Hydroseeding is an effective seeding method of seeding a lawn, a susceptible erosion zone, preparing athletic fields, and preventing weed invasion on freshly turned soil.
Hydroseeding cost estimates range on average from a meager 8 cents to 26 cents per square foot, making it affordable and a practical quick-growing solution.
Several factors influence the hydroseeding prices on your property: land quality, location, and plot size.
Hydroseeding is an excellent solution versus manual seeding, sod, or artificial turf in that hydroseeding is quick and efficient. A hydroseeded lawn reduces dust, weeds, and soil erosion and contributes to the environment.
Hydroseeding experts use the industry term ‘slurry, ‘ a mixture of seeds, mulch, fertilizer, soil treatment, and water sprayed at high pressure over the exposed terrain.
One of the reasons hydroseeding is cost-effective is the quick return. Seeds usually sprout within 1-2 weeks but remain susceptible to terrain and climate conditions. Hydroseeding is also an excellent method of spreading wildflower seeds or oats.
Hydroseeding is a popular lawn planting method. Businesses and homeowners often partner this service with various lawn care maintenance techniques on the lawn and property care spectrum.
Typically, hydroseed costs can be as little as 8 cents per square foot. If other hydroseed costs like mowing, fertilizing, mulching, and automated watering systems are calculated separately, then hydroseeding becomes a less expensive option.
Often, hydroseeding is used in large applications, therefore making it imperative to protect the investment with these added service features.
The cost rises depending on these additional features and soil quality and location—the national average for these rises to 26 cents per square foot.
While hydroseeding is a cost-effective method of growing lawns or fields, land prep and equipment costs are factored into the expense of hydroseeding.
The cost of hydroseeding includes:
To understand your cost involvement, call a certified hydroseed company for an estimate. The national average for a 5000 sq ft lawn on the high end will cost you an estimated $900, while on the low end, expect to pay $400 without any extras.
Hydroseeding is a specialized process, and while it may seem like a good and cost-effective way to tackle it as a DIY project, the result will not be the same as hiring a professional.
For large-scale operations, always negotiate a reduction in price per acre with your hydroseed company.
While the national averages suggest a very affordable rate, some circumstances may raise the price substantially.
If you’re in a water-poor area, the cost will rise. Freshly seeded lawns require more frequent watering. Once you calculate water costs, the price per square foot will increase. Depending on location and climate, a newly planted lawn may require watering (at least) twice daily for good results.
The landscape is another hurdle that new lawns face. A slope will cause uneven water distribution and may be subject to more direct sun exposure and burn portions of the yard.
Water costs in your local area may also affect the cost of hydroseeding.
Fertilizer prices in your area may also be a factor that influences the cost of hydroseeding.
Exact costs are difficult to extrapolate in sample pricing because there are simply too many variables manipulating the price. The type of seed, the landscape, the location, the terrain, and the water supply influence the cost. However, understanding these variables is a good starting point.
Reputable companies are well aware of these fluctuating variables, and how much hydroseeding typically costs in your state depends mainly on those facts.
If cost is a concern, consider doing some prep work yourself, albeit a professional hydroseeder or landscape crew will save you money and time in the long term.
Hydroseed companies understand that a sloped terrain is susceptible to erosion and requires more labor-intensive prep work, spraying, and application considerations.
Sloped areas have a unique relationship with nature’s elements. Improperly sloped areas will only result in seeds being washed away in a rainstorm or burning in excessive sunlight.
A great and easy way to ensure a successful seed application is to do a soil test. Seasoned professionals already understand that PH-balanced soil, free of toxic elements carried over from preexisting construction sites or other land influences, is a crucial starting point for success.
Understanding the soil condition also allows hydroseeders to prepare the best slurry mix for your project.
Hydroseeding is a versatile seed application, and home and business owners have many choices. Wildflower seeds are a popular environment and nature-friendly consideration for larger-scope projects. Typically, wildflower meadows are only mown at season end to promote regrowth the following year.
