The average cost to reseed a lawn is $1,081
The average cost to reseed a lawn is $1,081, with most homeowners paying between $436 and $1,763.
Costs vary based on factors like lawn size, seed type, location, and lawn quality.
Seeding a lawn enhances its appearance, promotes healthier grass, and prevents weed growth.
Hiring a lawn care professional helps save time, prevent mistakes, and ensure lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to reseed grass is $1,081, with most prices ranging between $436 and $1,763. Depending on your lawn's size and condition, you might spend as little as $120 or as much as $4,000. If your lawn is looking thin, patchy, or struggling to recover from drought or foot traffic, reseeding can help restore its lush, healthy appearance. Planning your budget and hiring a professional can make the process smoother and more effective.
There are several factors that influence the cost of seeding or reseeding your lawn. The size of your yard, the type of grass seed you choose, and any necessary preparation work, like aeration or soil testing, determine the total price.
Reseeding costs an average of $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot, meaning the larger your lawn, the more you'll spend. For example, reseeding a 1,000-square-foot lawn might cost between $100 and $200, while a 1-acre lawn could cost between $3,000 and $5,900.
Here’s a look at seeding costs based on lawn size.
Area Size | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
500 sq. ft. | $50–$100 |
1,000 sq. ft. | $100–$200 |
2,000 sq. ft. | $200–$400 |
3,000 sq. ft. | $300–$600 |
4,000 sq. ft. | $400–$800 |
5,000 sq. ft. | $500–$1,000 |
1 acre | $3,000–$5,900 |
2 acres | $6,000–$11,800 |
5 acres | $15,000–$17,700 |
Where you live affects both the cost and success of your seeding project. Some affordable grass types might not thrive in your region. For example, Bahia grass does well in the South but isn't suitable for colder climates like the Northeast. Consult a local landscaper to choose the right seed for your area.
The condition of your lawn affects the cost of seeding. Lawns with compacted soil may require aeration, which costs $100 to $400 on average. Loam and clay soils often require effort to aerate than sandy soil types, increasing costs.
If your lawn has thick layers of thatch, you may also need to dethatch before seeding. The cost to dethatch a lawn is $215 for a medium-sized area. Some lawns might also need more watering than others, and your pro might recommend installing a sprinkler system for $1,640 to $3,566.
Some lawn service companies offer 20% off flat-rate packages for reseeding lawns if it's part of your routine lawn care maintenance plan. Packages often include a combination of common lawn care services, including fertilization, aeration, weed control, and lawn mowing.
Hiring a professional lawn care company to reseed your lawn adds about $250 to $350 to your costs. Professional reseeding includes services like removing dead grass, preparing the soil, spreading the seed, and applying fertilizer.
Additional preparation expenses include the price of mowing your lawn, the cost of tree and shrub services, and the removal of debris. These services start at $30, depending on the extent of the preparation. Expect to pay less for seeding a new lawn because you don’t have to factor in these preparation services to prepare the grass.
Some homeowners opt to lay sod instead of seed because it’s a faster way to get a lush and full lawn. The cost to install sod ranges from about $1,100 to $3,000.
A 50-pound bag of high-end grass seed can cost anywhere between $80 and $400. The type of grass impacts the cost to seed your yard, with Bahia and Kentucky bluegrass seeds falling at the higher end of the price range and fescue and clover coming in towards the lower end. Bermuda seeds fall in the middle of the range.
Seed Type | Price per Pound |
---|---|
Bahia | $10 |
Clover | $4 |
Kentucky bluegrass | $6 |
Fescue | $3 |
Bermuda | $6 |
Bermuda grass seeds cost about $6 per pound. This species does well in warmer climates, as it requires a lot of sunlight and good drainage. It’s tolerant to elements like heat, drought, and traffic, but it does require quite a bit of maintenance to keep it healthy and prospering.
Fescue seeds cost about $3 per pound. Fescue, or tall fescue, is considered a cool-season grass because it can survive freezing temperatures. It’s disease-resistant and has heat, drought, and shade tolerance. However, it doesn’t have a significant ability to repair itself when damaged.
Bahia grass costs $10 per pound on average. You may find that spending a little more is better because this grass species thrives in a Southern environment. This will not be a good choice for you if you live in a climate like the Northeast because you need a species that can survive freezing temperatures.
Though not technically a grass, clover does well in temperate climates and costs between $4 per pound. This wallet-friendly seed option is also low-maintenance and attracts pollinators, but some homeowners associations might consider it a weed.
Another temperate-dwelling grass is Kentucky bluegrass, which costs anywhere from $6 per pound. This option is one of the costliest, but it's great for areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Reseeding your lawn yourself can save you about $250 to $350 in labor costs. You'll need to purchase grass seed, which costs $100 to $400 for a 50-pound bag, and possibly rent equipment like a push aerator for $20 an hour. However, hiring a professional lawn care company—costing around $700 for full service—can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly. A lawn service company near you can handle everything from soil preparation to the first watering, giving your lawn the best chance to thrive.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
The amount of grass seed you need depends on the size of your lawn and the specific grass type. For example, a new tall fescue lawn requires about eight to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, while colonial and creeping bentgrasses need only 1/2 to one pound per 1,000 square feet. Accurately measuring your lawn or hiring a lawn care professional ensures you buy the right amount.
It takes between seven and 30 days to reseed a lawn, depending on your local climate and the grass species you use. Proper soil preparation, seeding techniques, and a good watering schedule help ensure your lawn grows healthy and strong within this timeframe. If you require additional prep work, the process may take longer.
Without proper measurements, you can put down too much grass seed. Putting down too much grass seed can harm your lawn by leading to clumping and uneven growth, which may cause disease and nutrient imbalances. Stick to the recommended seeding rates and spread the seed evenly for the best results.
The difference between overseeding and reseeding is that overseeding involves spreading new seeds over an existing lawn to improve its thickness, while reseeding means planting new seeds to replace significant portions of a damaged or dead lawn. Knowing the difference helps you choose the best approach for your lawn's needs.
You should avoid walking on grass seed until the new grass has been mowed three to four times, indicating a strong root system has developed. Early foot traffic can damage seedlings and hinder growth, so limiting access helps your lawn grow healthy and strong. If you must walk on your lawn, try to stick to stepping on stones, boards, or designated pathways.
The best time to reseed your lawn depends on your grass type and local climate. Warm-season grasses should be reseeded in spring or summer, while cool-season grasses do best when reseeded in early spring or early fall. Seeding at the right time helps ensure robust growth and a healthy lawn.