Ultimate Grass Seed Pricing Guide

Ah, summertime! A perfect time to continue gardening and ensuring your garden’s preservation. And if it seems that the grass is always greener on the other side – it is – but it’s also probably more expensive.

Grass seeds are a key component in the homes of many gardeners across the country to provide aid in getting rid of those pesky weeds. With this, you’ll end up breathing fresh, new life into dead grass.

Generally speaking, the average cost of applying grass seed to an entire lawn can be anywhere from $400 to $1,500. Despite the cost of how expensive grass seed is, it’s worth it if you want to continue adding to the value of your home or apartment. After all, what’s a home without a big lawn for children or pets to run around in?

Why Is Grass Seed So Expensive?

Grass seeds are expensive because there are a variety of factors that contribute to them.

Some of these factors include the seed type, labor, amount of time it takes, location, lawn size, lawn quality, and packaging.

It’s important to tie these factors together as they help paint a clearer picture of the overall price. On average, there is approximately $3 to $10 in terms of planting grass seeds.

Process

With the process of laying down the grass seed, there comes a multitude of different steps. All of which influence the other factors that contribute to the overall price.

In other words, there are questions that need to be asked that will determine the cost, such as “how bad is the lawn?” If the lawn needs a complete redo and remodel, then the cost is going to be that much greater.

On the other hand, if it’s just a couple of spots, then there’s not as high of a cost in terms of labor and time.

Seed Type

The first reason why grass seed can become so expensive is by seeing what type of grass seed it is. Different companies are, after all, going to charge a range of different amounts depending on the product’s source and quality.

To give a general idea, the cost of grass seed can range anywhere from $3 per pound for fescue grass seed to $10 per pound for Bahia grass seed.

Labor

The amount of labor that goes into something like this is important to take into consideration, as this justifies payment per hour. Experts at Angi state that seeding an entire lawn cost about $250 and $350 depending on how big of a job it is.

And, alongside focusing on the process of restructuring the lawn, the price can be more or less because of how bad the lawn is.

The harder the lawn is to maintain and take up space, the harder the cost of work.

Amount of Time It Takes

There is a certain length of time that needs to be taken into consideration – so this would be a charge per square foot – when calculating the price.

And, upon further research, you can expect to pay $90 to $180 per hour per 1,000 square feet.

But this, of course, is at the hands of a professional lawn company to care for the needs that you have. As well as the needs of the lawn that need to get done.

Severe Seed Shortages

Summertime might be a bit of a harder time for grass seeds to flourish, resulting in severe shortages of grass seeds.

There is a dramatic decline in grass seeds as a result. What happens after this, is the sudden increase in the price of grass seeds.

And, as you’re probably aware, drought conditions and problems with irrigation also play a huge role in the increased price of grass seeds.

Beware of the decrease in pollination as well as pollination has a huge impact on the growth of certain produce. Especially that of grass seeds.

Lawn Size

Undoubtedly, the size of your lawn will contribute to the overall price of grass seeds as it lets you know how many seeds you need to get.

Location

Location also has a big impact, because depending on where you live you might have higher tax rates on certain goods.

There are business fees and local tax rates that help confirm the claim. You could simply have higher priced items than in other countries or even states.

Some local lawn-care communities also charge depending on whether they reside in urban or suburban areas.

Packaging and Plans

Certain businesses hold packaging and care plans to help reduce the cost of the installation process, itself.

For example, you may come up with a plan that’s cheaper than the job altogether.

Plans like this could look like the company offering to fertilize, aeration, and weed control.

Expensive Green Seed: How Much Does It Cost?

Expensive green seed can cost anywhere from $1 per pound to $16. So, it’s no wonder you’re trying to figure out more about the product to get the one with the highest quality!

After all, the whole goal here is to provide that sense of long-term investment so you’re not just throwing money out the window once every couple of weeks.

But have no fear! Thankfully when it comes to green seed, there is a variety of different types that are available to choose from.