Ideally, lawn seed applications are best attempted in the spring and or late summer to early fall, to allow your grass seed to develop fully. However, consult a growing guide for optimum growing results.
Lawn seed types are plentiful and do not influence the hydroseeding process. Here is a list of popular seed choices that may be ideal for your seeding project.
Kentucky bluegrass is probably the most recognizable grass type for lawns. Its vibrant and lush grass makes it ideal for residential lawns. It is more costly but ideal for liquid applications. Despite its name, it is not native to America. Instead, early Spaniards imported the seeds to America, which may be considered invasive.
Bluegrass prefers well-drained, fertilized soil. Its plush carpet and texture make it a favorite but has finicky tendencies and requires regular maintenance.
Centipede is a coarse sod-forming warm-season grass that requires very little maintenance once the grass is established. This feature and its heat tolerance make it ideal for erosion zones and residential lawns and is a popular choice.
One favorite feature for homeowners is that it requires less mowing.
Perennial ryegrass is a coarse bright, fine-bladed grass and another popular choice in erosion areas. It is one of the fastest-growing grasses and is grown for hay. It is blended with other slower-growing seeds in lawn applications to reduce grass invasion.
Ryegrass is ideal for heavy traffic areas, golf courses, riverbanks, and roadsides for its speedy growth.
Fescue seed is a deep-rooting cool-season grass and highly adaptable to slopes, high traffic, and play areas. It is a very versatile hydraulic mulch seed that easily adapts to its environment and cold and hot climates.
As a lawn, Fescue promotes durability and resilience for a beautiful finish.
Zoysia is a slow-growing warm-season grass. Once established, this blend is ideal for high-traffic areas, and its thick carpet texture is a guard against invasive weeds. Because of its slow-growing quality, it is not suitable as an erosion-preventing grass. However, if Zoysia can establish a firm footing, it becomes a great defense against erosion.
Bermuda grass is a drought-resistant fast, fast-growing grass. Bermuda is perhaps the most popular choice for hydroseeding and is highly adaptable to various soil conditions. Bermuda grass, sometimes called dog’s tooth grass, comes in several varieties. Golf courses, athletic fields, tennis courts, and areas suitable for denser lawns plant Bermuda grass.
One of the key features of Bermuda grass is its quick recovery time, and it prefers sun over shade.
Wildflower spray seeds are becoming popular replacements for traditional lawns and roadside median applications. Wildflower seed applications transform areas and encourage natural habitats for insects and birds. There are several blends to consider pending your location and the desired effect. Also, consider spring and autumn mixes or attractive butterfly-attracting blends.
What exactly is mulch, and why is it so beneficial? Mulch acts as a protective blanket in your flower beds, around delicate trees and shrubs, and as a base for lawns. Its prime function is to prevent soil moisture loss. This protective feature also impedes weeds from growing and competing for moisture. In cooler climates, it delays frost from penetrating the ground.
Mulch is also beneficial in helping soil develop a better, more arid structure that allows for the better decomposition of materials that create nutrients.
For hydroseeding, also called hydraulic mulch seeding, mulch lends the spray material the texture and weight for a better and more effective application.
Wet mulch, used in hydroseeding, is heavier than the seed that is bound to the mulch. Therefore a sprayer can reach a broader target large area. Once the mulch blend is on the ground, mulch’s protective blanket quality shields the seeds from blowing away by sticking them tightly to the soil. The mulch itself helps with creating a soil erosion barrier.
In the hydroseed industry, there are several common types of mulch blends used depending on the project’s particulars. These blends are often mixed with synthetic fiber materials, sawdust, and wood particles.
Wood mulch is the best but most expensive mulch used in hydroseeding applications. It forms a sturdier and more binding blanket giving the seed a better opportunity for adhering and germinating. Perfect for sloped lawns.
