Understanding What You’ll Really Pay for a New Lawn
The cost to install a new lawn typically ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $7,500 and $22,500 for a standard 5,000 to 10,000 square foot yard. The sight of a lush, green lawn can transform your property’s curb appeal, but understanding the true investment helps you make the right choice for your budget and timeline.
Here’s what drives these numbers:
| Installation Method | Cost Per Square Foot | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Seeding | $0.75 – $2.70 | Budget-conscious homeowners willing to wait |
| Hydroseeding | $0.50 – $1.50 | Large areas needing quick coverage |
| Sod | $1.50 – $4.50 | Instant results and immediate use |
| Artificial Turf | $6.00 – $20.00 | Zero maintenance, long-term solution |
These are average costs based on national data and market research, not specific pricing for AJM Grounds services.
Whether you’re dealing with a patchy yard or starting fresh, the installation method you choose significantly impacts costs. Site preparation often accounts for 30-40% of your total project cost, including removing old grass, adding topsoil, and grading for proper drainage.
As John Caplis, owner of AJM Grounds LLC, I’ve helped countless homeowners in Woburn and surrounding Massachusetts communities steer the cost to install a new lawn. Proper planning and understanding your options can save thousands while delivering the beautiful, healthy lawn you envision.
Terms related to cost to install a new lawn:
The True Cost to Install a New Lawn: Methods & Key Factors
When picturing that perfect green carpet, the first question is always about money. The biggest factor driving your cost to install a new lawn is the installation method. Each approach has its own price tag, timeline, and level of patience required.
Comparing Installation Methods: Seeding vs. Sod vs. Hydroseeding
The pricing information below represents average costs based on national data and market research, not specific pricing for AJM Grounds services.
Hand seeding involves spreading grass seed over prepared soil. It’s the most budget-friendly option, averaging $0.75 to $2.70 per square foot. The main drawback is time; it can take a full growing season or more to establish a thick lawn, and the area is vulnerable to weeds and foot traffic during this period. For guidance, see our Tips for Successful Lawn Seeding and Overseeding: Transform Your Yard into a Lush Green Oasis.
Hydroseeding uses a sprayed slurry of seed, fertilizer, and mulch. The mulch protects and nourishes the seeds, leading to a higher success rate. At $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot, it’s great for large or sloped areas. While faster than hand seeding, it still requires a full season for maturity and professional equipment for application.
Sodding provides an instant lawn by laying pre-grown rolls of mature grass. It’s the fastest way to get results, with costs ranging from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. The lawn is usable within weeks and naturally suppresses weeds. The main trade-offs are the higher upfront cost and the fact that sod is often a single grass variety, which can make it more susceptible to certain diseases. Our Professional Sod Installation guide has more details.
Artificial turf is a long-term, zero-maintenance solution. The upfront cost is significant at $6.00 to $20.00 per square foot, but it eliminates the need for watering, mowing, or fertilizing. It’s ideal for drought-prone areas or for homeowners who want perfect aesthetics year-round with no upkeep. Downsides include the high initial investment and heat absorption in direct sun. Learn more in The Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf in Your Landscape.
Primary Cost Factors Beyond the Grass Itself
The grass is just one part of the equation. The real work often lies in preparing your yard.
- Labor and Yard Preparation: Professional labor rates average $50 to $150 per hour. This includes critical prep work, which many homeowners underestimate. Removing an old lawn can cost $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot. This expertise is vital for a healthy, long-lasting lawn.
- Soil Quality and Grading: Healthy soil is the foundation. A soil test ($10 to $40) reveals what’s needed. Most yards require fresh topsoil ($10 to $50 per cubic yard, plus delivery). Proper grading is also essential to ensure water drains away from your home, costing $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot. For serious issues, our Landscape Drainage Solutions can help.
