In this guide

Grass Seeding Cost per Square Foot

One of the best ways to determine the overall cost of your grass seeding project is to know the average square footage of your lawn. The average cost to seed a single square foot of lawn ranges from $0.09 to $0.18. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common lawn sizes below. Depending on the size of your lawn, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $6,400.

Cost to Plant Grass per Acre

The overall cost of your grass seeding project depends primarily on the size of your lawn. You can use a couple of different ways to measure your space. One of these is by acre, which is why we’re going to take a closer look at common measurements. Depending on the size, you can expect to pay between $875 and $6,400 for your project.

Cost to Seed ¼ Acre of Grass

On average, it will cost between $875 and $1,600 to plant grass seed on a fourth of an acre of land. A yard this size is 10,890 sq.ft. The overall cost to plant grass seeds in a yard this size depends on a few factors, such as if the area is ready to receive the seed, the overall state of your yard, the dimensions of the space, and the type of grass you’re planting.

Cost to Seed ½ Acre of Grass

The cost to seed a half-acre of grass ranges from $1,750 and $3,200. A yard this size is 21,780 sq.ft. The cost to seed a yard this size varies depending on the current state of your lawn. If no additional help is required, the overall costs can be much lower. On the other hand, the more preparation you need, the more expensive your project will be. Other aspects that impact the overall cost include the shape of your yard and the type of seed you are planting.

Cost to Seed an Acre of Grass

In most cases, the cost to seed an acre of grass ranges from $3,500 to $6,400. Most seeds are sold to cover around 5,000 sq.ft. With that being said, an acre of grass is approximately 43,650 sq.ft. In some areas, you may be able to purchase your seeds at a discount for this volume, but the labor costs may be slightly higher because of the area that must be covered.

Grass Seed Cost by Type

Hundreds of different types of grass seed are available, all with distinct characteristics and costs. If you are seeding an area of an existing lawn, you may need to have your existing grass tested or identified to determine its type before applying new seed to get the best match. If you are seeding a new lawn, be sure to research what types of seeds grow best in your climate and soil.

As you are deciding which type of grass to plant, be sure to differentiate between warm-season grass seed and cold-season grass seed. Some of the best ways to measure how much grass seed you’ll need is to calculate the grass seed pricing per pound and per sq.ft. Some of the more common types of seed include:

Buffalo Grass Seed Price

It costs approximately $0.09 to $0.16 per sq.ft. and $1 to $7 per pound for Buffalo grass seed. This type of grass is very low maintenance and as tough as turf. It is the only native grass that can act as lawn grass. Buffalo grass is a warm-season turf, which means it should be planted in the late spring or early summer. It has better resistance to droughts and cold weather than most other warm-season grasses.

Fine Fescue Grass Seed

Fine Fescue ¹ grass costs $0.30 to $0.60 per sq.ft. and $2 to $9 per pound. This standard turf grass is best used in cooler areas with plenty of shade. This eco-friendly grass is very resilient. However, it is not great for high-traffic areas. It is also a cool-season grass, which means it should be planted in the early fall.

Kentucky Bluegrass Price

The cost of Kentucky bluegrass seed ranges from $0.35 to $0.45 per sq.ft. and $3 to $11 per pound. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that is one of the most popular options for homeowners throughout the United States. However, since it has fairly shallow roots, it is not as resistant to heat and drought.

Ryegrass Seed Cost

Ryegrass seed prices average $0.35 to $0.65 per sq.ft. and $3 to $14 per pound. Ryegrass germinates quickly and can be used for permanent and temporary lawns. It is a cool-season grass, which means you can enjoy green grass from fall through spring. Ryegrass is more suitable for cooler temperatures, so you should not choose this grass variety if you live in a hot or dry place.

Tall Fescue Seed Price

Tall fescue costs approximately $0.35 to $0.65 per sq.ft. and $3 to $14 per pound. This cool-season grass is extremely versatile and is tolerant to cold, heat, drought, and shade. Tall fescue is a great middle-ground option because it is more resistant to heat than other cool-season grasses. It is also more resistant to cold weather than warm-season grasses.

St. Augustine Grass Seed

If you plan to plant St. Augustine grass, expect to pay between $0.35 to $0.75 per sq.ft. and $3 to $18 per pound. This type of grass is incredibly resistant to heat and humidity, making it a great choice for coastal locations. However, it is not best used for areas that experience heavy foot traffic.

