Hydroseeding is a game-changing method for getting a beautiful and durable yard without the slow grind of traditional seeding or the wallet-draining expense of sod. Instead, you spray a mixture of seed, water, mulch, and biostimulants to help establish grass faster and more efficiently. We’ll explain everything you need to know about hydroseeding, from the process itself to long-term care and how it compares with other lawn establishment methods.
Understanding Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding involves using specialized equipment to spray a slurry mixture onto prepared soil. This slurry typically contains grass seed, water, mulch or wood fiber, fertilizer, and binding agents that help with erosion control and moisture retention. The process has been around for over 50 years and has proven effective for residential and commercial properties.
Components of Hydroseed Slurry
The hydroseed slurry is the key to success. It typically includes:
- Grass seed customized to the local climate
- Water to help distribute the mixture evenly
- Mulch or wood fiber to provide protective cover for the seeds
- Fertilizer to provide nutrients for the seed’s initial growth
- Tackifier to act as a binding agent that helps the mixture adhere to the soil
Application Process
We recommend contacting one of the best professional lawn care services to help with hydroseeding your entire lawn. However, you might be able to handle small patches yourself.
You or your technician will prepare the soil, then use a hose connected to a storage tank to spray the slurry where it needs to go. This technique helps with even application and comprehensive coverage. Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro often depends on the area’s size and the terrain’s complexity.
How To Hydroseed in 9 Steps
Below is our detailed step-by-step guide to hydroseeding:
1. Select the Seed
The right grass seed is the key to achieving the lawn of your dreams. Select a variety appropriate for the local climate, soil conditions, and your personal preferences. Local garden centers or professional lawn care services can recommend seed mixtures for your specific environment.
2. Test Your Soil
A soil test provides valuable insights into your soil’s pH levels and nutrient content. Knowing these measurements helps you optimize soil conditions for healthy grass growth. Use the results to help you choose the best fertilizer and any necessary soil amendments.
3. Remove Weeds, Rocks, and Debris
Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. This creates a smoother surface and reduces competition for nutrients and space, giving your new grass the best possible start. It also helps reduce your risk of bare spots, since the slurry mixture will adhere better and more uniformly to an even and clean soil surface.
4. Grade the Soil
Proper soil grading ensures appropriate drainage and prevents issues such as water accumulation near your foundation. Grade the soil to create a gentle slope away from buildings.
5. Lay Topsoil and Compost
Enhance the soil with a layer of quality topsoil and compost to create an ideal growing environment for the new grass seeds. These organic materials improve soil structure and enrich nutrient levels.
6. Re-grade the Soil
Gently re-grade the area after adding topsoil and compost to level out any uneven spots. This helps with drainage and maintains uniformity in the seedbed, helping the grass establish evenly everywhere.
7. Prep the Hydroseeder
If you’re using a rented hydroseeder, prepare the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Load the seed mixture, water, fertilizer, and other components. Proper proportions and mixing are key.
8. Spray the Hydroseed
Apply the hydroseeding slurry evenly across the prepared area. Make sure you cover it completely to prevent bare spots and weed growth. Take your time, paying attention to any intricate or hard-to-reach areas.
9. Maintain Your Lawn
Take good care of your lawn after hydroseeding. Water the area consistently—two to three times a day—until the grass reaches a few inches in height. As the grass becomes more established, gradually reduce watering to once daily. This encourages healthy root growth and helps with the long-term vitality of your new lawn.
Hydroseeding Compared to Other Methods
There are a couple ways you can establish a new lawn. Understanding the differences between these methods helps you make an informed decision.
Laying Sod
Laying sod provides the tantalizing promise of an instant lawn but comes at a premium price—sod is typically more expensive than hydroseeding. You might also be limited in the variety of grasses you can choose from. We recommend sod for people who are willing to invest more for quicker results.
