What Is Hydroseeding?

View of residential yard with sunset and fireplace

Hydroseeding is a cost-effective method that significantly reduces labor time and produces a healthy, vibrant lawn.

How Does Hydroseeding Work?

Hydroseeding, also known as hydraulic mulch seeding, evenly distributes grass seeds, fertilizer, and water over an area of land. Professional landscapers use hydroseeding equipment, such as a specialized hose or truck to spray the mixture over bare soil. Since hydroseeding is a simple process, it’s a great alternative to other traditional seeding methods.

Once the process is complete, grass begins to grow in as little as five to seven days, and since it helps grass seeds germinate faster than typical seeds, you can have a full lawn within a few weeks.

What Are the Advantages of Hydroseeding?

Whether you’re interested in commercial hydroseeding or you’d like to hydroseed a large residential property, it’s perfect for any large area of bare soil. Since the seeds can contain up to 10 times their weight in water, they provide the fastest and healthiest growth. Because of this, it’s also great for erosion control. Seeds stay in place, so the land isn’t ruined by wind, rain, or pests. In terms of irrigation, hydroseeding also requires less maintenance than hand-seeded lawns.

These are just a few reasons why this high-quality yet affordable method has a positive reputation in the landscaping industry. Other benefits of hydroseeding include:

Affordability

Hydroseeding is less labor intensive than unrolling and installing sod, so it’s cheaper. Expect to pay 50 cents to $1 per square foot. Using a sprinkler system costs extra. Other factors that determine hydroseeding costs include:

The number of square feet of coverage area
Capacity or size of hydroseeding truck and its tank
The tank’s mixing rate

Disease Resistance

Sod is usually made of one type of turfgrass. When grass is a single type of plant, it’s more prone to disease. However, the hydroseeding slurry is customizable, so it’s highly versatile and stands up against the elements. You can choose your grass seeds and fertilizers according to your land’s needs. Plus, the natural growth of grass is less susceptible to disease and weeds.

Safety

Hydroseeding is environmentally friendly since it’s neither toxic nor hazardous. It doesn’t threaten the safety of wild animals, pets, or children. If the slurry gets on your hands or clothes, soap and water remove it easily.

Hydroseeding vs Sod

Simply put, sod refers to mats of fully-grown grass. It’s harvested on a sod farm using premium grass and fertilizer blends, cultivating healthy, robust, weed-free grass. Beneath the mat of grass is a layer of soil and roots. Once it arrives at your location, landscapers strategically lay it on the land. Although sod takes a few weeks to take root, it’s ready for use immediately after.

Sod is perfect for property owners who are low on time and would like a lawn immediately. But other than the instant gratification of sod, there aren’t many other advantages it has over hydroseeding. As mentioned earlier, hydroseeding isn’t as expensive as laying sod, and it’s a more methodical process that produces a better outcome.

Varsity, Inc. Is Your Go-to for Gorgeous Landscaping

Hydroseeding is one of Varsity, Inc.’s several specialties. The best times to hydroseed are during the spring and fall, due to the mild weather and moderate rainfall. However, our leading landscaping capabilities keep your commercial grounds looking great year round. Although it seems simple, hydroseeding should be left to our experts—don’t attempt it as a DIY project. You want long-lasting results that contribute to your company’s clean-cut image. Our qualified, licensed professionals perform their services during the ideal temperatures, and you reap the benefits of a beautiful lawn a few weeks later.

Varsity, Inc.’s one-step hydroseeding services are second to none in the Pennsylvania region. Our equipment works wonders on steep slopes, bare hillsides, and backyards. We aim to eliminate your landscaping worries with our proven techniques. Bring your questions and concerns to our dedicated team, and we’ll transform your property. If you have an upcoming project, call Varsity for a free proposal today.