Timothy Grass Seed Price

Timothy grass seed costs between $0.40 and $0.50 per sq.ft. and $4 to $8 per pound. Timothy grass is a warm-season grass and is most commonly used for animals to graze. It features long, narrow seed heads that can be harvested for hay. This type of grass doesn’t do well in excessive heat or drought-like conditions. However, it grows well in colder regions.

Zoysia Grass Seed Cost

Zoysia grass costs approximately $0.40 to $0.60 per sq.ft. and $4 to $13 per pound to buy Zoysia grass. Zoysia is a warm-season grass that tolerates heat and drought. So, it doesn’t need much water or maintenance either. To top it off, Zoysia can handle heavy foot traffic and light shade.

Bermuda Grass Cost

Tifway Bermuda grass ² seed prices range from $0.40 to $0.85 per sq.ft. and $4 to $15 per pound. It is a warm-season grass that is more sensitive to cold temperatures. Bermuda grass is very durable and recuperates quickly if damaged. Plus, it is highly resistant to diseases. On the downside, it requires a bit more maintenance. You’ll need to frequently mow your lawn and use fertilizer to keep it in peak condition.

Cost of Centipede Grass Seed

Centipede grass costs approximately $0.75 to $0.85 per sq.ft. and $8 to $16 per pound. It is a warm-season grass that is very climate-specific. Due to the strict soil requirements, it mostly thrives in the southeastern region of the United States. Centipede grass is low-maintenance, nutrient-heavy, and heat-tolerant.

Grass Seeding Cost by Method

Many different methods can be used to plant grass seeds in your yard. The one you choose depends on the size of your lawn, your budget, and your preferred timeline for your project, among other things. Depending on which method you choose, you can expect to pay between $680 and $7,840 per acre of seed planted. Let’s take a closer look at the most common methods.

Cost to Aerate and Overseed Lawn

The cost to overseed and aerate a lawn ranges from $600 to $900 per acre for a lawn in moderate condition. Lawn areation costs $480 and $650, while the cost to overseed a lawn ranges $200 and $400.

If you have an existing lawn that’s thin and patchy but not in poor enough condition to warrant completely replacing the lawn, overseeding may be a good alternative. In overseeding, the seed is added to your existing lawn. It’s designed to fill in bare spots and create a fuller, thicker, and lusher-looking lawn.

Often, people pair this with the aeration process for best results. Aerating a lawn involves extracting small cores from the soil, which are then dropped back on top of the ground to break down and enter the soil once more. This leaves behind small holes in the earth into which the seeds from the overseeding process can fall.

Average Cost of Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is an efficient method of seeding a lawn. On average, hydroseeding prices range $2,000 and $4,000 per acre. That makes the hydroseeding cost per sq.ft. between $0.06 to $0.20. This spray-on grass seed price includes soil prep, materials, and installation.

This differs from traditional seeding in a few ways, starting with the fact that it is quicker and easier. However, it is often more expensive. The process involves combining fertilizer, seed, mulch, soil amendments, and water and using a high-pressure machine to apply it to the soil.

This causes seeds to germinate very quickly and stops erosion, weed growth, and dust pollution. The binding agents in the hydroseed mixture allow the grass to touch moisture in the mulch constantly. Binders and fiber in the mixture prevent the seeds from being washed away.

Slice Seeding Cost

The slice seeding cost ranges from about $3,920 to $7,840 per acre. This method is typically more expensive than other seed distribution methods. Because of the cost, it’s not usually recommended for the entire lawn, just areas that are dead or very patchy.

Slice seeding, or power seeding, is a mechanical method of depositing seed into the ground. This process utilizes a machine that cuts a slit into the earth and manually deposits the seed down into the slit. This method is recommended for bare patches or for areas of the lawn that are completely dead. Because it makes sure that the seed makes contact with the earth, it ensures good germination and planting of the seed, so you get better results.

Labor Cost to Have Lawn Seeded

The key to maintaining your lawn is making sure it is growing under the best conditions. The amount of labor it takes to seed your lawn and the total cost depends largely on several factors, including the total size of the area being seeded, the condition of the lawn and soil, and the type and amount of seed you’re spreading.

