Whether to buy sod or plant grass or hydroseed is a common question that many homeowners face when they are trying to redo their lawn. While any of these options can yield a great yard with the right care, hydroseeding is a great option in terms of ease and cost. But many homeowners are still not familiar with this popular lawn growing method. 

What You Need to Know About Hydroseeding

What is hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is the process of combining mulch, fertilizer, grass seed, and water together. They are mixed up in a large tank. The resulting mixture is then sprayed directly onto your lawn. Some companies will include a biodegradable bonding agent in the mix to help the seed and fertilizer stick together. Others may include a bio-dye to help them make sure there are no holes in the application. The dye color itself will quickly fade away after the application. 

How fast does it work? 

Just like hand-planting grass, new grass shoots from hydroseeding should begin to sprout around ten days after application. The new grass should be about 4 inches at four weeks and can be mowed for the first time. After eight weeks, the lawn should be fully established. Be careful to water the seed enough in the first crucial month. Most experts recommend 10–15 minutes of watering, 3–4 times daily. Avoid walking on the new grass as much as possible until it’s fully established. 

Is hydroseeding better than sod?

When you buy sod and have it installed, your new lawn is basically ready and perfect the next day. Sod installation is still the easiest and fastest method. Hydroseeding does take longer since it grows the grass from seed, but it yields results that are just as good at a fraction of the cost. After the initial growing period, and with the right care and lawn maintenance afterward, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a hydroseeded and sodded lawn. 

When should you hydroseed?

The ideal time for growing grass depends on what region you live in. Plan for a time when temperatures are consistently between 75 and 85 degrees. Since new lawns require quite a bit of watering, many homeowners choose to hydroseed in the spring or fall when rainfall is at its peak and regular. 

Keeven Bros Sod Company has been the leading sod farm company in the Greater St. Louis, MO, area since 1953. Their lawn experts grow a variety of grasses, from Kentucky bluegrass to zoysia, with reliable and fast delivery and installation. Call (636) 240-4900 or visit them online to learn more about their hydroseeding services.