The average cost of hydroseeding ranges from $650 to $2,200, with a national average of $1,000. Budget for more if you're seeding over an acre of land.
Hydroseeding costs an average of $1,000 but can be anywhere from $650 to $2,200 for labor and materials or $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot. If you’re hydroseeding several acres of land, you could pay up to $26,100 or more.
Hydroseeding is a time- and labor-saving method of seeding a lawn that involves spraying a pressurized mix of grass seed, fertilizer, water, and mulch to grow a lush lawn in under a month.
Calculations are based on the average size of a lawn, which is about ¼ acre. We converted these dimensions to 10,871 square feet. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number. While this calculator can help give you a rough estimate of what you’ll pay, speaking with a hydroseeder near you is the best way to understand specifics about your project, including a more accurate quote.
| Hydroseeding Cost | 10,871 square feet | $652–$2,174 |
| Total | $652–$2,174 | |
| Total per Square Foot | $0.06–$0.20 |
Expect to pay between $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot for hydroseeding based on slope and the quality of your slurry. To determine your yard size, subtract your house size from your total property size or consult a local hydroseeding expert.
| Yard Size, Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $30–$100* |
| 1,000 | $60–$200* |
| 3,000 | $180–$600* |
| 5,000 | $300–$1,000 |
| 7,500 | $450–$1,500 |
| 10,000 | $600–$2,000 |
*Note: While smaller yards will have a more modest cost of materials, most hydroseeding professionals have a minimum service fee of between $300 and $500. Check with your local specialists for more information.
The cost for hydroseeding massive spaces spans $2,000 to $4,000 an acre. The good news is that many hydroseeding professionals give discounted rates for lawns an acre or more, depending on location.
| Yard Size, Acre | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | $650–$2,200 |
| 1/2 | $1,300–$4,400 |
| 3/4 | $2,000–$6,500 |
| 1 | $2,600–$8,700 |
| 2 | $5,200–$17,400 |
| 3 | $7,800–$26,100 |
Your landscaper may charge by the hour if you need a small area (under 500 square feet) hydroseeded. Depending on your region, rates range from $50 to $100 per hour.
Like most services, each region of the country sets its own prices for hydroseeding. Here are some factors that can sway prices either way.
Type of mixture: The most common mixture features a combination of seed, water, fertilizer, and mulch. Specialized erosion-control seeds are one of the more expensive options.
Application rate: The application rate is determined by the size of the area that needs to be seeded, and the desired results. If you want a quicker germination process, you will pay a higher price for a higher rate of application.
Application method: Common methods of applying hydroseed mix are handheld sprayers, hydraulic pumps, and mechanical rotors. Handheld sprayers are the most budget-friendly option, while hydraulic pumps and mechanical rotors are more expensive. The method of application depends on the type of soil, the land's slope, and the area's size.
Lawn condition: A lawn with less-than-ideal soil conditions requires more seeds, fertilizer, and water, which will increase your hydroseeding cost. DIY weed control and soil amending prior to hydroseeding can reduce costs.
Type of grass: If your lawn needs a more expensive variety—like disease-resistant bentgrass—expect a higher price tag.
Local labor: Labor costs depend on location and demand, affecting your per-foot or per-acre cost.
Slope: The steeper the slope of your lawn, the more likely you'll need extra slurry to latch onto the soil. Anything above a 20- to 25-degree slope will cause hydroseeding prices to increase.
Erosion threat: In addition to the slope of your lawn, areas that weather an abundance of water and wind require more hydroseeding slurry.
Climate: Local water restrictions can affect the success of hydroseeding, as the process calls for large amounts of water. If you live in an area that’s prone to drought, you might have to spend extra on additional measures like trucking in water from out of town or adding water-saving additives to your hydroseed slurry to cut down on the amount of water needed.
A benefit of hydroseeding is that you can create a custom mix of seed that best suits the area you are seeding. For example, in shadier areas, you can hydroseed with a fescue grass blend to accommodate the shady microclimate.