Most lawn services professionals charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $40 to $80 per hour. It's common for labor to include cutting and removing old grass, raking soil, spreading the seed, mowing existing grass, fertilizing and watering the lawn, and so much more. Other services include pest control and tree and stump removal. The goal is to make sure your lawn is in the best condition and is ready to receive the new grass seed. Depending on your specific needs, the preparation and seeding process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Lawn Replacement Cost

If your lawn is in truly bad condition, and you need to start from scratch, or you’re adding seed to a newly cleared area such as new construction or after the removal of trees, this can be significantly more work. Known as a lawn replacement, this method typically costs between $900 and $1,500 per 1,000 sq.ft. and involves spreading the seed and raking. If you have a current lawn that is dead and requires the removal of the old grass before the application of new seed, you can expect to pay significantly more. The cost may go up to $6,500 to remove the old grass and the installation of the new seed for a 5,000 sq.ft. lawn.

Keep in mind that the size of your lawn impacts the total cost of seeding. Smaller lawns or seeding small areas of a lawn can cost a lot less than seeding a larger area.

Cost to Seed a New Lawn

On average, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,300 to seed a new lawn though costs will depend heavily on the size of your lawn and the type of seed you choose. Seeding a new lawn is generally slightly less expensive than reseeding as you can avoid many of the preparations needed to get the old grass ready. With that being said, there are still preparations you have to make.

Be sure to time your planting correctly based on the type of seed you get. Generally speaking, you will be planting in late spring or early fall. Your contractors will test your soil, make any improvements, and get the soil ready for planting. This includes removing rocks and debris from the area, grading the soil, using fertilizers, and more.

Cost to Reseed a Lawn

Homeowners turn to reseeding for different reasons. In some cases, you may have an established lawn with thin areas, areas of grass that have died, or areas where you want improved quality. Reseeding a lawn is one of the most common types of lawn replacement and is used to solve specific problems or for regular maintenance. This lawn replacement cost ranges from $400 to $1,500. Typically, the seeding in a renovation involves spreading the seed, mowing the existing grass, occasionally cutting out areas of dead sod, and raking, aerating, and fertilizing the new seed. Renovation of your lawn through seeding takes two to eight hours, depending on the size of your lawn and the amount of seeding that needs to be done. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of dead sod to be cut and removed, this will add $0.25 to $1 per sq.ft. to your total lawn reseeding costs.

Lawn Preparation Before Seeding

Before adding new seed to your lawn, your soil may need to be prepared. The type of work that needs to be done depends on the condition of the area.

For areas with existing grass, the area may require mowing and removal of old or dead grass. If you have a dead lawn or if you want to change the type of grass, you need to have a removal service done. Grass removal costs start from $1.50 to $3 per sq.ft., including labor and materials. You may also need to remove trees, which costs between $400 to $900, or remove stumps, ranging from $200 to $700. For all areas, the soil may require fertilizer or herbicides to protect the new seed and help it grow. It may also need to be raked or aerated and turned to help improve quality. You may also need to reslope or regrade your yard, which costs between $700 and $1,700.

To avoid dead grass in the first place, consider having your soil tested to tell you what type of grass may grow best there. Matching the seed you use to your area and soil ensures that your new lawn has healthy growth and withstands your climate.

These preparations are usually included in the cost to grade and seed a lawn. However, the extra steps may increase the cost of the total job by $2 to $8 per sq.ft. for areas with poor soil quality or in areas that need old grass or weeds removed first.

Lawn Renovation Cost

If your lawn has seen better days, there are plenty of things you can do to get it back in top shape. The most common signs that your yard needs renovations include dead patches, fungi growth, dull mower blades, and impressed footprints long after someone has walked over the grass. The most popular renovation methods include aeration, overseeding, and power seeding. The former is best used on lawns that are still in moderate shape, whereas the latter should be implemented when you’re dealing with dead patches in your grass.

During the aeration process, a professional aerator extracts small cores from the ground. Those are then left on the ground to break down and return into the soil. When paired with overseeding, it leads to a healthy growth period for your lawn. This is because the new seeds can fall into those freshly made holes in the soil. Both of these services cost $600 to $900 per acre.

Power seeding takes the process a step further and should be used only on the barest parts of your lawn. This process allows you to sow seeds directly into the soil without uprooting the existing grass. This type of lawn restoration cost is much higher, ranging from $3,920 to $7,840 per acre.

How Much Grass Seed per Square Foot?

One of the best ways to figure out how much grass seed you need is by measuring the square footage of your lawn. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need between 1 and 10 pounds of seed for every 1,000 sq.ft. of space. However, this varies greatly depending on the grass type you choose. For example, you will need 2 to 3 pounds of Kentucky Bluegrass per 1,000 sq. ft. but between 8 and 10 to plant Tall Fescue on 1,000 sq. ft. of land.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed?

