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Hydroseeding presents a compelling option for creating a new lawn, serving as a viable substitute for traditional grass seeding or sodding. While grass seeding is cost-effective, it demands significant upkeep and carries a higher risk of failure. On the other hand, grass sodding, though more costly, necessitates less maintenance for a successful lawn establishment. Hydroseeding is particularly effective for initiating lawns in expansive or sloped regions.
The typical price for hydroseeding ranges from $0.10 to $0.22 for each square foot. For a yard measuring 10,000 square feet, the hydroseeding expenses fall between $1,000 and $2,200.
What is the process of hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding is a technique for creating a lawn that involves applying a blend of grass seeds, fertilizers, mulch, soil amendments, straw, and other components onto the soil through a spraying process. This mixture is combined with water, which is where the name hydroseeding originates.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroseeding
- Less expensive than turfing.
- Encompasses extensive regions.
- Simpler to set up than planting.
- Performs effectively on inclines.
- Costlier than planting seeds.
- Needs a significant amount of water.
- Should be applied by a professional.
- Extended time frame
Pricing Based on Dimensions
A typical residential lot measuring a quarter-acre typically contains around 8,300 to 9,400 square feet of outdoor space, not counting the house itself. The average home size is approximately 2,600 square feet, while older residences may average around 1,500 square feet.
Typically, lawns do not cover every inch of a property. However, calculating the hydroseeding cost based on a 10,000-square-foot area can help avoid unexpected expenses. For a yard of this size, the cost generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,200, with an average of around $1,800. In certain instances, expenses could reach up to $4,000.
| Yard Size | Average Cost | Low Cost | High Cost |
| 2,000 square feet | $360 | $200 | $440 |
| 4,000 square feet | $720 | $400 | $880 |
| 6,000 square feet | $1,080 | $600 | $1,320 |
| 8,000 square feet | $1,440 | $800 | $1,760 |
| 10,000 square feet | $1,800 | $1,000 | $2,200 |
Comparison of Hydroseeding and Sodding Costs
Sod is a ready-to-use lawn that is available in rolls. These rolls are installed similarly to carpeting. Initially, the lawn is regarded as mostly established, but the edges will require merging, and the grass will need to keep growing.
The price of sod ranges from $0.30 to $3.00 per square foot. If you opt for professional installation, you can anticipate the cost to be closer to the higher end of this spectrum.
With an average price of $1.65 per square foot for sod, the expense of sodding a yard is nine times greater than that of hydroseeding.
Comparison of Hydroseeding and Grass Seeding Costs
The expense of establishing a grass lawn from the ground up is approximately determined by using around 60 pounds of grass seed for every 10,000 square feet of the area.
The price of grass seed varies based on your geographical area and the specific variety of seed selected, ranging from $25 to $45 for a 7-pound bag. For a coverage area of 10,000 square feet, the overall expense for grass seed would be between $225 and $400.
Establishing a lawn from the ground up is approximately four times more affordable than using hydroseeding methods.
The Process of Hydroseeding Explained
- Select an optimal season for hydroseeding: The ideal times for hydroseeding are spring, autumn, or any other mild and moist periods.
- Analyze the soil: Conduct a soil analysis on your own or seek professional testing to determine the appropriate fertilizer and additives to incorporate with the slurry.
- Choose the appropriate variety of grass seeds: Grass seeds are specific to your region. Popular options include bluegrass, ryegrass, Bahia grass, fescue, and Bermuda grass.
- Select tackifiers: Tackifiers assist in keeping the hydroseed mixture in position post-application, which is crucial, particularly on inclined surfaces.
- Prepare the soil: Reshape, level, rake, improve, or otherwise prepare the area for hydroseeding.
- Set up the hydroseeder equipment: Ensure that all hoses and lines are properly connected to the machine. Additionally, the machine needs to be connected to a power supply.
- Fill the hydroseeder with the necessary materials: Begin by pouring water into the tank, followed by the sequential addition of the product components: seeds, mulch, fertilizer, colorants, and binding agents.
