Planting Grass - Traditional Grass Seeding Vs. Hydroseeding

There are many different ways to grow grass. Two of the most popular methods are traditional grass seeding and hydroseeding. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The pros and cons of each can help you determine which is the best grass planting method for your lawn.

Traditional Grass Seeding

Planting grass by seed has certain economical advantages. It is typically the cheapest method of all. Unfortunately, it is also involves a great deal of work. Here are some of the pros and cons of planting grass by seed:

Pros

• Buying grass seeds can be less costly than hydroseeding or laying sod.
• You can customize your lawn for your climate by choosing from a broad variety of grass seeds and mixtures.
• Traditional grass seeding promotes stronger roots and can provide a more resilient lawn.
• Certain grasses are very easy to grow from seed, such as creeping grasses. If you did not cover the area well with seed, the grass will eventually spread on its own.

Cons

• Traditional grass seeding requires a great deal of work before and after it is planted.
• The seeds must be planted carefully. If they are not at the right depth, they may not grow.
• The weather must be right for grass seeds to grow properly.
• Grass seeds must be continually watered for four weeks after they are planted to ensure germination.
• Birds will eat seeds that are not covered by the dirt.
• Most grass seeds should not be walked on after they are planted. Pets and humans will not be able to walk on the grass without disturbing the seed beds.

Hydroseeding

Much more effective than traditional seeding and more economical than sod, hydroseeding is an excellent grass planting method for just about any lawn. When done properly, lawns that have been hydroseeded will feature grass that is both full and green.

Here are some of the pros and cons of hydroseeding:

Pros

• Hydroseeding can be applied very quickly.
• Once applied, there is no additional work required. The hydroseeding mulch provides a micro-environment that is perfect for seed germination.
• This grass planting method offers full coverage to any lawn, including lawns with hills and slopes.
• Hydroseeding provides a lawn that has sod-like quality, but costs much less than laying sod.
• After hydroseeding your lawn, you will be mowing grass within four weeks.

Cons

• Hydroseeding can be much more expensive than traditional grass planting methods.
• With hydroseeding, you have fewer options when choosing the type of grass you want for your lawn.
• The weather must be just right for hydroseeding to work properly.
• The soil must be prepared prior to beginning the hydroseeding process.