Traditional Seeding
Traditional seeding is more cost-effective than hydroseeding but demands more time and effort. You may have to wait 6–10 weeks for visible results. Success varies based weather, soil conditions, and proper maintenance. Seeding offers a slower but steady path to grass growth for those with the time and patience to care for it.
Benefits of Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is gaining popularity due to several advantages:
- More cost-effective than sod, striking a balance between quality and affordability.
- Offers faster results compared to traditional seeding.
- Seed mixture flexibility lets you customize for local climate and soil conditions.
- Optimizes soil pH and nutrient levels.
- Promotes uniform grass growth, reducing the risk of patchiness.
- The relatively efficient application process saves time and effort.
When To Mow After Hydroseeding
Proper timing of the first mow is crucial for the health of a newly hydroseeded lawn. Here are some guidelines:
- Wait until the grass reaches about 3 inches, typically 4-6 weeks after hydroseeding.
- Mow when the soil is relatively dry to prevent damage to young grass.
- Set the mower to a higher setting for the first few mows to minimize stress.
- Avoid sharp turns and minimize traffic on the new lawn.
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session.
Maintenance After Hydroseeding
Proper care in the weeks and months following hydroseeding is essential for establishing a healthy, lush lawn. Here’s what homeowners need to know.
Watering Schedule
Initially, focus on frequent, light watering to keep the soil consistently moist. As the grass establishes, gradually transition to deeper, less frequent watering to encourage strong root growth and drought resilience.
Fertilization
Approximately 4-6 weeks after seeding, apply a starter fertilizer to supply essential nutrients for the young grass. After that, stick to a regular fertilization schedule based on the specific grass type and local climate.
Traffic Control
Minimizing foot traffic during the first 4-6 weeks allows the young grass to establish strong roots without disturbance. Avoid using herbicides during this initial period, as they may harm the delicate new grass.
Mowing Practices
Once the grass is well-established, maintain proper mowing height and frequency based on the grass type. Regular mowing encourages denser growth, helps control weeds, and maintains the overall look of your lawn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hydroseed cost?
Hydroseeding is usually priced based on the square footage of the area you want seeded. Expect to pay between $650 and $2,200 for professional hydroseeding services, according to data from Angi.
Can I hire someone to hydroseed my lawn?
You can definitely hire someone to hydroseed your lawn. Many professional lawn care companies offer this service. In fact, we recommend professional hydroseeding over a DIY job because most homeowners see better results when an expert completes the work. In most cases, the added labor cost is worth the investment.
Can I use my lawn after hydroseeding?
Just like with regular seeding, you shouldn’t walk on a hydroseeded lawn until the grass is long enough to mow. This usually takes three to four weeks. The longer you wait, the better established the grass will be, and the less damage you’ll do.
Should I use hydroseed or regular seed?
Hydroseed is a great option for homeowners who don’t mind paying more than traditional seeding for expedited results. Hydroseeding typically yields results in as little as a week and can be exposed to light foot traffic in about half the time as traditional seeding. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which method is best for your needs and expectations.
What kind of maintenance do I need to do after hydroseeding?
Maintaining a hydroseeded lawn requires attention, especially in the first few months. Initially, focus on frequent, light watering to keep the soil consistently moist. As the grass establishes, transition to deeper, less frequent watering. Avoid mowing until the grass reaches about 3 inches, typically four to six weeks after seeding.
Apply a starter fertilizer around four to six weeks post-seeding, then follow a regular fertilization schedule. Minimize foot traffic for the first four to six weeks and avoid using herbicides during this period.
Once established, maintain proper mowing height, control weeds as needed, and consider overseeding any thin patches. With consistent care, your hydroseeded lawn will grow into a lush, healthy turf.
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 more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each lawn care service’s services, costs, and products. 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 a variety of 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 are offered in each plan? We looked at the number of lawn care coverages, including weed control, seeding, irrigation, aeration, dethatching, and more.
- Trust (10): What do customers say after their lawn has been serviced? 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 the perks 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.