Pros & Cons of Hydroseeding

Speed and Ease

• The speed with which hydroseeding produces a thick lawn is the main pro of this planting method. Grass begins to pop up within days and you have a lawn to mow in about four weeks. The finished result looks like sod, without the cost of sod. All parts of your landscape can be covered in lawn. Because it's sprayed on, hydroseeding can be used to cover hilly slopes, which are typically more difficult areas to plant grass. It also makes seeding a large yard a snap.

Maintenance

• Hydroseeding is relatively low maintenance because it involves a contractor who sprays a mixture on your soil. That blend contains grass seed, mulch, water, fertilizer, and sometimes lime. There is no need for supplemental fertilization or mulching. Once it is in place, the fiber mulch holds it together and bonds the seeds to the soil. It also retains moisture so the seeds have the water they need to germinate quickly. The seeds are protected from erosion, birds, wind and sunlight. Eventually the mulch decomposes.

Cost

• Hydroseeding may be cheaper than sodding, but it's much more expensive than laying grass seed. Prices vary depending on your region and product availability. Hydroseeding also offers fewer options than seeding when it comes to choosing the grass type. The seeds must be able to be sprayed in the mixture. It's a good idea to call hydroseeding contractors if you're looking for a certain type of grass.

  Some work is required after your lawn is hydroseeded. The mixture must be kept moist, which may require watering three times a day in hot weather. You also need to stay off the grass and keep pets off of it until it has time to become established. If not, you may create bare spots in the yard.

Preparations

• Hydroseeding contractors don't simply spray the seed mixture on any type of ground and hope it works. The soil needs to be prepared before the process can occur. The contractor will survey the land to determine what needs to be done to it. The soil needs to be fertile and drain well. Although the grass seed is protected somewhat as part of the blend, it still needs contact with nutrient-rich soil to grow well.