Here are the main ongoing maintenance expenses to factor into your hydroseeding cost.
| Ongoing Expense | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Testing | $700–$2,100 | Ranging from basic to geotechnical testing |
| Mowing | $50–$200 | Cutting grass to ideal height |
| Fertilizing | $70–$400 | Add after hydroseeding to promote a healthy lawn |
| Leaf Removal | $200–$600 | Leaf removal to encourage new grass growth |
| Dethatching | $160–$230 | Wait a few seasons after hydroseeding to dethatch lawn |
| Aeration | $75–$200 | Essential for root and soil health |
Soil testing cost: $700–$2,100
Mowing cost: $50–$200
Fertilizing cost: $70–$400
Leaf removal cost: $200–$600
Dethatching cost: $160–$230
Lawn aeration cost: $75–$200
Lawn enthusiasts have a big opportunity here. Technically, yes, you can hydroseed your lawn yourself. The DIY process can be hit or miss, however, and a bit costly.
Unlike reseeding your lawn, which you can tackle by hand, hydroseeding requires specialized equipment and materials. Renting a hydroseeder runs between $300 and $500 per day, so it is only worth renting for very large properties that you feel confident caring for without a professional eye.
On the other hand, hiring a local lawn seeding pro will ensure the job is done efficiently and accurately. They can help decide what grass seed will be best for your lawn, how many slurry applications you’ll need, and what future maintenance you’ll need.
While it costs the most, sod offers instant results as you’re laying the already-grown grass into place. Seeding grass is more work and takes the longest, but it’s budget-friendly and can yield a beautiful, healthy lawn. Hydroseeding can be more costly than seeding, but it’s quicker to grow, and grass often comes out healthier.
| Seeding | Hydroseeding | Sod |
|---|---|---|
| $0.10–$0.20 per square foot | $0.06–$0.20 per square foot | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot |
| Easy installation process | Medium installation process | Difficult installation process |
| Usable in 3 months | Usable in 3 months | Usable in 10 days |
When hiring a pro to hydroseed for you, keep the following in mind to help save on overall project costs:
Split the project: Instead of hydroseeding the entire yard at once, start with the front and work on the backyard in the future.
Choose a cost-effective option: Since many hydroseeding options are available, talk with your pro to see what would be best for your yard and wallet.
DIY some of the project: Cut down on expenses by taking care of the prep work, like mowing, fertilizing, and clearing the lawn of debris such as leaves and rocks.
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The hydroseed mix—known as a slurry—helps grass seed take root in many ways. Water combines with the mulch, allowing the grass seed to stay moist while grounded in the soil. The extra fertilizer then provides the boost the seed needs to flourish. In just a few weeks, you'll be ready to break out the lawnmower again.
Having a luscious lawn won’t take a century to grow with hydroseeding—most hydroseed lawns sprout within 7 to 14 days. Once the new grass is about 4 inches tall, which is about six weeks after the installation, it’s ready to mow. After the initial mow, keep foot traffic at a minimum for another four weeks to solidify the rooting system.
Hydroseeding is the best option for seeding your lawn, but it’s also expensive. While it takes some time for the grass to fully establish itself, it won’t be as long as with conventional seeding. Hydroseeding also produces a healthier, greener lawn than conventional seeding, so it’s a win-win if you can front the cost.
Hydroseeding over an existing lawn is possible, but certain adjustments are necessary since the process is for bare soil. Hydroseed mix is usually very thick, which helps protect the seeds during germination. If you have existing grass on your site and still want to hydroseed, it's better to use a finer mulch mixture when spraying. A finer mulch mix means the seeds can root into existing soil without suffocating the existing grass.
Timing is key when determining the best time to hydroseed your lawn. It’s best to hydroseed in the spring or fall due to the already wet conditions of your lawn and the more mild temperatures.
Your local pro will also offer watering and fertilizer instructions for the months after your application. Make sure you will be available to water it consistently, especially in the first two to three weeks for best results.
Hydroseeding is a great option for sloped yards, as sod might not root as well. Hydroseeding also traditionally creates sprouts faster than normal seeding—up to a full week faster. Additionally, you can customize your slurry mix with hydroseed, allowing you to create a mixture that will work specifically for your yard’s conditions.
It’s important to remember that hydroseeded lawns require a lot of water during the first few weeks of installation, which can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, the installation window tends to be shorter than that of sod and traditional grass.
