You’ll pay an average of $1,081 to reseed a lawn
The average cost to reseed a lawn is $1,081, with most homeowners paying between $437 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.
If your grass appears patchy or tired, reseeding can help revive it to like-new condition. Most homeowners spend an average of $1,081 for reseeding services, although prices can range from $120 to $4,000, or $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot. Your final price depends on yard size, regional climate, and the lawn’s current condition. A professional lawn care service can assess soil quality, recommend the right seed blend, and apply it evenly for consistent growth.
Several key factors drive what you’ll ultimately pay to seed or reseed your lawn. The size of your yard, the type of grass seed you choose, and any necessary preparation work, such as aeration or soil testing, all contribute to determining 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 thrives in the South but isn't suitable for colder climates, such as 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 between $100 and $400 on average. Loam and clay soils often require more 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 may also require more watering than others, and your professional might recommend installing a sprinkler system for $1,639 to $3,571.
Ask your lawn-care provider whether they offer discounted flat-rate packages—many roll reseeding into routine services like fertilization, aeration, weed control, and mowing, and can shave roughly 20% off the total.
Hiring a professional lawn care company adds $250 to $350 in labor costs. Still, that fee covers everything—from clearing dead grass and prepping the soil to spreading seed and applying starter fertilizer.
When budgeting for reseeding, be sure to account for prep work as well. Mowing costs between $50 and $210, while tree or shrub trimming, leaf removal ($200 to $560), weed treatment ($110 to $325), and hauling away debris all contribute to the total bill. If you’re starting from scratch with a brand-new lawn, you may spend between $400 and $1,500, as there’s little to no cleanup required.
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 $1,100 to $3,000.
The type of grass impacts your overall seeding costs. Below are prices per pound and the average cost for a 50-pound bag of each grass type.
Seed Type | Price per Pound | Cost for 50-Lb. Bag |
---|---|---|
Bahia | $10 | $170–$200 |
Clover | $4 | $80–$200 |
Kentucky bluegrass | $6 | $300–$400 |
Fescue | $3 | $100–$250 |
Bermuda | $6 | $230–$380 |
Bermuda seed runs $6 per pound. It flourishes in full-sun, warm-weather regions with well-drained soil. You’ll get solid heat, drought, and foot-traffic tolerance, but be ready for regular upkeep to keep this variety looking its best.
Fescue seed averages $3 per pound. As a cool-season grass, it handles freezing temperatures well and exhibits good tolerance to disease, heat, drought, and shade. The one drawback is that it can’t self-repair quickly, so heavy wear may leave bare spots.
Bahia averages $10 per pound. The higher price makes sense if you live in the South, where this warm-season variety thrives. It struggles in colder regions, so homeowners in the North are usually better off with a hardier cool-season seed.
Clover isn’t a grass, but at $4 per pound, it’s an affordable, low-maintenance option for temperate yards and a boon for pollinators. Just double-check HOA rules—some still label clover a weed.
Kentucky bluegrass runs $6 per pound, making it one of the pricier picks, but its durability under heavy foot traffic can be worth the splurge.
Reseeding your lawn yourself can save you $250 to $350 in labor costs. You'll need to purchase grass seed, which costs between $100 and $400 for a 50-pound bag, and possibly rent equipment like a push aerator for $20 per hour. However, hiring a professional lawn care company—costing $250 to $350 in labor—can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.
A lawn service company near you can handle everything, giving your lawn the best chance to thrive. If convenience tops your list, a local professional can handle the preparation, seeding, and initial watering, allowing you to focus on enjoying a greener yard.
To keep your reseeding project within budget, consider the following tips:
Compare grass seed prices at different retailers—big box stores often offer better deals than specialty shops, potentially saving 15-25% on your seed costs.
Consider splitting equipment rentals with neighbors who also need lawn work—sharing an aerator for a weekend can cut rental costs in half.
Time your reseeding for fall or early spring when many lawn care companies offer off-season discounts of 10-20% on services.
Buy seed in bulk if you have storage space—50-pound bags cost 30% less per pound than smaller packages.
Ask about package deals when hiring professionals—combining reseeding with aeration or fertilization often comes with a bundled discount of 15-30% compared to booking services separately.
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.
When you’re figuring out how much seed to buy, start with your lawn’s square footage. Tall fescue requires eight to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, while finer blends require only half to one pound. Too little seed leaves thin patches; too much causes clumps and nutrient competition. Measure carefully or ask a lawn-care pro to confirm your numbers so you spread the right amount and set your new grass up for even growth.
Most lawns sprout within seven to 30 days after reseeding, but the timing depends on the climate and seed type. Cool-season blends pop faster in mild spring or fall weather, while warm-season grasses need steady heat. Good soil prep, even seed distribution, and two to three light waterings a day speed germination. Extra aeration or debris removal beforehand can tack on a few more days.
Overseeding involves spreading fresh seed over an existing lawn to thicken it, whereas reseeding targets bare or damaged areas where much of the turf has died or been damaged. Understanding which issue you’re facing helps you pick the correct fix—and avoid paying for services you don’t need. Your lawn care pro can evaluate your property to determine the most effective option.
Hold off on foot traffic until the new grass has been mowed three or four times—by then, the roots are strong enough to handle weight. Stepping on seedlings too soon can crush them and slow growth, so cordon off the area or stick to stones and pathways if you need to cross the yard.
Reseeding timing depends on the type of grass and climate. Warm-season varieties perform best when reseeded in late spring or early summer, while cool-season blends prefer early spring or early fall. Select a seed suitable for your region and keep it moist—giving it two to three light waterings a day during the first week helps jump-start germination and create uniform coverage.
Hydroseeding costs range from $500 to $4,000. A pro sprays a pressurized mix of seed, fertilizer, water, and mulch that delivers quick, even coverage—perfect for big or uneven yards. Talk with a local lawn-care expert to pin down an exact price for your lawn’s size, seed type, and overall condition.