The Quick Answer
Professional overseeding in Michigan costs $20-40 per 1,000 square feet, depending on whether you choose single-pass or double-pass coverage. Most companies have a service minimum of $100-150 regardless of lawn size.
For a typical Metro Detroit lawn, expect to pay:
| Service Type | Price per 1,000 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft Lawn | 10,000 sq ft Lawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Pass Overseeding | $20-25 | $100-150 (minimum) | $200-250 |
| 2-Pass Overseeding | $35-40 | $150-200 (minimum) | $350-400 |
Note: Most professional overseeding services have a minimum charge of $100-150. The cost of premium seed, equipment setup, and travel time makes smaller jobs impractical below this threshold.
These prices reflect professional service with premium, weed-free seed in Oakland and Wayne counties, including Troy, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Novi, Plymouth, and Livonia.
What Affects Overseeding Cost?
1. Single-Pass vs. Double-Pass Coverage
1-Pass Overseeding ($20-25 per 1,000 sq ft)
Single application at the optimal seeding rate. Best for:
- Annual lawn thickening
- Lawns with minor thin spots
- Routine maintenance overseeding
- Lawns already in decent condition
2-Pass Overseeding ($35-40 per 1,000 sq ft)
Two complete passes for maximum seed coverage. Best for:
- Thin, patchy lawns needing restoration
- Lawns with significant bare spots
- Maximum germination potential
- Properties where thick, lush results are the priority
Double-pass delivers nearly twice the seed, dramatically increasing coverage density. For lawns that need real improvement (not just maintenance), the extra investment shows in results.
2. Seed Quality Makes a Huge Difference
This is where cheap services cut corners - and where you pay the price later.
Premium seed (what quality services use):
- 100% weed-free (zero weed seeds in the bag)
- No fillers or inert material
- High germination rates (85%+ viable seed)
- Species matched to your lawn and conditions
- Consistent color and texture
Budget seed (what cheap services use):
- Contains weed seeds (you're literally planting weeds)
- Filled with inert material (you're paying for dead weight)
- Lower germination rates
- Generic blends that may not match your lawn
- Inconsistent results
When a service offers overseeding at half the market rate, ask yourself: where are they cutting costs? It's almost always seed quality. You'll spend years fighting the weeds they planted.
3. Lawn Size
Like aeration, overseeding is typically priced per 1,000 square feet. Larger properties may see slight volume discounts.
4. Lawn Condition
Factors that may affect pricing:
- Severe bare spots requiring extra attention
- Slopes that complicate even seed distribution
- Heavy shade areas needing shade-specific seed blends
- Poor soil conditions requiring additional preparation
What's Included in Professional Overseeding?
A quality overseeding service includes:
- Seed selection: Premium, weed-free seed matched to your lawn's grass type and conditions
- Proper application rate: Calibrated spreaders ensuring even, adequate coverage
- Complete coverage: Systematic passes covering your entire lawn
- Aftercare instructions: Watering schedule and care guidance for germination success
What makes a real difference:
- Seed quality: This is the #1 factor in results
- Application equipment: Calibrated commercial spreaders vs. cheap broadcast spreaders
- Species matching: Seed that complements your existing grass, not fights it
Why Aeration + Overseeding Is the Smart Play
Overseeding alone works. Overseeding after aeration works dramatically better.
The science:
- Aeration creates thousands of small holes in the soil
- Seeds fall into these holes with direct soil contact
- Protected from birds and wind
- Better moisture retention around seeds
- Germination rates increase significantly
The math:
If overseeding alone gives you 60% germination, overseeding after aeration might give you 80%+ germination. Same seed cost, much better results.
Combined pricing example (10,000 sq ft lawn):
| Service | Standalone | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Pass Aeration | $100-150 | - |
| 1-Pass Overseed | $200-250 | - |
| Aeration + Overseed Package | - | $280-380 |
Many services offer package pricing that's less than booking separately. If you're going to overseed, do it right and aerate first.
DIY Overseeding: The Hidden Pitfalls
Spreading seed seems simple. Buy a bag, walk around with a spreader, done. Right?
