Hydroseeding, and its higher-end cousin, Hydromulching are some of the most effective methods of rejuvenating lawns and large tracts of barren land affected by erosion. In the USA, this practice is well-embraced, bearing in mind, it is cheap and faster. In fact, according to hydroseeding experts, it will cost you around $1800 to hydroseed a 10000 square foot lawn, which will take only six weeks.
Having said that, what is hydroseeding anyway? Technically, hydroseeding is a landscaping or agricultural practice that introduces new grass seeds to bare ground to control erosion and create a stunning carpet-like ground cover. The practice was introduced in the early 1940s by Maurice Mendell in Connecticut and today is widely used by landscapers.
How is hydroseeding done?
Nothing much about Mendell’s original hydroseeding procedure has changed. The process involves mixing grass seed in a tank of water with mulch, soil amendments, and fertilizer to form a slurry. Hydromulch is like hydroseeding, but uses a much thicker slurry and heavier mulch for better moisture management and ground adherance. The slurry is then pumped to your lawn at a high pressure to spread the seeds uniformly. The hydroseeder must keep mixing the slurry for uniformity and proper germination.
Hydroseeding vs. sod
Despite hydroseeding being one of the best ways to establish a glamorous lawn and prevent erosion, sodding seems to be doing precisely that in a different fashion. Sodding involves installing germinated grass on the bare ground using sods. Sods are sections of full-grown grass bound together by a biodegradable substrate.
Both hydroseeding and sodding are excellent options for getting a new lawn. But there are some slight differences in how the two work. Here is a quick comparison of hydroseeding vs. sod.
Time
Sod is almost instant, and the lawn will be ready for use immediately after installing the sod. In contrast, hydroseeding takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the lawn to be ready for use. During this period, grass will germinate and the new growth should not be disturbed. The end result is hardier and healthier though. So, that is something you should consider when considering the short term inconvenience of waiting for germination.
Choice
Sodding companies generally offer few choices of grass. This creates some kind of “grass monotony”. However, this is not the case with hydroseeding since you can use a blend of grass seeds to achieve a unique lawn cover and have many more choices built for aesthetics or hardiness.
Cost
Sodding is expensive, costing more than $0.35 per square foot, which is twice the cost of hydroseeding. For more information on prices and enticing deals on lawn maintenance, talk to our experts at A-1 Erosion Control.
Hydroseeding is a buzz in landscaping. It is a one-time, cost-effective undertaking. If you want more tips on how to take care of your lawn; check this piece from our up-to-date blogs.
