Grass Seed Prices

Grass seed typically ranges in cost from $3 to $10 per pound, or $30 to $100+ per bag. What you’ll pay depends on where you live, how healthy your lawn is and the species of grass you have planted.

A 20-pound bag of Northeast grass seed (a mixture of species hardy for the temperature and suitable for a general use lawn) costs about $70. An average American lawn ranges in size from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet. Homeowners typically pay between $150 and $750 for labor, which includes work like removing dead grass, raking the soil, spreading the seed and fertilizing your yard. Here’s a look at the cost based on area size:

Cost to Seed an Acre of Grass

It costs about $5,880 to seed an acre of grass. This is an estimate based on average costs; cost can rise or fall significantly, depending on factors like grass type and how extensive the job is.

Grass Seeding Cost Per Square Foot

Grass seeding usually costs between $0.09 and $0.18 per square foot.

Grass Seed Cost by Brand

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Seeds are available in a variety of sizes. Smaller bags – sold in 3- to 7-pounds – can help you fix a bald spot. If you need to cover a large property, you can find a range from 10- to 40-pound bags. Cost depends, in part, on size, species and who’s selling it. While Scott’s remains the most well-known brand on the market, homeowners praise other brands such as Pennington and Jonathan Green. Here’s an updated look at what you’ll pay for each brand.

Grass Seed Cost by Type

Not sure which grass to choose? A lawn pro can help you decide based on factors like climate and personal preference. For example, there are eco-friendly, drought-tolerant, herbal and native grasses you can choose from. You can also opt for hardy ground cover or a species that requires little maintenance. You may even choose a grass depending on the topography of your property. For example, Weeping Lovegrass does well on hillsides and helps control erosion. Sedges are available in all climate zones and create the look of a lawn without upkeep.

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The drought-tolerant Buffalo grass requires little watering or mowing. If you need help picking out the right species, or help in general with lawn service, finding the company that’s right for you is the first step. They’ll be able to give you direction based on the factors included in this guide. If you prefer the look of a lush lawn that requires a lot of upkeep, but aren’t able to tackle it alone, a lawn mowing service near you may make it more manageable. 

Bermuda Grass Seed Prices

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, traffic and salt, but it does require quite a bit of maintenance to keep it healthy and prospering.

Fescue Seed Price

Fescue seeds cost about $3 per pound. Fescue, or tall fescue, is a considered a cool-season grass because it can survive freezing temperatures. It’s disease resistant and has tolerance for heat, drought and shade. However, it doesn’t have a significant ability to repair itself if it’s damaged.

Best Price on Grass Seed

The ideal cost depends entirely on factors like location, lawn condition and personal preference. Clover, Kentucky bluegrass or Bahia seeds run from $4 to $10 a pound, while Fescue and Bermuda grass are a more cost-effective option, typically running between $3 and $6 a pound.

You may find that spending a little more is better because Bahia grass thrives in a Southern environment. This would 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.  

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Cost to Seed a New Lawn

The cost to seed a new lawn ranges from $400 to $1,500. Some homeowners opt to lay sod instead, because it’s a faster way to get a lush and full lawn. The cost to install sod typically ranges from $1,030 to $2,700. If you have bald or dead areas of grass due to heavy foot or vehicle traffic, you may have compacted soil. A pro can easily help you fix this with dethatching and aeration. Lawn aeration cost generally runs from $75 to $200. The cost to dethatch a lawn is about $400, or between $100 and $700. If you need a hand to get the job done, lawn dethatching services near you can help.  

Cost to Re-Seed a Lawn

It costs about $950 to re-seed a lawn, or between $400 and $1,500.  Method can also impact price. For example, some homeowners prefer hydroseeding; while this is cheaper than laying sod, it’s more expensive than traditional re-seeding. Hydroseeding a lawn costs between $500 and $4,000, depending on the size and condition of your yard.

Cost to Overseed Lawn

It costs about $950 to overseed a lawn, or between $400 and $1,500. Overseeding is another word for reseeding; the process and cost factors remain the same.

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DIY Seeding vs. Hiring a Lawn Seeding Service

Reseeding your lawn is an involved DIY project, though it is possible. Hiring a professional can increase your cost $250 to $350. The average cost for hiring a professional is around $700 including prep work, soil amendment, and everything down to the first watering. If you decide to handle this project yourself, here are some tips to help:

• Test your soil early. This will give you time to figure out how much you’ll need of what.
• Know your growing area so you know what kinds of grasses flourish in your region.
• Get seeds suited to what you intend to use your lawn for. If it’s a playground for the kids, you want a tough, hardy grass that holds up to foot traffic. If it’s for appearance, pick a soft, lush grass.
• Note how much shade your yard has. Some grass doesn’t do well in shade; some doesn’t do well in blazing sunlight.
• Decide if you should seed or overseed. If your lawn has just turned brown and has some patchy spots, overseeding is less costly. If large areas are damaged, you may need to reseed or have a pro remove the damaged areas and lay down sod.  
• If you only have a patch or two, spot-seed only in those areas.
• Mix with damp sand a day prior. This will help it germinate faster and hold them in place in the event of wind.
• Water with a gentle spray 2-3 times per day until they germinate, then water according to your normal schedule.

Once it’s looking healthy, be sure to familiarize yourself with how to diagnose and deal with common lawn problems. Some issues can crop up seemingly overnight, like lawn fungus — knowing common types and how to prevent them from taking up residence in your yard can save you money.

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FAQs

How much grass seed do I need?

How much grass seed you need depends on the type, as well as the area you need to cover. For example, A brand new tall fescue lawn requires 8 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet of area, while colonial and creeping bentgrasses require ½ to 1 pound for the same area. If you need help with estimation, there are grass seed calculators available online that can help you figure out exactly how much you’ll need for your project, depending on these factors.

How long does it take to reseed a lawn?

It takes between seven and 30 days to reseed a lawn, though the exact timeline changes depending on where you live and the species of grass.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

No, grass seed will not grow if you just throw it on the ground. While a few seeds may sprout, if you don’t go through the proper process to plant your seeds, they won’t germinate, which wastes time and money.  

Can you put down too much grass seed?

Yes, you can put down too much grass seed. You can tell because some areas are more thick and dark than other spots. You run the risk of exposing your lawn to issues like disease if you put down too much.

How can I make my grass grow faster in the summer?

You can make your grass grow faster in the summer by properly taking care of it. This means putting your lawnmower on a high setting, watering deeply and early in the day, attending to areas damaged by pet waste and putting fertilizer down. The cost to fertilize a lawn usually ranges between $80 and $380.

What’s the difference between overseeding and reseeding a lawn?

The difference between overseeding and reseeding a lawn is marginal. People often use the terms interchangeably, though some use the term “reseeding” when talking about seeding a very large portion of a lawn, or the entire area.

Can you walk on grass seed?

You can walk on grass seed after you’ve mowed it three to four times. You should keep children, pets and other foot traffic away from it in the meantime.

Why should I maintain my lawn?

A healthy lawn increases property value and gives you a beautiful space for outdoor entertaining, as well as a play area for children and pets. They can reduce noise pollution, help clean the air and improve the soil structure around your home. Additionally, lawns prevent flooding from heavy rain and can even keep you cool, which may lower your A/C bill.

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