How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?
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Hydroseeding, also referred to as hydraulic mulch seeding or hydro mulching and many other names in the industry, involves using a hose to spray a mixture onto an area where you need new grass.
Known as a much cheaper and efficient alternative than laying sod, no tilling or seeding is required to produce the lush green grass you have envisioned.
How much does hydroseeding cost?
Unlike other seeding methods, hydroseeding is one of the cheapest methods since little prepping or shipping of sod is required. On average, when hiring a professional, be prepared to spend $0.07 to $0.20 per square foot or close to $3,000+ per acre if no prep is required. Contractors will often charge by the square foot for smaller jobs or by the acre if it’s a larger job. The price will depend on the contractor you hire, the type of seed being used, the density and if any site prep is required.
Since all jobs can be rather unique, consider getting multiple quotes for free from HomeAdvisor.com. Here, you can describe your job and licensed contractors will contact you with a ballpark estimate.
| Size of Job | Average Price (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| 2,000 - 10,000 square feet | $0.20 per square foot |
| 10,001 - 43,560 square feet | $0.15 per square foot |
| 1 acre (43560 square feet) | $0.10 per square foot |
| Over 5 acres | $4,500~ per acre |
| Over 10 acres | $4,000~ per acre |
| Over 20 acres | $3,700~ per acre |
| Over 50 acres | $3,200~ per acre |
| Over 100 acres | $2,800~ per acre |
On this LawnSite.com forum thread, someone asked what 6,000 square feet could cost, and according to most responses, they said you should be prepared to spend $0.07 to $0.15 per square feet with no site prep.
TurboTurf.com states that in a residential setting, the costs can range from $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot, with $0.06 to $0.10 per square foot being the most common. Larger jobs, such as a highway construction, could be even cheaper, often as little as $0.03 per square foot.
Medeiro’s Hydroseeding, a contractor located in Massachusetts, charges $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot for the seed, fertilizer, mulch and labor to apply once the ground is prepared, according to its official website.
Hydroseeding overview
The special mixture, which consists of water, fertilizer, seeds, wood much and soil agents, will be sprayed directly onto the ground, allowing the mulch to form a moisture barrier, effectively protecting the seeds, allowing them to germinate. If the area is larger than average, then a special slurry-like material, which will come from a tank, may be applied to create an even layer.
When complete, the dyed green mulch allows the seeds to go through its natural decomposition process. It can take up to two months for your newly-sprouted lawn to establish, and this time, no one will be able to walk on it.
What are the extra costs?
Some companies may charge a consultation fee to come out to your property to inspect and analyze the situation. This is often $50 to $100, but may be waived if you hire them to perform the job.
In general, this method typically requires very little prep work unless there’s a lot of dead grass or vegetation in the area. If this were the case, then the contractor may recommend removing the debris in question by tilling the ground to prevent healthy growth after the hydroseeding has been performed. The costs to prep will greatly depend on the amount of debris that needs to be removed and how it’s done.
Hydroseeding requires a lot of water, and during most jobs, a contractor will need to refill their tank at least once or twice by either using your home’s garden hose or traveling to a water source if you won’t allow the contractor to use your water at home. If this were the case, then the contractor may charge a mileage and labor surcharge depending on the number of times he or she needs to fill up.
If a company has to travel farther than their zone, a mileage surcharge may apply.
Tips to know:
Hydroseeding does have its own drawbacks. For one, it will require much more water when compared to sod. Sod, on average, takes about two weeks of intensive watering, while a hydroseeded lawn can take up to two months. Weeds are a given as well. Unlike sod, which is laid out in pristine condition, hydroseeding tends to bring out the worst of weeds. These weeds, depending on the method you prefer, can either be picked out by hand or sprayed with a herbicide.
Experts advise waiting until the grass grows three inches until you cut it for the first time.
How can I save money?
According to the Landscaping Network, hydroseeding isn’t a cost-saving choice for a smaller lawns due to the machine set up process.
Most contractors offer discounts for those who have larger-than-average jobs. For example, a three-acre job may be more than an acre job, but the “per acre” cost could be lower.
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