Hydroseeding vs. Traditional Methods: The Smarter Way to a Better Lawn

Hydroseeding an efficient seeding process that uses a wet mixture of seed, mulch, fertilizer, and water to quickly establish a lush turf area. The hydroseeding slurry is prepared in a large tank, then pumped through a hose and evenly sprayer over a newly prepared yard. As a result, this method can establish vibrant grass within just 7-14 days. This technique is far more affordable–typically costing 50-80% less than sod, offering significant savings. In addition, this process is quicker and requires less labor, saving both time and money.  

Quality & Cost Effectiveness

The hydroseeding method provides a fully established lawn for half the price of most other traditional seeding methods. Moreover, it promotes a deep root system that avoids the shock of transplanting, which is common with sod. Since the seeds are better adapted to the existing soil, resulting in faster germination and healthier, higher quality growth. What’s more, it offers flexibility in selecting the right grass seed mix to meet you specific needs. 

Safety

Hydroseeding is a completely safe, non-toxic method for growing grass. It is particularly harmless to children, pets, and the environment, making it a great choice for residential, commercial, and environmentally-conscience projects. 

Speed

While hydroseeding may not provide the instant gratification of a fully established lawn like sod, its combination of affordability, quality, coverage, erosion control, and overall health makes it a clear winner. Under this method, you can achieve faster results without hefty labor costs. Within 7 days, a properly hydroseeded lawn will begin to grow. Under normal conditions, it will be fully established and ready to mow in just 3 to 4 weeks. Additionally, hydroseeding promotes faster growth and healthier turf, as the mix helps the seed establish itself more quickly than traditional broadcast seeding. Ultimately, these advantages make hydroseeding the more efficient and cost-effective choice. 

Erosion Control & Water Retention

Erosion control is a key benefit of hydroseeding, as it helps retain moisture and protects against wind, rain, sun, and pests. This method provides stability and retaining up to 10 times its weight in water, which ensures fast germination and high plant survival. Unlike sod or hand seeding, this offers superior water retention. The fiber mulch and tackifiers anchor the slurry to slopes and seal in moisture, slowly releasing water and nutrients to nourish roots. As a result, this promotes deep root growth, allowing the grass to access moisture deep in the soil, making it drought-tolerant.