In my line of work, I’ve seen every type of lawn imaginable. But hydroseeding? That’s a game-changer. Forget the slow grind of traditional seeding or the wallet-draining sod. Hydroseeding sprays a mixture of seed, water, mulch, and biostimulants that establishes grass faster and more efficiently than you’d believe.
It’s not just about a pretty lawn — it’s about creating a resilient outdoor space. While I can’t offer hydroseeding myself, I always recommend following up with one of the best professional lawn care services, like TruGreen. A thick, lush, and healthy lawn isn’t just beautiful — it’s your best defense against all sorts of unwelcome guests.
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Fast application
More cost-effective than sod
Rapid rate of germination
Takes longer than sod to get to a useable lawn
More expensive than normal seeding
Much better results from professional services
Hydroseeding Process Overview
Hydroseeding involves using equipment to spray a mixture of lawn seed and other materials, called slurry, onto your property. Usually, the spray includes grass seed — sometimes pre-grown to grow faster — water, mulch, or wood fiber, and fertilizer to help it grow faster. It also has some substance to control erosion and keep moisture in, like paper mulch, which is usually called a “tackifier”.
Once the dirt is prepped, the technician will use a hose to direct the slurry spray onto your property where you want grass to grow. Experts use commercial hydroseeding equipment, which you can also rent, including a large storage tank and motor to distribute the slurry. Small-scale DIY solutions for purchase usually involve a garden hose connected to a small container of grass slurry.
Hydroseeding is also known as hydromulching or hydraulic mulch seeding. Although these names may sound daunting, hydroseeding is a process that has been around for more than 50 years and is a proven seeding technique. Hydroseed is the term for the slurry placed in your hydroseeding equipment or the seed mixture that comes in your DIY hydroseeding kit. This slurry determines the type of grass you’ll grow, how quickly you’ll see results, and how thick and lush your lawn is in the long run.
Spray-on grass seeding is an increasingly popular option because germination and growth are often faster than standard seeding, but the cost is far less than putting down sod. Most standard lawns under 10,000 square feet will cost between $500 and $3,500 for professional hydroseeding. Hydroseeding also applies all of the necessary components for growing grass at once, reducing application time.
How to Hydroseed: 9 Steps
Below you’ll find a brief guide on how to hydroseed your property. These steps apply whether you choose to DIY this home improvement project or hire a professional lawn care company to do it for you.
1. Select the Seed You Want
First, you’ll need to choose the grass seed you want on your property. Hydroseeding allows you to customize seed blends based on your local climate or personal preference. If you plan to do the hydroseeding yourself, your local garden center can help you choose an appropriate mixture. If you hire a professional, they should guide you instead.
2. Test Your Soil
Soil tests might seem like an unnecessary step, but they will ultimately determine what parts go into your slurry. You’re spending good money on hydroseeding, and a soil test will optimize your soil conditions for healthy grass growth and help you choose a suitable lawn fertilizer and soil amendments.
If you’d like to learn how to effectively test your soil, I recommend you explore our article that outlines practical ways to test soil pH.
3. Remove Weeds, Rocks, and Debris
Next, you’ll want to prep the soil. This involves removing weeds, wildflowers, rocks, and any other debris that will hinder grass growth or leave your yard uneven.
4. Grade the Soil
If you don’t have a level property, now is the time to fix that. Grading your soil gently away from your home will help reduce foundation damage and leaking — and leveling small, uneven areas is far easier before the grass starts to grow.
5. Lay Topsoil & Compost
Once your existing dirt is prepped, you’ll want to add topsoil and compost to give the grass seed the ideal environment for growth. These soil additions will offer pH stabilization and improve the nutrient levels of your dirt before the seed goes down.
6. Re-grade the Soil
Now that the topsoil and compost are down, gently re-grade the soil away from your home and level out any spots that may have been messed up during the topsoil application.
7. Prep the Hydroseeder
If you rented a hydroseeder, prepare the agitator now for application. Add your high-quality dry seed mixture, water, fertilizer, and any other components and biostimulants that you plan to put down on your soil.
8. Spray the Hydroseed
Now it’s time to apply your hydroseeding slurry. Walk the area and use the hose to spray an even ground cover. Be careful not to leave any bare spots, as this will invite weed growth and leave you with a weed-encroached lawn.
9. Maintain Your Lawn
After the hydroseeding is done, you should keep watering the area two to three times a day with your sprinklers until the grass grows to a few inches tall. After that, you can reduce it to once a day. Most homeowners see growth in just seven to 10 days after hydroseeding. I recommend you check out our comprehensive article to discover effective strategies and techniques on how to promote quick grass growth.
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Hydroseeding Compared to Other Methods
Hydroseeding is just one option for getting that beautiful lawn established quickly. Other popular methods include traditional seeding and laying down sod. Each of these methods has its good and bad points compared to the other options. The one best for your home will depend on your budget, how much time and effort you want to spend, and what kind of lawn you have.