- Lawn Size and Shape: Larger lawns require more materials and labor, but smaller or irregularly shaped yards can have a higher per-square-foot cost due to equipment setup and detailed cutting. Based on national data, a 1,000 sq. ft. installation might run $860 to $2,600, while a 4,000 sq. ft. lawn could be $3,440 to $10,500. A full acre can cost $43,000 to $130,000 or more. For more pricing examples, 2025 New Lawn Cost — Lawn Replacement & Renovation Prices offers additional perspective.
Additional Expenses to Anticipate
Don’t get caught off guard by these common additional costs.
- Irrigation Systems: A new lawn needs consistent water. An automatic sprinkler system, typically costing $1,800 to $5,400 to install, ensures your lawn gets what it needs without you having to remember. It’s far more cost-effective to install it before the new lawn goes in. Our Irrigation System Installation guide explains the process.
- Landscaping Alterations: If you’re removing old trees, budget for stump removal ($80 to $250 per stump). It’s also more efficient to add flower beds or pathways during the lawn installation process rather than disrupting the new grass later.
- Ongoing Maintenance: A new lawn requires care. Based on average pricing, expect costs for mowing ($30 to $90 per visit), annual aeration ($40 to $120 per 1,000 sq. ft.), and fertilizing ($60 to $180 per application). Full-service packages often range from $100 to $400 per month. Artificial turf, by contrast, has virtually no maintenance costs. Our guide to Best Practices for Lawn Care and Maintenance can help you plan.
Making the Right Choice: Repair, Replace, and Hire a Pro
How do you decide whether to patch up your existing lawn or start fresh? And how do you find the right professional for the job?
What is the cost to install a new lawn vs. repairing it?
Sometimes, targeted repairs are the right call. For minor issues like a few bare spots, patching is a cost-effective solution. Based on national data, seeding a small patch might cost $0.75 to $2.70 per square foot, while sodding the same patch could be $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Other repairs like aeration ($75 to $250) or a fertilization treatment ($65 to $200) can revive a struggling lawn.
However, you should seriously consider a full replacement in these situations:
- More than 40-50% of your lawn is thin, dead, or patchy.
- You have extensive weed growth that resists treatment.
- Widespread lawn disease keeps returning.
- Poor drainage creates constant soggy spots, indicating a need for regrading.
- Your current grass type is wrong for your yard’s sun exposure or traffic levels.
While the upfront cost to install a new lawn is higher, it can save money and frustration compared to endless, failing repair attempts. Our Lawn Replacement Near Me services can help you evaluate the best path forward.
What is the best time of year to lower the cost to install a new lawn?
Timing is crucial for both cost and success. Fall is the ideal season for new lawn installation. The warm soil encourages root growth, while cooler air reduces stress on new grass. You’ll also face less weed competition, and landscapers may offer better scheduling flexibility and pricing outside of the spring rush.
Spring is also a good time, with moderate temperatures and rainfall. However, it’s the peak season for landscaping, so book well in advance.
Summer is the most challenging time due to heat stress, which requires intensive watering. We generally advise against summer installation unless there is no other option.
For more seasonal guidance, check out our Best Time to Plant a New Lawn guide.
Questions to Ask Your Lawn Installation Professional
Choosing the right partner is critical. A true professional will be transparent and thorough. Before hiring, be sure to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured for this work?
- Can you provide a detailed, written estimate breaking down all costs?
- What specific site preparation is included (e.g., old grass removal, topsoil, grading)?
- What type of grass do you recommend for my yard’s conditions, and why?
- Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on the new lawn’s establishment?
- What are the specific aftercare instructions for watering and mowing?
- What is the estimated timeline for the project?
- Can you provide references or a portfolio of previous work?
At AJM Grounds, we’ve built our reputation in Woburn and throughout Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Lexington, Reading, Stoneham, Wilmington, and Winchester on transparency and personalized service. We walk you through every step and ensure you understand exactly what you’re getting for your investment.
A well-informed client is a happy client. Ready to transform your outdoor space? We’re here to help.
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