How Hydroseeding Works
- jmelo67
- Jun 14
- 6 min read
By Jorge Melo
Want a lush, green lawn without spending a fortune or waiting forever? Hydroseeding with New England Tree and Landscape is the way to go! It’s a smart, efficient method to plant grass that’s faster than hand-seeding and more affordable than sod. In this post, I’ll explain how hydroseeding works, why it’s a great choice, and how New England Tree and Landscape can make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s get started!
What is Hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding is a game-changer for growing grass. It involves spraying a special mix called a “slurry” onto bare soil using a hydroseeder machine. This slurry is packed with grass seeds, mulch, water, fertilizer, and sometimes biostimulants or green dye for a polished look. The hydroseeder keeps everything mixed and spreads it evenly across your yard.
The slurry helps seeds stick to the soil, sprout quickly (usually in 7–21 days), and prevent erosion. Rye grass pops up faster, while bluegrass takes a bit longer. Known as hydromulching or hydraulic mulch seeding, this method has been trusted for over 50 years.
Hydroseeding is commonly used for things like:
Transforming your yard into a green oasis.
Controlling erosion on slopes or construction sites.
Reducing dust in open areas.
Keeping weeds under control.
Creating sports fields or park lawns.
Hydroseeding Cost
Hydroseeding is budget-friendly compared to other options. It typically costs $0.06–$0.26 per square foot, so a 6,000–10,000 square foot lawn might run $1,500–$2,600, including soil prep and materials. Costs depend on your project, so reach out to New England Tree and Landscape at 508-763-8000 for a free, tailored quote.
DIY kits exist, but they often fall short of professional results. New England Tree and Landscape uses top-notch equipment and high-quality mixes to ensure your lawn looks amazing, saving you time and hassle.
When is the best time for hydroseeding?
Timing matters! In New England, spring and fall are ideal for hydroseeding because they’re cool and wet, perfect for seed growth. Plan to hydroseed early in these seasons (March to October) so your lawn can establish before summer heat or winter chill. New England Tree and Landscape can help you schedule the perfect time for your project.
Different Types of Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is super flexible, letting you customize seeds and mulches to fit your yard and New England’s climate.
Thank you very mulch.
Mulch is the star of the slurry. It’s heavier than seeds and water, helping the mix spray farther and stick to the ground. Once applied, mulch forms a protective blanket that shields seeds from wind, sun, and rain, boosts germination, and fights erosion.
Wood Fiber Mulch
This is the premium choice. It’s a bit more expensive but offers top-tier protection and erosion control, making it ideal for a lush lawn. New England Tree and Landscape often uses this for the best results.
Blended Mulch
A mix of 70% wood fiber and 30% paper, this is a cost-effective option that still performs well. It’s less protective than wood fiber but great for budget-conscious projects.
Paper Mulch
The cheapest option, but it’s not as effective. New England Tree and Landscape sticks to higher-quality mulches to ensure your lawn thrives.
You can also choose seeds tailored to your needs, like shade-tolerant blends for tree-heavy yards or drought-resistant grasses for sunny spots. New England Tree and Landscape’s experts will guide you to the perfect mix for your property.
Why hydroseeding?
You’ve got three main ways to start a lawn: sod, traditional seeding, or hydroseeding. Here’s how they compare:
Sod: Gives you an instant lawn but costs a lot ($0.31–$0.82 per square foot). It can be laid anytime but may face disease or rooting issues.
Traditional Seeding: The cheapest option but takes 6–10 weeks to grow. It’s DIY-friendly but needs constant care to protect seeds from birds or wind.
Hydroseeding: The best of both worlds. It’s more affordable than sod, faster than seeding, and creates a uniform, healthy lawn. New England Tree and Landscape’s professional service ensures top-notch results.
Usually, Hydroseeding is the best bang for your buck.
Hydroseeding offers great value, delivering a custom, hardy lawn without the high cost of sod or the long wait of seeding. With New England Tree and Landscape, you get a lawn that’s built to last and looks fantastic.
Do it yourself hydroseeding
Want to try hydroseeding yourself? It’s possible, but it’s a big job. You’ll need a hydroseeding kit or a tank and pump (rentals cost about $300/day). Here’s the process:
Pick Your Seeds: Choose a blend suited to New England, like a sun-and-shade mix.
Test Your Soil: Use a kit to check pH (aim for 6.5–7). Adjust with lime or sulfur if needed.
Clear the Ground: Remove weeds and debris for bare soil.
Grade the Soil: Set soil 2.5–3 inches below your final grade to avoid slurry runoff.
Add Topsoil/Compost: Spread a 2-inch layer for nutrients.
Regrade: Smooth the soil for even application.
Prep the Hydroseeder: Mix seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and water in the tank.
Spray: Apply the slurry evenly.
