How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost in 2024?

Most homeowners spend around $493 to $2,900 for hydroseeding, or between $0.06 and $0.20 per square foot.

On average, hydroseeding costs around $493 to $2,900, with most homeowners spending between $0.06 and $0.20 per square foot.

Although conventional seeding is the most cost-effective grass-growing route, you’ll get a new lawn much faster with hydroseeding. Additionally, hydroseeding is much less expensive than installing sod. Your total hydroseeding spending will vary depending on the amount of grass you need, your yard’s condition, and where you live.

In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:

Average Hydroseeding Costs in 2024

National Average Cost$1,000
Typical Price Range$493 – $2,900
Extreme Low-End Cost$60
Extreme High-End Cost$3,000

Hydroseeding involves spreading a mixture containing seeds, mulch, binding agents, fertilizer, water, and soil amendments over large land areas. The mixture is called “slurry” and must be applied by expensive tools called hydroseeders.

The national average cost of hydroseeding is between $0.06 and $0.20 per square foot for professional hydroseeding services. This average price includes the hydroseeding slurry mixture and labor costs. Prices will vary depending on many factors, including how much land needs new grass, the slope of your yard, and where you live.

Given that 1 acre is around 43,560 square feet, the hydroseeding cost per acre ranges between $2,600 and $8,700.

Hydroseeding a new lawn with native grasses
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License

Hydroseeding Cost Estimator by Lawn Size

The overall bill for hydroseeding work will be primarily determined by the square footage of your lawn. Hydroseeding costs per square foot usually range between $0.06 and $0.20.

If you’re just hydroseeding a small area of your lawn that’s around 1,000 square feet, the total cost can be anywhere between $60 and $200. Conversely, for more extensive projects that involve ⅛ acre of lawn, the cost could range from $300 to $1,000.

Do you have acres of land that you need to hydroseed? Although the cost to hydroseed 1 acre is between $2,600 and $8,700, most hydroseeding companies offer discounted rates when hydroseeding a large yard size.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Hydroseeding prices also can vary depending on your yard’s condition and where you live. While most homeowners pay between $0.06 and $0.20 per square foot, this cost can dramatically increase if your land is sloped or water is scarce in your region.

Type of Grass

The type of grass selected for your hydroseeding mix can significantly influence the total cost due to the differing needs, characteristics, and prices of various grass species.

Those residing in colder climates might opt for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue due to their excellent cold tolerance. Conversely, those living in areas prone to drought might prefer grass types like Zoysiagrass, known for its drought resistance.

Each grass type comes with its own set of benefits and corresponding price tags, and different types of grasses will inevitably have different costs. Evaluating your area’s climate and assessing your specific needs are paramount steps to achieve a lush lawn.

Slope or Yard Condition

Sloped yards often require more slurry due to the increased drainage and runoff caused by the slope. If the slope is significant, you could pay double the amount in material costs per square foot. A yard with a steep slope or bumpy terrain will make any landscaping or lawn care job more difficult, driving up costs.

If you would like to avoid these additional fees, consider re-sloping your lawn. If you choose professional land grading, expect the costs to vary depending on how much work your land needs.

Labor Costs

The total cost of hydroseeding is also affected by the proficiency of the lawn care pros performing the task. Labor charges, ranging from $30 to $40 per hour, are subject to various factors, such as the application method used and your geographical location.

Type of Mixture

The type of hydroseed mixture chosen significantly influences the overall cost of hydroseeding projects. High-quality seed blends, premium mulching materials, and added amendments may raise the upfront costs but contribute to better results and faster establishment.

On the other hand, opting for basic mixtures with fewer enhancements can reduce initial expenses but may impact the overall effectiveness and longevity of the lawn.

Method of Application

The method of hydroseed application also can influence overall costs. Professional-grade hydroseeding equipment may come with higher upfront expenses, but it often ensures more uniform seed distribution and better coverage, potentially yielding superior results.

Conversely, lower-cost application methods, such as hand seeding or less advanced machinery, may lead to uneven distribution, impacting the overall effectiveness and potentially requiring additional touch-ups, which can contribute to long-term expenses.

Water Restrictions

Limited water availability may necessitate additional measures, such as trucking in water or investing in water-saving additives, leading to additional expenses. Adhering to local water restrictions also may extend the time required for proper irrigation, affecting the overall timeline and costs associated with lawn establishment.

Choosing to hydroseed your lawn is a wise decision for homeowners looking to save money while still achieving a beautiful lawn quickly. But what else can you give your lawn so you can enjoy it more?

Hiring a pro for lawn mowing will take that chore off your plate, or maybe paying for leaf removal will keep your lawn looking green through autumn. Adding mulch to your yard’s flower beds also can help that green carpet — and the flowers’ colorful blooms — pop.

Aeration

If you want the hydroseeding process to be more effective, you can aerate your lawn beforehand. Aeration involves inserting spikes into the soil, alleviating soil compaction that impedes root access to essential water and nutrients. The average cost of lawn aeration is around $143, but it can range between $82 and $251.

Mowing

Your new lawn will be ready for its first cut four to six weeks after hydroseeding. If you’d rather not mow the grass yourself, lawn care pros charge, on average, $32 to $68 per hour to mow the lawn, with most homeowners paying between $36 and $105 for lawn mowing.

Fertilization

If you want to keep your yard green and healthy after hydroseeding, remember to fertilize it as needed. Most homeowners spend between $103 and $343 to fertilize their lawns, with an average cost of $289.