Cost Comparison

Let’s go over the different types of grass seed and understand which is cheaper, and why.

In this way, you can decide for yourself if it’s worth it to purchase the grass seed and why you should even do so.

Sure, it’s summertime and one of the most perfect times to purchase grass seed. However, you may not be committed. So, let’s get a clearer picture.

	Price Per Sq Ft	Price Per Pound
Centipede Grass	$.75 to $.85	$8 to $16
Buffalo Grass	$.09 to $.16	$1 to $7
Bermuda Grass	$.40 to $.85	$4 to $15
Zoysia Grass	$.40 to $.60	$4 to $13
Bahia Grass	$.20 to $.40
Fine Fescue	$.30 to $.60	$2 to $9
Tall Fescue	$.35 to $.65	$3 to $14
Scotts Grass		$8.16 per pound

Out of all the grass seeds, it appears that the cheapest one is Buffalo grass is the cheapest grass both per square foot and per pound.

So, if it’s the cheapest price that you’re looking for, then this is your best bet.

However, if you’re looking for the grass seed that has the highest quality, this will take a bigger breakdown of each of the options available.

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass costs about $.75 to $.85 per square feet and $8 to $16 per pound.

Experts at Fixr claim that this grass is a warm-season grass. One that’s very climate-specific yet does not require a lot of maintenance.

There are strict soil requirements that thrive mostly in the southeastern region of the United States.

If you’re contemplating getting this type of grass seed, keep in mind that it’s nutrient-heavy and heat-tolerant.

Buffalo Grass

Seed prices for Buffalo grass range from $.09 to $.16 per square foot or $1 to $7 per pound.

Making this the cheapest out of the entire bunch, buffalo grass is also one that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.

This is the only native grass that can act as a lawn grass. And is a warm-seasoned turf, according to experts at Fixr.

Buffalo grass would be the perfect grass to be planted in the early spring or late summer.

And despite it being so cheap, it has heavy resistance to droughts and cold weather than other warm-seasoned grasses.

Bermuda Grass

Now, seed prices for Bermuda grass cost anywhere from $.40 to $.85 per square foot or $4 to $15 per pound. So, this one costs a pinch more than other types of grasses.

And is one that’s more sensitive to colder temperatures than other warm-seasoned grasses.

However, overall, it’s very durable and recuperates quickly if damaged. One of the downsides that come with using Bermuda grass is that requires a bit more maintenance.

To keep up the maintenance, you’ll need to apply fertilizer and mow your lawn multiple times.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass seeds can cost an average of $.40 to $.60 per square foot or $4 to $13 per pound. Along with the others mentioned, Zoysia is also a warm-seasoned grass that tolerates heat and drought.

Thankfully, this means that it doesn’t need much water or maintenance. And it can handle heavy foot traffic.

Bahia Grass

Bahia costs anywhere from $.20 to $.40 per square foot and the price per pound is not advertised when researched.

As a type of grass, it’s known for its outstanding ability to tolerate heat and drought. And the ability to thrive wherever many lawn types of grass fail to survive.

Fine and Tall Fescue

Fine grass is, on average, $.30 to $.60 per square foot and $2 to $9 per pound. It’s a benefit to have fine fescue because it’s best in cooler areas with plenty of shade. It’s very resilient compared to other grasses.

However, it’s not so great for foot traffic. And is cool-seasoned grass.

Tall fescue, on the other hand, is about $.35 to $.60 per square foot and $3 to $14 per pound. Making this fescue out of the two the most expensive.

Tall fescue is extremely versatile and tolerant to cold, heat, drought, and shade. It’s a great middle-ground option expert say because it’s more resistant to heat.

Scotts Grass

Often used to cut out weeds and can strengthen your lawn and can range anywhere from $24.48 per 3lbs. Or approximately $8.16 per pound when calculating the formula out.