Maintain: Water 2–3 times daily for weeks, then less for 6–7 weeks. Keep the lawn off-limits.
The job isn’t quite done after you’ve distributed your mixture.
Post-spraying care is crucial. Keep the soil moist with frequent watering, especially for the first two months. Grass may sprout in 7–10 days, and you can mow after four weeks. DIY requires patience and research, but for the best results, trust New England Tree and Landscape’s expertise and professional-grade equipment.
Soil erosion and hydroseeding mistakes
Hydroseeding seems straightforward, but mistakes can trip you up:
No Soil Test: Always check pH and toxicity, especially on new construction sites. Bad soil can ruin your lawn.
Wrong Seeds or Mix: Choose seeds for New England’s climate, or you might get weeds or no growth.
Poor Timing: Late summer or fall plantings struggle with heat or lack of time before winter.
New England Tree and Landscape avoids these pitfalls with thorough soil testing, custom mixes, and expert timing.
How Hydroseeding Works
Here’s the deal: New England Tree and Landscape uses a hydroseeder to mix and spray the slurry evenly over prepared soil. The machine, with jet or paddle agitation, ensures a consistent blend. Paddle systems are great for thicker slurries used in erosion control, while jet systems are simpler and cost-effective. The mulch holds seeds in place, protects them, and adds nutrients as it decomposes, while fertilizer and biostimulants kickstart growth.
What are the Benefits of Hydroseeding?
Fast Growth: Grass sprouts in 7–21 days, quicker than traditional seeding.
Even Coverage: No patches or sod seams—just a smooth lawn.
Erosion Control: Ideal for slopes or bare land.
Custom Options: Pick seeds and mulches for your yard’s needs.
Affordable: Cheaper than sod, better results than hand-seeding.
What Industries Use Hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding isn’t just for homes. New England Tree and Landscape serves:
Residential yards for stunning lawns.
Commercial properties for professional landscaping.
Construction sites for erosion control and dust reduction.
Parks and sports fields for durable turf.
Hydroseeding When to Water
Watering is key! For the first few weeks, water 2–3 times a day to keep soil moist. Then, reduce frequency but keep watering more than usual for 6–7 weeks. New England Tree and Landscape provides clear care instructions to ensure your lawn thrives.
Hydroseeding Where to Buy
For professional hydroseeding, contact New England Tree and Landscape at 508-763-8000 or visit www.newenglandtreeandlandscape.com. They serve Plymouth and Bristol County, MA, with top-quality service. DIY kits are available at garden stores or online, but they’re less effective than pro services.
Who Does Hydroseeding Near Me
New England Tree and Landscape is your go-to for hydroseeding in Southeastern Massachusetts. With over 35 years of experience, their family-owned team delivers personalized, high-quality results. Call 508-763-8000 for a free estimate.
Hydroseeding How Long to Grow
Expect grass to sprout in 7–10 days for fast seeds like rye grass or 2–3 weeks for bluegrass. Full establishment takes about two months, and you can mow after four weeks. New England Tree and Landscape ensures optimal growth with their expert process.
FAQs About Hydroseeding
What are the disadvantages of hydroseeding?
Requires frequent watering (2–3 times daily) at first.
DIY hydroseeding isn’t as effective as professional service or DIY sod/seeding.
Can you hydroseed over an existing lawn?
No, hydroseeding needs bare soil. Clear out grass, weeds, and debris first for best results.
Is hydroseeding worth the cost?
Absolutely, if you want a cost-effective, fast, and high-quality lawn. It’s cheaper than sod and beats the slow growth of seeding. New England Tree and Landscape’s professional service maximizes your investment.
FAQs About New England Tree and Landscape
Do you offer hydroseeding services?
Yes, New England Tree and Landscape provides expert hydroseeding for residential and commercial properties in Plymouth and Bristol County, MA. Call 508-763-8000 for a free quote.
What areas do you serve?
They serve Southeastern Massachusetts, including Plymouth and Bristol County. Contact them to confirm your location is covered.
How much does hydroseeding cost with you?
Costs range from $0.06–$0.26 per square foot, depending on your project. Reach out to New England Tree and Landscape for a free, customized estimate.
Can you help pick the right seed mix?
Yes, their team will recommend the best seed blends and mulches for your yard’s climate and needs, like shade-tolerant or drought-resistant options.
Ready to transform your yard? Hydroseeding with New England Tree and Landscape is a smart, affordable way to get a gorgeous lawn. Call 508-763-8000 or visit www.newenglandtreeandlandscape.com to get started today!
Citations: "Hydroseeding 101." Superior Groundcover, www.superiorgroundcover.com.
"Apex Seeder Hydroseeding Guide." Apex Seeder, www.apexseeder.com.
"Hydroseeding: What Is It?" This Old House, www.thisoldhouse.com.
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