Leaf Removal

Most homeowners hire a leaf removal service in the fall to rid their lawns of fallen leaves. So, if you want to keep your green carpet from being covered in a sea of brown, red, yellow, and orange leaves, remember to avail this service as well.

Sprinkler System Installation and Repair

Installing a sprinkler system means fewer watering chores for you and more hydration for your newly seeded lawn.

Homeowners who want to make lawn care easier choose to install a sprinkler system in their yard. And if you already have sprinklers installed on your lawn, you may need sprinkler system repair services every few years or so.

Mulching

Apart from protecting your flower and garden beds from soil erosion, mulching also insulates your plants in the winter and adds beautiful texture and color. Organic mulches will even add nutrients to the soil, leading to healthier plants.

Artificial Grass Installation

If you want a low-maintenance alternative to live grass seeds, you may consider installing artificial grass instead. Regardless of the material used, the cost of artificial grass is much higher than the average cost of hydroseeding. But if you take into account the savings in water and upkeep, it makes it all worth the initial investment.

Other Seeding Methods

Hydroseeding might not always be the ideal option for growing a new lawn. Some homeowners might be working with a smaller budget, making conventional seeding the best option. On the other hand, if you have the cash and don’t want to wait for the grass to sprout and grow, sod can give you a green lawn faster than hydroseeding.

Seeding

Broadcast seeding offers significant cost savings as a DIY project. A bag of grass seed typically costs less than $10 per pound, depending on the seed’s brand and grass type. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can choose to hire a professional to do the lawn seeding on your behalf.

Sod Installation

Sod is a layer of grass growing on a cut piece of soil that’s 1 to 2 inches thick. Sod costs more than hydroseeding, but it provides you with a new lawn right away. Remember to wait about two weeks for the roots to develop before you can mow the grass.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

With DIY hydroseeding, homeowners may end up spending more compared to hiring a lawn care professional.

For a 1,000-square-foot lawn, most homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $200 for professional hydroseeding. Attempting hydroseeding yourself will require you to rent a hydroseeding machine, which can cost anywhere from $222 to $500 a day.

The overall cost will still depend on the size of your lawn and the equipment you’ll be using. You can expect to spend between $398 to $725 for the equipment and materials.

DIY Equipment/MaterialsTypical Cost
Hydroseeding machine rental$222 – $500 per day
Grass seed$35 – $64
Paper mulch$18 – $28
Fertilizer$20 – $30
Gardening gloves$12
Garden rake or hoe$22
Wheelbarrow$69
Total DIY cost$398 – $725

Calculating the correct amount of slurry needed for the job is also a complex and potentially expensive task. Apply too little or too much slurry, and you’ll watch your money — and your new grass seed — go down the drain. Sloped land also can affect how much slurry is required, which is why you will need to measure your slurry accordingly.

Professionals have the tools and expertise to determine how much slurry to apply tailored to the slope of your yard and your property’s size. Because pros have the means necessary to take the measurements quickly and accurately, it’s more cost-effective to hire a professional than to attempt the calculations yourself.

Cost of Hydroseeding by Location

On a local scale, hydroseeding prices will vary according to the demand for the service in your region, water scarcity, and fertilizer prices.

If water scarcity is an issue where you live, you will likely pay more for hydroseeding. Since the hydroseeding slurry mixture contains lots of water, pros will adjust their rates according to the local water supply. Moreover, if fertilizer is expensive in your area, it might drive up slurry mixture costs.

FAQ

Are Hydroseeding and Hydromulching the Same Thing?

Hydroseeding and hydromulching are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.

Hydroseeding is the process of spraying a slurry containing water, seed, and fertilizer. With traditional hydroseeding, there are no wood fibers or binding agents in the seed mix.

Hydromulching is a similar process. Its slurry contains water, seed, fertilizers, mulch, and a binding agent known as tackifier. The mulch and binding agent help with erosion control. The traditional hydroseeding process uses no mulch and technically would not help prevent soil erosion.

When is the Best Time to Hydroseed?

Hydroseeding in the summer will require you to use more water during germination. So, if you have a large area to hydroseed and want to save on water, the best time to hydroseed is in the spring and fall when the soil temperature is just right.

How Often Should I Water My Lawn After Hydroseeding?

After a pro applies the slurry, you’ll need to water the hydroseeded area frequently to keep the soil moist. On most days, expect to water three or four times a day, or at minimum twice a day.

How often you water your hydroseeded lawn will vary depending on the weather and temperature. For instance, you’ll need to water the lawn more on days when temperatures are high. If you’re expecting rain, you won’t need to water the hydroseed as much.

Pro Tip: Water the slurry as much as you need to keep the soil moist. Don’t let the seeds dry out, but don’t let them drown in puddles, either.

Once you’re able to cut the lawn (which will be about four to six weeks after hydroseeding), you can water your lawn less frequently. Your lawn needs about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. The key is to water infrequently but for long periods to help your lawn develop a strong root system.

When to Call a Professional

One of the benefits of hydroseeding is that it offers fast results — you will get a new lawn in weeks without a steep price tag. Spray your yard with slurry, and you’ll have a uniform, healthy lawn to walk barefoot on (and mow) in a month or so.

To get the best results, do a soil test or topsoil analysis prior to hydroseeding and improve your soil condition accordingly. Also, consider hiring a local lawn care professional specializing in hydroseeding to relieve you of the hassle of doing it yourself.

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Photo Credit: Projar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Jane Purnell

Jane Purnell

Jane Purnell is an artist, writer, and nature lover. She enjoys teaching readers about the importance of eco-friendly lawn care, integrated pest management, biodiversity, and sustainable landscaping.