The best time to plant grass seed in your lawn depends on the type of grass. There are two main types of grasses: cool-season and warm-season. If you are planting cool-season grass, the best time to start planting is in the fall. For starters, the soil is still warm, but the days are getting cooler. This encourages faster germination, which means more efficient growth overall. Be sure to plant cool-season grass at least 45 days before the first frost for best results.

On the other hand, you should wait for springtime to plant warm-season grasses. These varieties grow best in soil temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees, which is why you should start planting in late spring, early summer. Be sure to plant the seeds about 90 days before the first fall frost.

What to Cover New Grass Seed With?

One important part of planting grass seed in your lawn is making sure the seed stays in place long enough and is moist and warm enough to grow in the soil effectively. To achieve both of these things, your contractor will place a layer of materials over the newly planted seeds and keep it there until the seedlings begin to show. You can choose from a variety of materials, including compost, plastic, mulch, and straw. Depending on which one you choose, you can expect to pay between $10 and $80.

Compost Over Grass Seed

A cubic yard of compost costs between $10 and $35, which will cover approximately 100 sq.ft. of your lawn. When you cover grass seed with compost, you benefit from an extra layer of nutrients that break down and go to the seeds as the compost protects them during this early stage. This ultimately keeps your grass healthier and helps it grow more quickly.

Plastic Over Grass Seed

Another great option to help keep your newly planted grass seeds safe is a plastic germination cover. The average cost of a 50 ft. x 2 ft. roll of plastic cover costs between $13 and $30. Plastic cover over the new seeds protects them from direct sunlight, inclement weather, small animals, and more. Since you will be working with a solid sheet of plastic, the grass will be completely covered and protected from the elements.

Organic Mulch Over Grass Seed

One cubic yard of organic mulch covers 100 sq.ft. of space and costs between $30 and $100. A fine layer of mulch keeps the newly planted seeds from drying out as they are beginning to grow. Mulch can be made out of various materials, all of which keep your grass seeds healthy and safe. Since it is a natural material, it is also ultimately better for your grass as a whole.

Straw Over Grass Seed

A bale of straw covers about 50 sq.ft. of space and costs between $45 and $80. Straw is a great choice because it keeps the grass seeds in place and moist and warm. All you’ll need is a thin layer to protect the seeds from high winds, pests, direct sunlight, and more. Straw is very easy to lay over your grass seed. Removal is also easy, making it another great natural choice for your lawn.

Seed and Straw Cost

One of the best ways to keep newly planted grass seeds safe and warm is to lay a thin layer of straw over them until they start growing. The cost to seed and straw a lawn varies depending on the size of your space. The cost to seed and straw an acre of land is $8,275 to $14,590. The seed and straw cost per sq. ft. is $0.09 to $0.18. You can expect to pay between $2,070 and $21,890, depending on the size of your lawn.

Alternatives to Grass in Backyard Cost

When it comes to decorating and seeding your backyard, grass isn’t the only option. In fact, many homeowners prefer not to use natural grass for a multitude of reasons. For starters, grass requires regular maintenance and resources. Instead, people opt for one of the many alternatives to keep their lawn in top shape without the extra work. Depending on which one you choose, you can expect to pay between $4.50 and $200 per pound of seed.

Clover Seed Cost

Clover seeds are very affordable, ranging from $4.50 to $11 per pound. Clover acts as a natural fertilizer for soil, making it a viable option for lawns that already have poor soil quality. Clover spreads very quickly and grows very thick, so it is a great choice for larger areas. It also doesn’t need to be mowed, watered, or fertilized and is naturally pest-resistant.

Evergreen Moss Ground Cover

Planting evergreen moss costs between $7 and $15 per pound. It is one of the most low-maintenance grass alternatives on the market in terms of planting and routine care. Moss is resilient, versatile, and easy to install and maintain. Since it grows low to the ground, it never has to be mowed. It is important to note that it thrives in shaded areas that stay cooler, so be sure to plant moss away from direct sunlight.

Corsican Mint Ground Cover

If you plan to plant Corsican mint, expect to pay between $10 and $21 per pound. This is one of the simplest ground covers to plant and maintain. It creates a flat bedding of bright green leaves that look and smell great. This ground cover may freeze in colder temperatures but naturally regrows once the cold weather breaks. You have to water Corsican mint regularly, though it doesn’t require as much as natural grass.

