Hydroseeding contractors near you

Hydroseeding is a method to plant grass seeds. Typically, a machine is used to spray a mixture of mulch, fertilizer, seeds, dye and water onto prepared ground. 

In most cases, here's what you can expect when a professional is hydroseeding your yard:

• Site preparation: The site must be graded and debris-free before hydroseeding to give the seeds the best chance of germination.

• Slurry mixture: The seeds, water, fertilizer, dye and mulch will be mixed in the hydroseeding machine's tank to distribute them evenly throughout the area.

• Application: Once mixed, the slurry is sprayed on the designated area using a high-pressure nozzle.

• Proper care and maintenance: To germinate, the seed mixture must be consistently watered, and the frequency of watering depends primarily on the location and type of seed.

When looking for a professional to hydroseed your lawn: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Hydroseeding contractors should have liability insurance to protect you if they damage your property. They should also be licensed by your city, county or state so you know they're legitimate businesses.

• Get several estimates: Aim to get at least three estimates before choosing a hydroseeding professional. This will help you find the best value for your project.

• Read their reviews: Look for reviews that describe how the company went above and beyond or solved a specific problem for the customer.

• Look at their portfolios: Before-and-after pictures of customers' lawns can tell you a lot about the quality and value of the service.

• Find out if they have warranties: Most professionals who work with hydroseed offer a warranty for their work. This protects you if the hydroseed doesn't germinate properly or has other problems.

• Ask important questions: Find out how long the job will take, what happens if you're unsatisfied and what kind of contract they offer before hiring.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack's Smart Hiring page.

Contact several lawn care professionals to see how much they charge for hydroseeding. Several factors might impact the cost of hydroseeding your lawn, including: 

• Yard size and access: If you have a large yard or a difficult-to-access space, expect to pay more for hydroseeding than someone with a smaller yard or easy accessibility.

• The type of seed used: You can use more than one kind of seed, and if you choose a higher quality option or blend, hydroseeding costs might be higher.

• The slope of your yard: A yard with a steeper slope typically requires more than one application to help prevent erosion, which may increase the cost.

You might be able to save money on hydroseeding by: 

• Preparing your soil: Healthy soil doesn't need additional additives or support, which can save money on hydroseeding.

• Getting the site ready: If you grade the site and remove any debris, the hydroseeding company won't have to handle these tasks, potentially lowering costs.

• Shopping around: Get at least three estimates to find a quality company that provides value.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

When it comes to cost and value, hydroseeding typically lands between sod and grass seed. It germinates faster than grass seed but doesn’t provide an instant lawn like sod. And while it’s more expensive than grass seed, it’s more affordable than sod — making it a practical choice for many people. 

Hydroseeding is also a popular choice for large areas where sod is too costly and on slopes where erosion is a concern. It includes fertilizer and mulch, which typically leads to faster germination. Not only that, but it allows you to customize your lawn with a mix or blend of grass seed so you can get the look, versatility and durability you want.

In most cases, hydroseeding is best left to the professionals. If you’re considering tackling this project yourself versus hiring a pro, here are a few things to consider:

• Property size: A small yard might be manageable, but anything over a quarter acre gets much harder. You’ll need to stop for frequent tank refills and keep even pressure across the whole yard.

• Tools and materials: Professional hydroseeding equipment can cost thousands to rent for a weekend — not including the mulch, tackifier, fertilizer and seed mix you’ll need to find and buy separately.   

• Seed mix expertise: Hydroseeing contractors customize seed blends to match your soil, sunlight and local climate, while DIYers often end up with a generic store-bought mix that may not work as well.

• Service guarantee: Many hydroseeding companies offer a 30-to-90-day germination guarantee with free touchups for bare spots. If you DIY and it doesn’t work out, you’re on your own.

• Time investment: A professional crew can finish in a few hours, but doing it yourself could take an entire weekend between setup, multiple passes and cleanup.

Hydroseeding is typically best done in the spring or fall, but the ideal timing depends on several factors like:

• Local climate: If you live in a place with mild weather like the Pacific Northwest, you have a longer window for hydroseeding. In areas with very hot summers or cold winters, you’ll need to time it carefully for the best results.

• Soil temperature: The ground must stay above 50 to 55°F for the seeds to sprout properly, so avoid hydroseeding when it’s too cold.  

• Grass seed type: Cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass grow best in the fall, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia do better in late spring.

• Expected rainfall: Scheduling hydroseeding before a period of light, steady rain can promote seed growth and reduce the frequency of watering.

Remember: The ideal timing for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask a hydroseeding pro near you for a recommendation. 

Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Consistent growth: You can expect a deep root system and a thick, uniform lawn with a lush and luxurious feel.

• Rapid germination: Hydroseeded areas typically germinate quickly and with a high success rate, giving you a great-looking lawn faster.

• Moisture retention: Hydroseeding helps retain moisture, so you don't have to water as frequently, and the soil doesn't dry out.

• Erosion control: When you hydroseed, you help protect sloped areas from erosion caused by runoff.

• Disease resistance: The grass varieties used in hydroseeding are naturally more resistant to disease, helping protect your lawn.

• Ideal for difficult soil conditions: You can often successfully hydroseed slopes, dry soil and nutrient-deficient areas where traditional seeding might struggle.