How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?

So you want to add curb appeal to your home or business. Few things beautify a space like a vibrant lawn.

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Hydroseeding can be a cost-effective way of getting the gorgeous green grass you crave, but before you hand over your credit card, it’s important to understand what costs you can expect and the factors that influence pricing.

What Is Hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is a planting technique that uses a seed spray to sow grasses, oats, wildflowers and other ground covers. It’s often used to seed large yards, commercial lawns or hard-to-reach areas.

During the hydroseeding process, a slurry composed of grass seeds, fertilizer, mulch and other lawn-care essentials is sprayed over bare soil using a hydroseeder. This equipment typically consists of a tank with an agitator, which constantly mixes the slurry, and a high-pressure hose, which distributes the mixture across a wide area.

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How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost Per Square Foot?

Hydroseeding can be a cost-effective way to plant a lawn. However, the anticipated costs can vary depending on whether you hire a pro or do the job yourself.

The Cost of Professional Hydroseeding

According to Forbes, the average U.S. homeowner with a quarter-acre property can expect to pay about $1,800 (CAD 2,392) for hydroseeding, which breaks down to $0.12 (CAD 0.16) per square foot and includes supplies and labor costs. For a small, level lawn, hiring a professional may cost as little as $480 (CAD 638), while professional hydroseeding of large or uneven yards may run up to $3,100 (CAD 4,120).

The Cost of DIY Hydroseeding

DIY hydroseeding may be a good option for homeowners who enjoy doing their own landscaping or who just need to reseed a small area. According to Bob Vila, a retail hydroseed blend typically costs between 20 and 50 cents (CAD 0.27 and CAD 0.66) per square foot. You can rent a hydroseeder machine to distribute the slurry for about $300 to $500 (CAD 399 to CAD 665) per day, depending on your location and seeder's capacity. If you want to purchase the equipment, expect to lay out considerably more, as new hydroseeders can cost from $1,500 to $10,000 (CAD 1,994 to CAD 13,292).

Homeowners who just want to fill in bare spots may save money using DIY hydroseeding kits, which attach to a garden hose. The price of these kits ranges from $25 to $35 (CAD 33 to CAD 47) for each 100-square-foot area treated.

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What Other Costs Factor Into the Overall Price?

Because many lawn care professionals charge by the square foot, your lawn size directly affects what you’ll pay. However, hydroseeding costs can vary considerably depending on other factors, such as:

• Location: Regional costs for labor, fertilizer and water can all cause hydroseeding prices to fluctuate from place to place. For example, if you live in a remote area that's difficult to access, you'll probably pay more than a suburban homeowner.
• Land characteristics: Trees, steep slopes and other obstacles can raise the price of hydroseeding services considerably, depending on the number, size and placement of the hurdles.
• Seed type: The type of seeds you choose can dramatically impact pricing. On the low end, fescue runs from about $3 to $5.50 (CAD 4 to CAD 7.30) per pound. Bermuda grass and centipede grass are slightly pricier, running between $4.50 and $8.25 (CAD 6 to CAD 11) and $6 to $10 (CAD 8 to CAD 13), respectively. At the high end, Kentucky bluegrass can cost as much as $14.25 (CAD 19) per pound.
• Yard clearing and preparation: Before you seed a lawn, it should be free of leaves, old grass, large rocks and other debris. If you hire a pro to clear your yard, lawn care labor can run between $25 and $60 (CAD 33 and CAD 80) per hour, according to data from Bob Vila. Soil analysis, which is crucial to do before hydroseeding, can add another $7 to $10 (CAD 9 to CAD 13).

How Do Other Seeding Method Prices Compare?

If you're on a budget, conventional hand seeding is the most economical option, running about $700 (CAD 930) for an average-sized lawn. For instant gratification, sod can be rolled out quickly. However, Forbes says this pricey option averages about $4,000 (CAD 5,317). With an average cost of $1,800 (CAD 2,392), hydroseeding falls comfortably in the middle, making it a great choice for many home and business owners.