There does not seem to be a set price upon further research per square foot.

Is It Worth Buying Expensive Grass Seed?

After doing much research, we’ve determined that it is worth it to purchase grass seed to reseed your lawn. Grass seed is, after all, resilient and provides a good look to any lawn.

And despite the huge purchase, grass seed provides a sense of security in the long term. Especially in the sense of securing the added value of the home.

Reducing Soil Erosion

One of the biggest reasons why grass seed is worth buying is that it prevents soil erosion.

Erosion is important to avoid altogether because, in agriculture, if the soil is too eroded then they can’t harvest the crops grown from them.

Furthermore, erosion also reduces the soil’s ability to absorb water. So, ensuring that the garden is stable helps make sure that the soil is in optimum health.  

Proper Gardening Routine

Through a proper gardening routine, applying grass seed limits the possibility of weeds and other unwanted plants.

Through taking care of something like the lawn, you’re slowly but surely increasing the value of the home.

Thus, when it comes time to sell it, you’re able to sell it for more than you purchased it.

4 Alternatives to Grass Seed

There are several alternatives to grass seed that will help boost the look and feel of any lawn. And add that value onto the house, itself, since homeowners that take good care of their homes continue adding this value.

Regardless, there are other solutions to have when it comes to taking care of the lawn that will still have the same effect.

	Price
Wildflower Meadow	$47-$311
Ground Cover Plants	$292 per square 1000 ft
Pollinator-Friendly Serum	$39
Gravel	$40 per yard

Grow a Wildflower Meadow

Regardless of how you grow, there is a lot of intent and purposefulness that goes into the care and maintenance of your home.

After all, wildflowers are strong and able to root themselves into the ground.

Carefully selected varieties of wildflowers are nurtured to survive. Especially with a firm, yet not easily disturbed system.

Ground Cover Plants

There is always this option if you’re in the mood for the luscious feel of a nice lawn but not the upkeep that comes with it.

There are plants such as Rupturewort and Bugle that are quick to help establish that same feeling you’re looking for. They’ll form a tight mass of leaves in next to no time.

Plants such as these helps create that certain ambiance. Especially those such as Corsican thyme that releases a zesty fragrance.

This has tiny purple and white blooms that blossom during the summer. And this, my friends, is a plant that’s a magnet for pollinators.

Pollinator-Friendly Sedum

Experts at Gardening Etc. believe that swapping out the usual green grass for a mass of sedum is an amazing idea.

Especially because you’ll have a bright array of plants that will draw pollinators from far and wide.

Some of the benefits of these plants are drought-tolerant, and hold their hardy leaves all year.

These plants, experts claim, knit themselves so closely together so no need to worry about cutting them down.

Gravel

Gravel helps provide that smart but laid-back look that’s awesome for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and encouraging plants to self-seed.

There are ways to ensure that the gravel stays within the confines of the yard.

Especially a yard that’s decorated with beautiful flowers and trees that help provide that sense conventional grass seed offers.

Advanced Turf Solutions

There are some advanced turf solutions offered by specific companies that will ensure the highest quality work has been completed.

Companies such as these examine and determine any issues that could come with problems with grasses or greens.

Afterwards, they would then come up with a game plan with the customer to be able to tackle the problem. And come up with a solution!

Grass Seed Costs – 2022

Grass seed is high in the year 2022 because of the shortages of grass seed that can be seen all around the world.

Due to these shortages, as well as the dangerously high temperatures, crops can’t produce as much.

Meaning that the prices of grass seed will inevitably continue to raise higher and higher as there is a lot of work that gets put into installing grass seed.

Final Considerations

In short, purchasing green grass seeds are vital in terms of adding value to that luscious lawn of yours.

Green grass provides an eco-friendlier way of helping prevent soil erosion and helping increase the quality of the soil.

Of course, there are some of you that might not agree with how much it costs regarding your law.

So be sure to check out those alternatives and research what works best for you!