Blended mulch is a cost-effective solution for average-demand home applications. Blends are a good option and less expensive.
Paper mulch can be used for industrial or highway median and flat lawn applications. This is the least costly process, pending the results.
Straw mulch, surprisingly, is ideal for home lawns and water-restricted areas as the application of straw mulch itself requires less water. Straw mulch also provides a smoother application than other mulch materials.
Erosion control mulch is designed specifically for difficult erosion areas. This mulch is ideal for steep slopes and areas impacted by water runoff..
Hydroseeding is a mechanical process that requires specialized equipment, working knowledge, and hydroseeding materials. Hydroseed mulch is not the same as the varieties used around garden plants and landscaped areas or the same texture or quality as store-bought sacks of garden mulch.
Suppose you’ve ruled out costly sod or ineffective self-seeding application methods. In that case, hydroseeding may just be the solution you’re looking for to complete that suburban planning project or home and garden project quickly and efficiently.
How much does it cost to hydroseed? Based on national averages, hydroseeding your lawn for average-sized grounds ranging from 5000-10,000 sq ft, will cost about $1000. On the low end, expect to pay $500, and on the high end, $4000.
However, as already discussed, those costs fluctuate. Cost may tempt the do-it-yourselfers to purchase their own hydroseeder tank (225-gallon capacity) for $1500-$3000 and attempt the prep and maintenance project.
Commercial hydroseeders, needless to say, calculate the cost of their equipment ($20,000 for a commercial sprayer) and labor cost into the mix. Hiring a professional is a wise solution. On your own, expect to work strenuously for 4-5 hours for just the application process of an average yard.
For those intent on completing the task, perhaps for small projects, local hardware and lawn and garden supply stores sell premade mixtures for $20 to $80 per gallon. Again, prep and maintenance are not included in the price.
For spot treatment patches on your lawn left by dogs, foot traffic, or garden projects, a product like HydroMousse hydroseed refill package might be a solution. For $19.98/400 sq ft, you can sprout your own Fescue grass. Sprayer not included.
These home-grade mixtures contain minimum wood mulch, paper content, grass seed, colorants, and fertilizer.
Organic or environmentally friendly options sell for around .55 cents per sq ft, while cheaper brands may cost as little as .20 cents per sq ft.
Professionals typically prepare and source industrial hydroseed slurry blends that are not comparable to store-bought mixtures. Commercial mixtures use higher grade, faster-growing seeds, and bonding materials. Normally, commercial hydroseeders calculate time and results into their cost equation. It is not prudent for them to use cheap products.
The average yard in America is around or under 10,000 square feet. A hydroseeder quote may be calculated on hourly cost rather than square footage for smaller yards. A seasoned professional should be able to quote you within a few days.
1000 sq ft costs $200
10,000sf ft costs $2000
½ acre costs $2250
1 acre costs $3500
Sod is a quick fix, but not always a good solution for larger projects.
1000 sq ft costs $300
10,000 sq ft costs $3000
½ acre costs $6534
1 acre costs $13,068
These estimates for sod cost do not include installation or area prepep.
1000 sq ft costs $870
10,000 sq ft costs $8,700
½ acre costs $18,949
1 acre costs $37,897
There is no doubt that sod transforms a space instantly. While a tiny yard may be affordable, larger installed sod applications are very costly and not attainable for many businesses and homeowners.
DIY sod installations are also doable on a small scale, but the amount of hard labor for large yards is difficult.
These cost estimates do not consider the type of landscape or the type of lawn grass which may raise and or drop the price accordingly.
It can’t be argued that some homeowners haven’t had tremendous success with conventional seed-spreading methods.
Manual seeding is the least expensive method. When it comes to hydro grass seed costs, for $1.50 to $6.40 /per pound of seed, a person can successfully seed their lawn for a few hundred dollars.
While the cost-saving may sound tempting, the cost to hydroseed on your own is not ideal for erosion areas, kid zones, pet areas, traffic areas, or garden areas with high heat or rain thresholds.
