to $1,650.
Overseeding is best done in the fall or spring when the weather is mild and the soil temperatures are warm. This will help the seed germination be more successful and help the grass establish itself faster.
Slice Seeding
Slice seeding is a process of cutting small grooves into the soil and then planting seeds in the grooves. The cost of slice seeding depends on the size of your lawn, but it typically ranges from $0.09 to $0.17 per square foot.
Slice seeding is best for small areas and can help fill in bare or thin spots in a lawn quickly. It’s also helpful for areas with hard soil since it allows the grass seed to come into contact directly with moist soil.
Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is the process of spraying grass seed, mulch, and fertilizer onto the lawn. This method is ideal for large areas, and the cost of hydroseeding will depend on your lawn size, but it typically ranges from $515 to $1,910 for an average-sized U.S. lawn.
Hydroseeding is a great option if you need to cover a large area quickly since the grass seed and fertilizer are evenly spread in one process. This method also helps to retain moisture and prevents soil erosion, making it ideal for areas with slopes or hills.
Grass Type
Different types of grass seeds have different costs. For example, warm-season grass seeds like Bermudagrass or Centipedegrass will usually cost more than cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass or fescue.
Here are the most common grass types and their corresponding costs:
Bahiagrass
Bahiagrass is a warm-season grass that is popular in the southeastern United States. It grows well in full sun and is drought-tolerant. The cost of bahiagrass seed is $7 to $9 per pound, on average, and should be planted at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is another warm-season grass that is popular in the southern United States. It grows quickly and is extremely drought-tolerant. On average, Bermudagrass seed costs $4 to $9.50 per pound and should be planted at a rate of 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Centipedegrass
Centipedegrass is a warm-season grass that is popular in the southeastern United States. It is drought and heat-tolerant, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. Centipedegrass seed costs $6 to $10 per pound and should be planted at a rate of 1/2 pound per 1,000 square feet.
Fine Fescue
Fine fescue has a finer texture than other types of grass and is ideal for shady areas. It is drought-tolerant but grows best in cooler climates. The average price of fine fescue ranges from $3 to $8 per pound, and it should be seeded at a rate of 3 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Kentucky Bluegrass
While Kentucky bluegrass is more commonly grown in the northern United States, it can be successfully grown in other regions. For heavy foot traffic areas, Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice. On average, it costs $6.50 to $9.50 per pound and should be seeded at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that is usually used in combination with other grasses to create a strong, dense turf. It has good heat and cold tolerance and takes root quickly.
Perennial ryegrass is priced between $3 and $8 per pound and should be seeded at a rate of 3 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to withstand drought and extreme temperatures. It has a deep green color, good wear tolerance, and low maintenance requirements.
Tall fescue costs $3 to $7 per pound and should be seeded at a rate of 5 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Labor Rates
In addition to the cost of seeds and the seeding method, you should also factor in labor costs. Hiring a professional to seed your lawn can cost between $35 and $80 per hour, not including the cost of supplies or materials.
While this may seem expensive, a professional can ensure that your lawn is properly seeded and cared for so you don’t have to worry about mistakes or incorrect seeding.
Related Services
In addition to seeding your lawn, you may want to consider these other lawn care services, which can make the process of seeding your lawn easier and more successful.
Getting Your Lawn Ready for Seeding
Lawn prep services – such as aerating, fertilizing, and soil testing – can ensure that your lawn is in the best shape possible for seeding.
Soil Testing
The cost of soil testing is typically between $15 and $20 per soil sample. Testing can help determine what type of soil is in your yard and which types of grass seed will thrive best. Soil testing can also help determine if any amendments are needed, like fertilizers and lime.
Lawn Fertilization
If your soil test results indicate that your lawn needs additional nutrients, you may want to consider fertilizing. The cost of lawn fertilization depends on the size of your lawn but typically ranges from $88 to $544, with most homeowners spending $380 for an average-sized U.S. lawn.
Lawn Aeration
On average, lawn aeration costs between $75 and $225 per session for an average-sized U.S. lawn. This service creates small holes in the soil that allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. Aerating also helps break up any soil compaction, which can help promote healthy root growth.
Lawn Mowing
Once your newly seeded grass starts growing, you’ll need to mow it every 1 – 2 weeks to keep it healthy and neat. You can hire a lawn care service to mow your lawn for a typical cost of $29 to $65 per service.
Dethatching
On average, lawn dethatching costs $250 per 1,000 sq. ft. or $190 per hour. This process removes dead grass, moss, and other debris from the lawn. It can help promote healthy new growth and ensure that your lawn receives the nutrients it needs.
Sprinkler System Installation
If you’re looking for the most efficient way to water your newly seeded or reseeded lawn, you may want to consider an in-ground sprinkler system. The cost of sprinkler system installation can range from $2,400 to $4,200, with most homeowners spending around $3,150 for an average-sized U.S. lawn.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
| Cost of DIY Materials* | Cost of Hiring a Professional |
| $0.01 – $0.04 per sq. ft. for seed + $15 – $700 for spreader | $0.10 – $0.19 per sq. ft. for seed + labor |
*Based on a spreading rate of 4 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet
Hiring a professional for seeding is more expensive than doing it yourself, but there are several benefits to consider. Professionals have the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done correctly. They also have access to specialized tools and equipment that will make the process easier, faster, and more effective.
Cost to Seed a Lawn by Location
Whether you’re looking to reseed an existing lawn or plant a new one, the cost can vary depending on where you live. On average, it will cost you between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot to seed a lawn in the United States. While this is the national average, the cost can vary significantly depending on your city and state.
Different grasses thrive in different climates, so the cost of a particular seed may vary depending on where you live. Be sure to research the best type of grass for your area before making a purchase.
For example, if you’re living in the northern US, the cost to seed a lawn may be lower than in other regions of the country due to the lower cost of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. In the southern US, warm-season grasses are more expensive and often require more maintenance, so the cost to seed a lawn may be higher.
FAQ
Generally, it’s best to water your lawn every 3-4 days and ensure that it gets around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This will vary depending on the type of grass you have, the weather conditions, and the time of year. However, you should water newly seeded grass a lot more often, up to twice a day.
For the best results, you’ll need to properly prepare the soil before spreading grass seed. Till the soil, remove any weeds or other debris, and ensure that the soil is properly fertilized. This will help create a better environment for the seed to grow in.
It’s best to seed your lawn after mowing. This will ensure that the newly planted seeds are not disturbed by the mower. Mow lower than usual and rake up the grass clippings so that the seeds can germinate properly.
The best time to seed a lawn depends on where you live and the type of grass you’re planting. In general, cool-season grasses should be seeded in the late summer or early fall, while warm-season grasses should be seeded in late spring and early summer.
Final Thoughts
Seeding your lawn can be a great way to revitalize it and create a lush, green space. But consider the cost of seeds, the seeding method, and labor rates before you set your budget. By doing your research and considering all of these factors beforehand, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal and the most out of your lawn.
On average, hiring a professional to seed your lawn will cost you $680 to $1,815, depending on the size of your lawn and the seeding method. While this may seem steep, the results are worth it. You’ll have a lush, green lawn that you can enjoy for years to come.
Main Photo by: Canva Pro
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