- Apply hydroseeding to the soil: The hydroseeding mixture is delivered via a hose or from a larger machine’s tower.
- Water the hydroseeded region: The hydroseeded zone should be gently watered multiple times each day for a few weeks.
Varieties of Hydroseeding
When establishing a lawn, you have three hydroseeding choices: sod, hydroseed, and grass seed. Additionally, certain mixtures and slurries may include mulches such as wood fiber, blended, or paper mulch. It’s important to investigate which slurry mixture is most suitable for your region, taking into account the climate and the desired lawn type.
Hydroseeding-Related Services
To finish the yard project, hydroseeding typically necessitates additional services like regrading and leveling, the delivery of fill and topsoil, and landscaping.
Regrading
Reshaping the contours of a yard, known as regrading, typically involves the use of heavy machinery. The cost for regrading a yard begins at approximately $900 and can go as high as $4,350. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,600 for this service.
Leveling
The typical expense for yard leveling is approximately $2,400. On the lower end, prices for this service begin at around $700 and can go as high as $4,100.
Soil Fill and Topsoil
Prior to hydroseeding, it may be necessary to use fill dirt and topsoil to restore graded sections of the yard. The price of fill dirt is approximately $10 per cubic yard, while high-quality topsoil is around $34 per cubic yard.
Landscaping
Following hydroseeding, additional landscaping work might be required to finalize the project. The expenses for landscaping can range from approximately $2,600 for basic enhancements to around $13,700 for a comprehensive redesign. On average, landscaping costs about $8,150.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
True hydroseeding cannot be accomplished on a DIY basis due to the necessity of specialized, professional-grade equipment.
Compact, altered seed sprayers, which function similarly to hydroseeders, are priced between $30 and $40 for a canister that connects to a garden hose. These canisters usually include a starter seed blend that can cover approximately 500 square feet. Although they are affordable at roughly $0.07 per square foot, these DIY seed sprayers are intended for limited spaces or for patch repairs.
Is Hydroseeding the Right Choice for Your Lawn?
If you’re looking to create a lawn over a vast area, hydroseeding could be the ideal solution, particularly for a new property. Truck-mounted hydroseeding equipment can efficiently cover vast expanses, reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of square feet in a single application. This method is particularly effective on steep inclines, where traditional seeding might wash away or laying sod could be challenging.
The expense associated with hydroseeding often influences homeowners’ decisions, as the conventional method of sowing grass seed tends to be significantly cheaper. However, hydroseeding does not ensure that grass will thrive in the area. Ongoing maintenance and regular watering are essential following the hydroseeding process. Therefore, if you are unable to adhere to that maintenance routine, opting for grass sod might be a more suitable choice.
Is the expense of hydroseeding justified?
Hydroseeding can be a cost-effective option when contrasted with conventional grass seeding, which typically demands a longer time frame and more effort to create a thriving lawn. Additionally, hydroseeding can be a more economical choice when compared to the greater expense associated with installing grass sod.
What are the drawbacks of hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding presents several drawbacks. Firstly, it tends to be pricier compared to planting a lawn with traditional grass seeds. Additionally, it requires a significant amount of water, both during the application process and in the subsequent establishment of the lawn. Lastly, the establishment period for hydroseeding is longer than that of sodding, potentially taking as much as eight weeks to fully mature.
Can rainfall cause hydroseed to be washed away?
Freshly applied hydroseed needs regular watering during the initial weeks. When the soil is adequately prepared, heavy rainfall should not displace the hydroseed. However, if the soil is not compacted properly, there is a risk of the hydroseed being washed away, particularly if the area has been recently seeded.
What is the recommended waiting period before walking on hydroseed?
It is advisable to allow approximately four weeks, or up to a month, before stepping on hydroseed. Enclosing the area will help keep pets and wildlife from disturbing the hydroseed before it is ready. During this period, you can also reduce the frequency of watering the hydroseed.