Hand seeding is ideal for smaller or patching projects. The roots of hand-sown seeds are initially stronger than sod solutions and require less maintenance after the original planting.
The downside to manual seeding is that it takes longer for seeds to become durable lawns and remain fragile for up to two months. The seeds are prone to washouts leaving the freshly seeded lawn patchy. Lawn seeds compete with weeds, and it takes considerably more maintenance than hydroseeding.
Although hydroseeding has been used in agriculture for nearly a century, it is only now becoming a fashionable and affordable method for home lawn applications.
Popular Commercial applications are:
The benefits for homeowners are:
Anyone choosing hydroseeding must consider that the result is not instantaneous like sod. The hydroseeding process uses high pressure and therefore requires large volumes of water. Freshly hydro seeded areas need protection from foot and vehicle traffic until the grass is well-grown and established.
Let’s get this straight. While the process is similar, and the terms are thrown around the industry as if one were like the other, it isn’t so.
Hydroseeding is a lawn application to prevent land erosion or to establish a new-growth lawn. Hydroseeding slurry contains seeds, water, wood (or other) mulch fiber, and fertilizer.
Hydromulching is a mulch application to prevent land erosion (often with dye) that contains water, wood fiber, and a tackifier to bind the product to steep slopes and poor-quality soil to prevent land erosion.
Hydromulching is an expensive method used for exposed surface land resulting from fire, road expansion, bridges, and other large-scale, often industrial building projects.
Hydromulching is an effective method to prevent erosion for steep slopes where land erosion can have consequences on nearby roads or structures.
Hydroseeding has built-in fertilizer blends to provide the seeds with a boost to start proliferating.
During a single-pass hydroseeding application, 1500-2000 pounds of wood fiber are used in combination with seeds and fiber. Seeds should always be added to the mixture last and used within a 30-minute timeline.
For steep slope hydro mulching applications, a single pass typically applies 2000-3000 pounds of wood fiber soaked in a tackifier solution for optimum erosion prevention. Wood fiber is a natural tackifier, but a colored tackifier is added for a consistent look for steep gradients.
Hydroseeding is an art best done by professionals because they have the experience and proper equipment. That, however, shouldn’t deter anyone from tackling smaller projects.
Before you start, consider these:
Hydroseeding is really one of those chores that are best left to professionals. Using powerful spray equipment can lead to disastrous outcomes for those not prepared or skilled enough. Hydroseeding requires high power pressure, and the last thing you need is a hydro seeded house.
Perhaps you’re concerned that the lawn care company will overcharge or damage your property. Remember, reputable companies rely on their reputation.
We hope that this article has helped you make informed decisions if hydroseeding is suitable for your home, business, or industrial project. We’ve covered an important topic, but here are a few concerns others have expressed.
Is hydroseeding environmentally friendly?
Consult your hydroseeding company about the components used in their slurry. Preserving topsoil and land quality is an organic way of safeguarding the environment. If you opt for the wildflower package, you’re making a beneficial and powerful impact on nature.
Do I need a different blend for steep slopes?
The steeper the gradient the more powerful the mixture needs to be. For slopes below 10 degrees and quality soil, no extra is needed. For slopes 20 – 25 degrees it’s prudent to double the solution.
How much does it cost to have a lawn re-sloped?
Re-sloping the gradient of your lawn is a good idea. It saves on labor and watering costs. A professional landscaping company will typically charge $1000-3000 for this job.
Hydroseeding is part of lawn and landscape technology. It’s an excellent opportunity to apply for your home lawn, business complex, or industrial yard needs. Not only will it look good, it will raise property values.
Hydroseeding is an affordable and efficient method of producing grass quickly and preventing further land erosion. Qualified hydroseeding companies manage all aspects of the prep work and spraying. While hydroseeding doesn’t produce instant results like sod, it’s much more cost-effective.
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