f your lawn has bare patches, thinning grass, or just isn’t as green as it used to be, reseeding can bring it back to life. Reseeding helps fill in dead spots and improve overall grass health, while overseeding thickens an existing lawn for a lusher appearance.
Reseeding costs between $450 and $900 for a typical 5,000-square-foot lawn, with an average price of around $600. If your yard is larger — say 10,000 square feet or more — you can expect to pay $1,200 to $2,400. The total cost depends on factors like grass type, labor, and whether additional treatments like aeration are needed.
For homeowners willing to do the work themselves, DIY reseeding costs between $175 and $500 for a 5,000-square-foot yard, mainly for seed and rental equipment. While this saves money, proper preparation, such as soil testing and aeration, is crucial for success.
In this guide, we’ll break down the true cost of reseeding, compare DIY vs. professional services, and share expert tips to ensure your lawn grows back thicker and healthier.
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How Much Does It Cost to Reseed or Overseed Your Lawn?
The cost of reseeding or overseeding depends on several factors, with the most important being the size of your lawn. Here’s a clearer cost breakdown:
Professional Overseeding Costs
- Per square foot: $0.12
- Per 1,000 square feet: $90 to $180
- Typical 5,000 sq. ft. lawn: $450 to $900
- Half-acre (20,000 sq. ft.): $2,400
- Full acre (40,000 sq. ft.): $4,800
DIY Overseeding Costs
- Grass seed cost per 1,000 sq. ft.: $35 to $100
- Typical 5,000 sq. ft. lawn: $175 to $500
- Equipment rental (spreader, aerator, etc.): $15 to $100
Hydroseeding Costs (Best for New Lawns)
- Per square foot: $0.05 to $0.08
- Half-acre (20,000 sq. ft.): $1,000 to $1,600
- Full acre (40,000 sq. ft.): $2,000 to $3,200
While hiring a professional adds labor costs, it ensures proper seed distribution, soil preparation, and aftercare. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, DIY seeding can save you a few hundred dollars.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Reseeding Vs. Overseeding: What’s the Difference?
- Reseeding: Planting grass seed in areas where little to no grass exists, such as after removing dead patches, installing a sprinkler system, or repairing pet-damaged spots.
- Overseeding: Spreading new grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in thin areas, improve color, and enhance overall grass health.
If your lawn has bare patches, weeds taking over, or grass that looks weak and patchy, overseeding can restore its lush appearance. If you’re starting from dirt or dead grass, reseeding (or hydroseeding) is the better option.
What Affects the Cost of Reseeding?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay to reseed or overseed your lawn:
- Lawn size: The biggest cost factor. More square footage means more seed, labor, and potential equipment rental.
- Grass type: Some seeds are pricier than others. Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Bahia) tend to cost more than cool-season varieties (like fescue or ryegrass).
- Labor and materials: Hiring a professional adds labor costs, but it ensures proper seeding, soil prep, and care.
- Equipment rental: DIYers may need to rent tools like seed spreaders or aerators ($15–$100 per day).
- Lawn condition: Lawns with poor soil, heavy weeds, or compacted ground may require extra prep, such as aeration or fertilization, adding to the cost.
Planning ahead and choosing the right grass seed can help keep costs manageable while ensuring a thick, healthy lawn.
Grass Seed Costs by Type
The type of grass you choose affects your total reseeding cost. Some varieties are more expensive due to their durability, climate adaptability, or maintenance needs.
| Grass Type | Best for Climate | Average Cost per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Clover | Temperate climates | $4 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cooler and transitional zones | $6 |
| Bahia | Hot southern climates | $10 |
| Fescue | Temperate and adaptable to most regions | $2–$3 |
| Bermuda | Warm climates | $6 |
| Ryegrass | Transitional climates | $4 |
Grass Seed Costs by Brand
Different brands also affect pricing. Below are some popular options:
| Brand | Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn | 2 lbs | $19.49 |
| Greenview Fairway Kentucky Bluegrass | 3 lbs | $19.99 |
| Pennington Argentine Bahia | 7 lbs | $48.97 |
| Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue Mix | 20 lbs | $65.97 |
| Vigoro Bermuda Blend | 5 lbs | $26.98 |
| Scotts Turf Builder Perennial Ryegrass | 3 lbs | $16.90 |
Choosing the right seed depends on your region, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. High-quality seeds may cost more upfront but provide better long-term results.
How to Seed a New Lawn
Seeding a new lawn follows the same process as overseeding but requires extra care to ensure even growth. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Prepare the soil. Test and amend the soil as needed to balance pH and improve nutrients. Loosen compacted areas with a rake or aerator.
- Level the ground. Smooth out uneven spots to prevent water pooling.
- Spread the seed evenly. Use a broadcast spreader for large areas and a drop spreader near garden beds for better control.
- Fertilize and protect. Apply a starter fertilizer and topcoat with straw or mulch to keep moisture in and prevent seed from washing away.