Where DIY Goes Wrong
Seed quality: Big-box store seed is not the same as professional-grade seed. That $30 bag contains weed seeds, filler, and lower germination rates. You're planting problems.
Application rate: Too little seed = sparse results. Too much seed = seedlings competing and dying. Proper calibration matters.
Timing: Seed spread at the wrong time (too hot, too dry, wrong season) fails regardless of quality.
Soil contact: Seed sitting on top of thatch doesn't germinate well. Without aeration, much of your seed never reaches soil.
Watering: New seed needs consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks. Most homeowners underwater or overwater.
The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Seed quality | Store-bought (contains weeds) | Premium weed-free |
| Germination rate | 50-70% typical | 80-90% with aeration |
| Your time | 2-4 hours | 0 hours |
| Equipment | Basic spreader | Calibrated commercial |
| Expertise | Trial and error | Proven technique |
| Results | Variable | Consistent |
The seed alone from a quality supplier costs nearly as much as professional service. Add your time and the risk of poor results, and DIY rarely makes sense for overseeding.
When to Overseed in Michigan
Optimal window: Mid-August through mid-October
Why fall is best:
- Soil is warm (good for germination)
- Air is cooling (less stress on seedlings)
- Consistent rainfall typical
- Reduced weed competition
- New grass establishes before winter
Spring overseeding: Possible but less ideal. Seedlings face summer heat before fully establishing. Crabgrass competition is fierce.
Summer overseeding: Avoid. Heat stress kills seedlings. Constant watering required. Poor results.
Seed Types and What They Mean
Different grass species serve different purposes:
Kentucky Bluegrass
- Premium appearance
- Self-spreading (fills in over time)
- Needs full sun (6+ hours)
- Slower germination (14-21 days)
Perennial Ryegrass
- Fast germination (5-7 days)
- Good traffic tolerance
- Doesn't spread (needs reseeding)
- Quick results
Fine Fescue
- Best shade tolerance
- Low maintenance
- Drought tolerant
- Fine texture
Tall Fescue
- Deep roots, drought tough
- Handles poor soil
- Coarser texture
- Good for tough conditions
A good overseeding service matches the seed blend to your lawn's existing grass and growing conditions - not a one-size-fits-all mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I see results from overseeding?
Germination begins in 7-21 days depending on grass type. You'll see noticeable thickening within 4-6 weeks. Full establishment takes one growing season.
Can I overseed without aerating?
Yes, but results are significantly better with aeration. If budget is tight, prioritize the aeration + overseed combo every other year over annual overseeding alone.
How often should I overseed?
Annual overseeding maintains thick turf. Lawns in good condition can go every 2 years. Thin or damaged lawns benefit from consecutive years of treatment.
When can I mow after overseeding?
Wait until new grass reaches 3-4 inches tall (typically 3-4 weeks). Set mower height to remove only 1/3 of blade height.
How much should I water after overseeding?
Keep soil consistently moist (not soaked) for 2-3 weeks. Light watering 2-3 times daily is better than one heavy watering. Once established, transition to normal deep watering.
Will overseeding fix bare spots?
Yes, but large bare spots may need extra attention or multiple seasons to fully fill. Severe damage might require spot seeding at higher rates.
Get Your Overseeding Quote
Pricing depends on your lawn size, condition, and goals. The best way to get accurate numbers is a quote based on your specific property.
At Orchard Lawn Solutions, we deliver premium results at competitive prices. We use only 100% weed-free seed with zero fillers - the same quality the big franchises charge a premium for, but without the corporate markup. Our efficient equipment and experienced technicians mean we cover more ground in less time, and we pass those savings on to you.
We serve homeowners throughout Metro Detroit, including Rochester, Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Novi, Northville, Plymouth, and surrounding areas.
Call or text (248) 226-0798 or visit our quote page for a free estimate.
Prices reflect 2026 market rates for professional overseeding services in the Metro Detroit area. Actual pricing may vary based on lawn size, condition, and specific requirements.