How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $650 - $2,200
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.
- Average
- $1,000
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $26,100
Hydroseeding Cost Calculator
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.
| Quantity | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroseeding Cost | 10,871 square feet | $652–$2,174 |
| Total | $652–$2,174 | |
| Total per Square Foot | $0.06–$0.20 |
Hydroseeding Cost by Square Foot
Overall, 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, if you’re like many homeowners and don’t know the exact size of your property, you can consult with a local hydroseeding expert who can help determine the size of your yard and an estimated cost.
| 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.
Hydroseeding Cost by Acre
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 |
Hydroseeding Cost by Hour
Just a quick note: your landscaper may charge by the hour if you need a small area hydroseeded, such as under 500 square feet. Depending on your region, rates range from $50 to $100 per hour. Again, it’s important to note that some hydroseeding professionals charge a minimum service fee rather than by hour or size if the project is small.
Additional Hydroseeding Cost Factors
Like most services, each region of the country sets its own prices for hydroseeding, but the numbers are a bit hard to pin down. Here are some factors that can sway prices either way.
Type of Mixture
Different types of hydroseeding mixes have different costs. The most common mixture features a combination of seed, water, fertilizer, and mulch. Specialized erosion-control seeds are one of the more expensive options. However, consulting a hydroseeding expert about the best type of mixture for your lawn will ensure you apply the right mix.
Rate and Method of Application
The application rate is typically determined by the size of the area that needs to be seeded, as well as the desired results. If you want a quicker germination process, you may need to pay a higher price for a higher rate of application. For example, a high-pressure hydroseeder will typically cost more to hire than a low-pressure one.
The most 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 that can be used on your property 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. Weeds are another problem that will tack on costs, but it's an important investment, as weeds compete for nutrients and can even stunt new growth. DIY weed control and soil amending prior to hydroseeding can reduce costs.
Type of Grass
Different grasses thrive in different climates. If your lawn needs a more expensive variety—like disease-resistant bentgrass—expect a higher price tag.
Local Labor Prices
Labor costs are likely higher around big cities than in small towns off the beaten path. Expect this to affect your per-foot or per-acre cost. Additionally, if you have obstacles like large trees or hardscaping, your hydroseeder will spend additional time working around these objects, increasing your time to completion.
Slope
The steeper the slope of your lawn, the more likely you'll need extra slurry to latch onto the soil. The reason is simple: Gravity takes hold on steeper slopes and can send the seed sliding down the hill with the slurry or during the next rainfall.
If you have less than a 10-degree slope, expect lower prices. Anything above a 20 to 25-degree slope—like a great sledding hill—will cause hydroseeding prices to go up due to the need for reapplication.
Erosion Threat
In addition to the slope of your lawn, areas that weather an abundance of water and wind require more hydroseeding slurry. So if you live off the windy coastline of Lake Erie, the cost of hydroseeding may run a bit higher.
Climate
Local water restrictions can directly affect the success of hydroseeding, as the process calls for large amounts of water, especially during the early stages. 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.
Hydroseeding Ongoing Expenses
Once hydroseeding is complete, proper aftercare ensures your lawn stays full and healthy. Here are the main ongoing maintenance expenses to factor into your hydroseeding cost.
| Ongoing Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Soil Testing | $700–$2,100 |
| Mowing | $50–$200 |
| Fertilizing | $70–$400 |
| Leaf Removal | $200–$600 |
| Dethatching | $160–$230 |
| Aeration | $75–$200 |
Soil Testing
The cost of soil testing is $1,450 for the average homeowner. However, depending on what you’re testing your soil for, that cost can be as low as $220 or as high as $4,000. Basic lawn soil testing averages around $60, but more complex tests, like geotechnical testing, can be as costly as $3,000. Speak with your lawn seeding specialist to determine the recommended tests for your project.
Mowing
The average cost to professionally mow a lawn is between $50 to $200. Keeping your new grass mowed will help keep it healthy and disease-free, plus it can help prevent pests. Prices may vary depending on lawn size and the time required to complete the project.
Fertilizing
The average price of lawn fertilizer is $230, with prices ranging from $80 to $400. Fertilizing is an important step after hydroseeding that promotes a lush, healthy lawn. The size and condition of the yard affect costs, as well as labor rates. To keep your grass full and healthy, aim to fertilize around three to five times a year.
Leaf Removal
The cost of leaf removal typically ranges from $200 to $600, depending on the area to be weeded and the type of equipment used. Too many leaves on a lawn can block water from reaching the soil, and it can cause lawn pests and diseases, so leaf removal is important for the health of your new grass.
Dethatching
Though you’ll want to wait a few seasons after hydroseeding to consider dethatching, it’s savvy to preplan for the expense. If you dethatch too soon, you risk ripping out the roots with the rest of the organic material you’ll be collecting. On average, plan to spend between $160 and $230 for professional dethatching services.
Aeration
The cost of lawn aeration is $140 for the typical homeowner, though that can range from $75 to $200 based on your yard size. Lawn aeration is essential to help the roots grow nice and strong and helps the soil stay loose to allow the grass to grow.
DIY Hydroseeding vs. Hiring a Pro
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.
Seeding vs. Hydroseeding vs Sod
There are three different methods of achieving a new lawn: Seeding, hydroseeding, and sod installation. Sod costs $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot for the material, plus an additional $1 to $2 per square foot for installation. Seeding a new lawn costs $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot.
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 due to the nature of the equipment and the slurry required, 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 |
How to Save Money on Hydroseeding Costs
Saving money is important no matter what home project you work on, and hydroseeding is no different. When hiring a pro to take on this project 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.