Laying Sod
Laying sod involves putting down strips of pre-grown grass — called sod — over your prepared soil. Sod strips can be cut to fit any dimension property, and they leave you with a new lawn right away. You still need to water regularly, but your yard will appear established as soon as the installation is complete.
Sod is the most expensive option for growing grass, often totaling more than double what hydroseeding costs. Additionally, the options for the type of grass are more limited than seeding. However, the instant lawn and the fact that sod can be laid any time of year make it an appealing option for those who have the money to invest.
Traditional Seeding
Traditional seeding is probably the method most homeowners think of when they imagine growing grass. It’s the most labor-intensive option, and results take the longest, by far. However, traditional seeding is the most cost-effective option, and the seed options and blends are limitless.
Traditional seeding involves preparing your soil, spreading seed, fertilizer, and amendments with a garden spreader, and then diligently watering to help the seeds germinate and establish a root system. Traditional seeding is often less than half as expensive as hydroseeding, but it can take about six to 10 weeks before you see real results.
Reseeding
Reseeding, the process of planting new grass seeds to rejuvenate a lawn or field, can vary in cost depending on factors such as the size of the area to be reseeded, the type of grass seed chosen, and whether professional assistance is required.
Typically, the cost to reseed a lawn (a small residential lawn) might range anywhere from $100 to $500, while larger commercial or sports fields may require a more substantial investment, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. The expense is influenced by factors like soil preparation, seed quality, and any additional maintenance services, making it essential to budget accordingly for this essential landscaping task.
When to Use Hydroseed vs. Sod vs. Grass Seed
Hydroseeding isn’t for everyone, and other seeding methods might suit you better or more appropriately meet your expectations for growth. Below is a brief guide to help you decide which method is right for you.
- Hydroseed: Hydroseeding is best if you want rapid lawn development but don’t want to pay the high prices for sod. It’s most cost-effective and suitable for medium to large areas and seeding projects.
- Sod: Sod is by far, your best option if you want your lawn to look full quickly and don’t mind paying about double the cost of hydroseeding for immediate results.
- Traditional Seed: Traditional seeding is ideal for homeowners looking to minimize costs and don’t mind waiting six to 10 weeks for results.
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Benefits of Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is a popular option for homeowners who want rapid results but don’t want to pay exorbitant prices for sod. Below are some of the most appealing benefits of hydroseeding:
- Cheaper than sod
- Faster results than traditional seeding
- Unlimited options for seed mixture/grass species
- Optimizes soil pH and nutrient levels
- Helps maintain soil moisture for germination
- Leads to uniform growth
- Fast application process
When to Mow After Hydroseeding
Proper timing of your first mow after hydroseeding is crucial for the health and establishment of your new lawn. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Wait for sufficient growth: Generally, you should wait until your grass reaches about 3 inches in height before mowing. This usually takes about 4–6 weeks after hydroseeding, depending on the grass type and growing conditions.
- Ensure the soil is dry: Before mowing, make sure the soil is relatively dry. Mowing on wet soil can damage the tender grass shoots and create ruts in your lawn.
- Use the right mower settings: For the first few mows, set your mower to a higher setting than usual. This helps prevent stress on young grass and encourages deeper root growth.
- Mow gently: When you do mow for the first time, be gentle. Avoid sharp turns and try to minimize traffic on the new lawn.
- Remove only 1/3 of the blade length: As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session. This applies to established lawns as well, but is especially important for new grass.
- Continue proper watering: After your first mow, continue with your watering schedule as recommended for newly hydroseeded lawns.
Remember, patience is key when it comes to a newly hydroseeded lawn. Allowing sufficient time before the first mow will result in a stronger, more resilient lawn in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Hydroseeding is a great intermediate option for growing grass — it offers faster results, demands less work than traditional seeding, and costs far less than laying sod. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose which method is right for you, but hydroseeding might be ideal if you’re looking to balance your budget and your results timeline.
Once you’ve hydroseeded your lawn and have gotten some decent growth, you’ll want to protect your investment by maintaining your yard. Our top recommendation for professional lawn care isTruGreen.This company hascustomizable lawn care plansbased on yourbudget and needs. Its techs are professional and knowledgeable. Allresults are based on soil testsand a personalized approach to fertilization and maintenance.
To learn more:TruGreen Review and TruGreen Costs
Compare Lawn Care Services
- TruGreen vs. DIY lawn care
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- TruGreen vs. Lawn Doctor
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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 to be seeded. For standard lawns under a quarter-acre, you can expect to pay between $500 and $3,500 for professional hydroseeding services.
Can I hire someone to hydroseed my lawn?
Yes, absolutely! Many professional lawn care companies offer this service. In fact, professional hydroseeding is recommended 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 should not walk on a hydroseeded lawn until the grass is long enough to mow. This usually takes three to four weeks with hydroseeding. 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 is required 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 4–6 weeks after seeding.
Apply a starter fertilizer around 4–6 weeks post-seeding, then follow a regular fertilization schedule. Minimize foot traffic for the first 4-6 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 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.
Article Update Log
8/9/2024
Reviewed for accuracy, cost data, industry best practices, and expert advice by Coty Perry.
