Table of Contents
What Is Hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding is a lawn-establishment service that is accomplished by spraying a slurry of seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and water onto a prepared site. Quality hydroseeding can benefit those with large plots of land as it is a quick, efficient way to create a lush lawn.
Hydroseeding offers affordable vegetation establishment for:
- Agricultural fields
- Athletic fields
- Residential yards
- Construction sites
- Roadside property
- Schools or offices
- Sloped land
At Superior Groundcover, we specialize in both residential and commercial hydroseeding.
Benefits of Hydroseeding
While hydroseeding does create beautiful yards (which your kids will love and customers will comment on), it can also:
- Prevent erosion: Hydroseed lawns are less likely to experience erosion compared to other methods of grass establishment, like sod, because hydroseeding encourages deeper, more resilient grass seed root penetration. Heavy rain and strong winds are less likely to cause areas of the lawn to shift or thin out, saving you time and money in restorative services.
- Reduce weed growth: Weeds—the nemesis of uniform, attractive yards—can be expensive and difficult to get rid of, on average costing anywhere from $65 and $200 per weed treatment service, and they leave your yard looking splotchy. High-quality hydroseed mixtures like ours contain the fewest amount of weed seeds possible, as well as a weed pre-emergent additive, giving you a lawn full of green goodness that requires minimal upkeep.
- Eliminate dust production: Excess dust can be environmentally hazardous as well as harmful to our physical health. Some people use water-based options to control dust, though this can be costly and require more time on your part. Hydroseed mixes can be infused with protectant solutions like tackifiers that keep dust levels low.
How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?
The cost of hydroseeding is often measured by the square foot. However, for large parcels of land, it can be priced by acreage.
Cost to Seed an Acre of Grass
In 2021, the average cost of hydroseeding was $3,500 per acre, but it can range between $3,000 to $5,000 depending of the variety of seed mix you choose, as well as any site-related factors that impact the installation process.
Other Factors for Hydroseeding Cost
The slope of your land can alter the cost of hydroseeding. To prevent seed runoff on inclined land, more materials or multiple applications may be needed.
How to Hydroseed
At Superior Groundcover, we offer a comprehensive hydroseeding process.
- Soil test: A professional soil examination will determine what seed will be most apt for your property.
- Site prep: We will bring in whatever equipment is necessary to grade your land, optimizing it for even seed germination.
- Slurry application: The moist mulch and seed mixture will be spread throughout your yard.
- Clean up: Our crew will ensure your surrounding pavement is free of debris.
- Consistent hydration: Finally, we will walk you through the care schedule for your yard, including regular watering needs.
In a few weeks, you will be able to admire and enjoy your fresh, full, vibrantly-green yard.
Do It Yourself Hydroseeding vs. Professional Company
Hydroseeding your own lawn is doable, though it is significantly harder in comparison to having a professional company complete the process. There are many types of specialized equipment required for hydroseeding—both for effective site-grading and thorough seed application. This equipment is expensive to rent, and when used by an amateur, there is a much higher chance for uneven coverage, leading to a patchy lawn.
Seasoned pros like us at Super Groundcover have years of experience in hydroseeding applications, ensuring an even coverage every time. The quality of our material is superb, leading to lush, green lawns your neighbors will fawn over. Speaking of neighbors, we also make sure to mitigate damage to the surrounding area by using trucks with long hoses for the seed application, reducing damage or erosion to the nearby land.
Hydroseeding Tips
- Time of year matters: It can’t be too dry outside—your freshly-laid seeds need lots of TLC in the form of hydration. Refrain from installing your lawn too close to winter, as there needs to be established growth before snowfall.
- Book early: Hydroseeding companies like us book out in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your service—reach out a few months before you want your project to begin to ensure we have availability.
- Get your soil checked pre-seed: A soil test is extremely important prior to beginning the seed application—this is a service we offer. If your soil lacks nutrients that make it conducive to hydroseeding, we can help you figure it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroseed Cost vs. Sod: Which Is Better?
Sod, which is pre-grown beds of grass, is much more expensive than hydroseeding in both material and installation costs. It often costs upwards of $1000 more than hydroseeding. While it has a quicker turnaround time, the root development is usually not as strong as hydroseeding.
Best Time to Hydroseed In Michigan?
Late summer and early fall provide ideal temperatures for hydroseeding.
How Long Can Hydroseed Go Without Water?
Not long. After the seed is laid, it needs to be watered up to three times a day.
How Long Does It Take for Hydroseed to Grow?
Hydroseed begins to sprout within 5–7 days, but it will be a few weeks before it is long enough to mow.
Where to Buy Hydroseed?
Superior Groundcover provides the most high-quality seed material in addition to application services.
How Long Before You Can Walk on Hydroseed?
Your lawn must be totally dry to prevent damage to the growing grass. We know you’re excited, but wait a few weeks and minimize traffic as much as possible.
Is Hydroseed Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Hydroseeding is non-toxic, making it a safe form of lawn vegetation for pets and children to play on (although we recommend staying off the hydroseed until a good stand of grass is established).