- Water consistently. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, watering two to three times a day for short periods until the grass is established.
Avoid walking on the lawn until the grass is at least 3 inches tall and ready for its first mow.
Grass Alternatives: Low-Maintenance Lawn Options
If you want a green lawn but don’t want the upkeep of traditional grass, consider these alternatives:
| Alternative | Benefits | Average Cost per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Clover | Drought-resistant, fixes nitrogen in soil | $6 – $10 |
| Evergreen Moss | No mowing, thrives in shade | $7 – $15 |
| Corsican Mint | Fragrant, soft ground cover | $10 – $20 |
| Dichondra | Dense, carpet-like texture | $18 – $25 |
| White Dutch Clover | Low maintenance, stays green year-round | $20 – $30 |
| Roman Chamomile | Aromatic, withstands light foot traffic | $80 – $120 |
| Red Creeping Thyme | Drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators | $100 – $185 |
Grass alternatives often require less watering, fertilization, and mowing, making them a great eco-friendly option for homeowners looking to reduce lawn maintenance.
Should You Hire a Professional or DIY Your Lawn Seeding?
When reseeding your lawn, you have two options: hire a professional or do it yourself. Here’s how they compare:
Best Professional Lawn Care Service: TruGreen
- Cost: About $270 for a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn
- Pros: Expert application, soil testing, proper seed selection, and a satisfaction guarantee
- Cons: Higher cost than DIY
TruGreen offers professional overseeding services backed by soil analysis and expert care, helping homeowners get a thicker, healthier lawn without the hassle of DIY mistakes.
Best DIY Seeding Option: Sunday Lawn Care
- Cost: About $175 for a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn
- Pros: More affordable, customized lawn care kits, and clear application instructions
- Cons: Requires time and effort to apply properly
Sunday Lawn Care delivers pre-measured seed, nutrients, and soil amendments to your door, making DIY overseeding easier while still providing expert guidance.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Choose a pro if you want the best results with minimal effort.
- Go DIY if you’re comfortable doing the work and want to save money.
Both options can give you a greener, fuller lawn. It’s just a matter of time, effort, and budget.
Read also: Grass Growth Duration and How to Accelerate Grass Growth
Final Thoughts
Reseeding or overseeding is one of the most effective ways to improve your lawn’s health and appearance. A thick, healthy lawn naturally deters weeds, retains moisture better, and looks more vibrant.
If your grass is thin, patchy, or struggling, overseeding can restore its density. Hiring a pro ensures the job is done right but costs more. DIY seeding is budget-friendly but requires time and effort.
For professional results, TruGreen is a great option with customized lawn care plans. If you prefer DIY, Sunday Lawn Care provides everything you need to seed your lawn successfully.
With the right approach, you’ll have a lush, green lawn that enhances your home’s curb appeal and health.
Read also: Top Lawn Care Services for Dogs
FAQs About Reseeding Costs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about reseeding costs
A good rule of thumb is 1 pound of seed per 150 square feet. For reference:
- 5,000 sq. ft. lawn → 34 lbs. of seed
- 1-acre lawn (43,560 sq. ft.) → 290–300 lbs. of seed
Using the right amount ensures even coverage and healthy growth.
Hydroseeding is an increasingly popular seeding option that uses a commercial mixer to spray-on grass seed, fertilizer, water, and a top-dressing component — like mulch or topsoil — all at once. Hydroseeding can range in price, but the average cost is $1,500 for a 10,00-square-foot property. Prices range from $500 to $3,500 for this size lot.
Ensure proper soil preparation for the best results. This includes:
- Watering two to three times a day for the first few weeks
- Testing and amending soil pH if necessary
- Aerating compacted soil to improve seed-to-soil contact
- Using high-quality seed suited for your climate
Most grass takes four to 10 weeks to establish, but germination times vary:
- Ryegrass and fescue → 5–10 days
- Kentucky bluegrass → 14–30 days
- Bermuda and Bahia → 7–21 days
Consistent watering and avoiding foot traffic will speed up the process.
If your lawn has thin grass, bare spots, or frequent weed growth, overseeding can improve density and reduce weeds naturally.
Not effectively. While some seed may sprout, you’ll get poor germination without soil preparation. For best results:
- Water frequently until the grass gets established.
- Aerate the lawn so seeds can make soil contact.
- Fertilize and add a topcoat (like peat moss) to retain moisture.
Today’s Homeowner Rating & Methodology
At Today’s Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each lawn company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through over one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated each lawn care service’s costs, benefits, customer reviews, guarantees, plans, products, and a-la-carte options. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the lawn care companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best lawn care companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
- Plan Options (30): Do they provide various plan options? We looked at the number of plans each company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
- Services offered (20): How many services come in each plan? We looked at the number of lawn care coverages, including weed control, seeding, irrigation, aeration, dethatching, etc.
- Trust (10): What do customers say after receiving service from the company? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
- Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same lawn services.
- Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as organic treatments, pest control, or a mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
- Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
- Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