Dichondra Ground Cover Seeds

The average cost to plant Dichondra ranges from $18 to $25 per pound. This type of ground cover grows very close to the ground and is best suited for mild to warm climates. With that being said, it can stay healthy in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Dichondra grows very quickly and doesn’t need to be mowed. However, it is good to use fertilizers and insecticides because Dichondra attracts common beetles and cutworms.

White Dutch Clover Ground Cover

You can expect to pay between $20 and $32 per pound to plant White Dutch Clover. This type of lawn alternative features intricate flowers that create a thick and comfortable bedding for your space. It is highly resilient, drought-resistant, and durable, making it a great choice for heavily used areas throughout your yard. Although it is naturally pest-resistant, it makes for great grazing for deer. That means you can expect to see more wildlife on your property.

Roman Chamomile Ground Cover

Roman chamomile costs between $80 and $115 per pound to plant. It is a very low-maintenance and eco-friendly choice that grows in direct sunlight and partial shade. Plus, it gives off a pleasant scent that is similar to that of fresh apples. You can choose to mow a chamomile yard though it is not required. It also requires little water and is a great source of enrichment for surrounding plants. Don’t plant Roman chamomile in your yard if you have pets because this variety is toxic to animals if ingested.

Red Creeping Thyme Lawn Cost

It costs between $100 and $200 per pound to plant red creeping thyme. It is a dense mat that is resistant to moderate foot traffic and the change of the seasons. Since it is a solid mat of foliage, it never needs to be mowed or trimmed. It can handle dry weather with little amounts of water at a time. Once planted, red creeping thyme is a fantastic choice for any space. However, it is expensive and difficult to plant.

Grass Seed vs Sod Cost

Growing your lawn from seed is time-consuming and depends on several factors such as weather, sun, and water. This means that if you are starting a new lawn from a cleared area, it may be several weeks to months before you get some results. It may take about two years before you get a filled-in and lush lawn. Therefore, some homeowners who wish to speed up the process turn to sod to help their lawn get results faster.

Sodding your lawn is the process of transplanting developed grass and roots onto your property. The grass is already growing, and the roots only need to reach the soil below to take hold and form a healthy lawn. This gives you instant results from a visibility standpoint, although sod can still be impacted by pressure, sun, and moisture.

The biggest advantage to using seed over sod is the cost. Seeding your lawn costs approximately $0.09 to $0.18 per sq.ft installed, while sod costs $0.80 to $1.80 per sq.ft. If you have a 5,000 sq.ft. lawn, for example, this is a significant cost difference. Planting seed costs between $450 and $900, whereas sod installation runs between $4,000 to $9,000.

Grass Seed vs Turf

Depending on where you live, you may be weighing the pros and cons of installing regular grass seed versus artificial grass. Natural grass is less expensive at the start, ranging from $125 to $425 to plant. The average cost to install artificial turf, on the other hand, ranges from $3,000 to $7,500. Choosing grass seed allows you to choose from more options and blends, so you can better suit your yard’s aesthetic. Plus, planting seeds is much faster than laying turf. Also, you can save any extra seed to use for repairs down the road.

However, artificial options require much less maintenance over time. That means no watering, lawn service, pest control, or anything in between. Due to this, turf becomes a much more cost-effective option over time. It’s also better for the environment as it doesn’t need any water or additional materials to stay in peak condition.

Maintaining real grass can be a challenge when you’re dealing with changing climates, which can sometimes leave you with a worn-out yard that even has dead patches. Turf maintains its new, fresh look no matter what the weather throws at it.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Hydromulching Cost

Hydromulch costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per sq.ft. This process involves spraying damaged soil with water, seed, fertilizer, mulch, dye, and a binder to make the vegetation grow back faster. Hydromulching is similar to hydroseeding with the addition of mulch into the mixture. This helps create a healthy and more sustainable environment for sprayed seeds by providing a protective layer and additional moisture.

Add Sprinkler System

On average, it costs between $4,000 and $7,000 to install a sprinkler system in your yard. However, the size of your yard and the quality of the sprinkler impact those costs. A sprinkler system simplifies the process of watering your lawn, which can be especially helpful if you live on a larger plot of land. Plus, it can add value to your home overall.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fescue: A coarse, resilient grass that stays green all year. Fescue is considered a cool-season grass, so it does well in cooler temperatures but can turn brown quickly in the heat. This means that it must be watered frequently in the summer

² Bermuda grass: A type of grass available in various versions that offer a deep-green color, drought-tolerance, dense foliage, and are great in warmer climates. Sod is carpet-like squares of grass with a layer of roots and soil that can be laid down to create a lawn much quicker than using seed