Seeding a lawn can cost anywhere from $0.07 to $0.23 per square foot, but the final costs will vary depending on the project size, the type of seed you’re spreading, and the method your pro uses.
Hiring a pro to overseed a small portion of your lawn can cost as little as $150, whereas seeding a standard 1/4-acre lawn will cost around $1,200.
This guide draws data from big and small cities in the U.S., so you can get the best estimate of how much this project will cost in your area.
Cost by location
The area you live in can affect the cost of seeding your lawn because your climate determines what kind of grass you can plant.
If you live in the Northern U.S., where winters are cold, you’ll need to choose a cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass. In the Southern U.S., you’ll need a warm-season grass type like Bermudagrass or bahiagrass. Moreover, labor costs are usually higher in bigger cities, whereas you can expect to pay a little less in rural areas.
See the table below for estimates in a sample of cities across the country, considering the average prices to overseed a small part of your lawn on the lower end and an average-sized lawn on the higher end:
| City | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $157 – $1,250 |
| Boston, MA | $184 – $1,453 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Biloxi, MS | $122 – $970 |
| Atlanta, GA | $136 – $1,078 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Madison, WI | $160 – $1,267 |
| Detroit, MI | $163 – $1,300 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $143 – $1,139 |
| Boise, ID | $147 – $1,165 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $148 – $1,172 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $151 – $1,200 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $159 – $1,260 |
Cost estimator by lawn size
When seeding a lawn, the size of your lawn will be the biggest factor in determining the cost. Costs for lawn seeding range from $0.07 to $0.23 per square foot, so you can use the table below to estimate the costs of this project based on your lawn size:
| Lawn Size | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| 1,000 square feet | $70 – $230 |
| 5,000 square feet | $350 – $1,150 |
| 1/4 acre | $762 – $2,505 |
| 1/2 acre | $1,525 – $5,009 |
| 3/4 acre | $2,287 – $7,514 |
| 1 acre | $3,049 – $10,019 |
Labor costs
If you decide to hire a professional to seed your lawn, the cost of labor is usually between $45 and $95 per hour. This does not include the cost of the seed or any other materials that may be needed. However, the added cost is worth it, as hiring a pro can help ensure proper seeding of your lawn.
Cost by seeding method
The method you choose to seed your lawn also will affect the total cost. The most common methods of seeding a lawn are:
Hydroseeding
On average, the cost of hydroseeding is between $0.08 and $0.21 per square foot. With hydroseeding, you use a mixture of water, seed, fertilizer, and other amendments to create a slurry that is then sprayed onto the lawn.
Overseeding
The cost of overseeding your lawn is between $0.07 and $0.23 per square foot. Overseeding means planting grass seed on top of an existing lawn with traditional methods. Overseeding your lawn in fall or winter can help improve its thickness and health.
Slice seeding
With this seeding method, you create small grooves in the soil before sowing the seeds in those furrows. The costs associated with slice seeding can vary based on your lawn’s size, but you can expect to pay between $0.08 and $0.18 per square foot. It’s effective for filling in bare spots or thinning areas in your lawn.
Cost by type of grass seed
There are many different types of grass seed available on the market, and the type you choose can have a big impact on the cost. The most common types of grass seed are:
| Grass seed | Average price per pound (materials only) |
| Tall fescue | $2 – $6 |
| Perennial ryegrass | $3 – $8 |
| Bermudagrass | $3 – $12 |
| Bahiagrass | $6 – $15 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | $7 – $15 |
| Fine fescue | $8 – $14 |
| Zoysiagrass | $8 – $41 |
| Carpetgrass | $10 – $15 |
For more information on these grass types, check out these guides:
- Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It
- Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It
- Bermudagrass: How to Grow and Care for It
- Bahiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It
- Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It
- Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It
- Zoysiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It
- Carpetgrass: How to Grow and Care for It
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
The cost of seeding a large lawn yourself may be lower than hiring a professional because you won’t have to pay for labor. However, it’s still important to factor in the cost of the seeds, as well as the equipment you’ll need to spread them. Also note that if you’ll be seeding a small area, the cost may be higher than professional services since you’ll be needing your own equipment.
For grass seeds, you’ll spend between $2 and $41 per pound, depending on the the type you choose. For equipment and tools, you’ll need a spreader, which range from $11 to $282, depending on whether they’re handheld of broadcast, gardening gloves, a rake, and a wheelbarrow.
Prices will be even higher if you rent a core aerator to aerate your lawn before seeding and increase seed-to-soil contact.
FAQ
Although it is possible for grass seed to grow if you just throw it down, it is not likely to germinate evenly or result in a healthy lawn. It’s important to prepare the soil before planting the seed and to water it regularly after planting. While the seed may germinate without these steps, the resulting lawn is likely to be patchy and unhealthy.
The best time to plant grass seeds is in the early fall or spring. The temperatures during these seasons are ideal for germination and growth. If you plant grass seeds in the summer, it can still work. However, you will need to water it more often if you want to prevent the seeds from drying out.
It will take about two weeks for your grass seeds to germinate and sprout. However, it can take up to six weeks for the grass to reach its full height.
Hire a pro to seed your lawn
While the initial investment for seeds, fertilizer, and other materials may seem high, keep in mind that you may only need to seed your lawn once.
For an accurate estimate of the cost to seed your lawn, contact a seeding professional in your area. Remember to factor in the size of your lawn, as well as any special considerations that may be needed. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a healthy, green lawn that will last for years.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
– Lawn Fertilization Cost Guide
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo Credit: dean / Adobe Stock Free / License
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