There are several pros and cons to hydroseeding your lawn. It is cost-effective, has a higher germination rate than conventional seeding methods, and can be installed only at certain times of the year. The following are just a few of those advantages. Let us look at some of them. Ultimately, Hydroseed is an excellent choice for homeowners with a small budget. However, if you are unsure of the process, consider hiring a professional.
Hydroseeding requires specialized equipment that requires an expert application. Hydroseed services are trained and certified to blend the necessary ingredients so that they provide the best results. They may also be required to be licensed to apply the additives. Here are some pros and cons of hydroseeding your lawn:
The main benefit of hydroseeding your lawn is the speed at which it grows. Kentucky bluegrass, for example, germinates in 22-30 days in Utah. Initially, about five percent of the grass sprouts, with the rest growing for another two to three weeks. After one month, the grass will reach a height of three inches. This is much faster than traditional seeding, which can take a year. However, the time required to fully establish the lawn is longer.
The first commercial hydroseeding equipment was installed in Connecticut in the 1950s. In those days, it was not easy to seed steep slopes with conventional methods. To overcome this challenge, a hydroseeder was developed. It consisted of a 1000-gallon mixing tank, a towable sprayer, a pump, and an internal paddle for constant agitation. Its benefits were clear: hydroseeding was an efficient way to spread seeds over difficult terrain and avoid muds.
The main disadvantage of hydroseeding is the water used during the process. It uses enormous amounts of water before, during, and after seeding. Unlike sod, hydroseeding also requires a lot of water to establish itself. Sod is better for finer bladed grass and is cost-effective, but hydroseeding is not for small lawns. Also, it requires a much longer time than sod.
In contrast to traditional broadcast seeding, hydroseeding is more expensive than broadcast seeding. Hydroseeding requires a slurry of seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and other soil amendments. This slurry is mixed continuously, pumped, and then distributed by a specialized nozzle. Hydroseeding is faster and more thorough than broadcast seeding, as the seeds are spread much more densely. If you have a large lawn, hydroseeding may be the best solution.
A third advantage of hydroseeding is that it provides the seed with the best possible environment. Seeds are more likely to take root in moister environments, making the process more efficient. The water helps to prevent weeds and provides an excellent foundation for a healthy topsoil. Hydroseeding is also much less expensive than sodding mature grass. Hydroseeding also makes it easier to control erosion on slopes. However, hydroseeding is not for everyone. Homeowners should choose a professional hydroseeding company with care.
There are two seasons to hydroseed lawns: spring and fall. The warm soil helps young seedlings grow deeply into the soil. Summer heat helps grass grow faster, but requires more watering. Winter is not a good time for hydroseeding because grass is dormant during these seasons. In case you are planning to hydroseed your lawn, make sure to hire a professional. You’ll be glad you did.