How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost in Canada?

Looking to replace an old, struggling lawn or want to start a new, healthy lawn from scratch? Hydroseeding could be the right choice, especially if you have a large amount of land, giving you a great balance between efficiency, affordability, and overall results.

Understanding the price tag of hydroseeding can help you decide if it fits your budget and overall goals, especially compared to other grass-seeding methods.

What Is Hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding takes the process of planting grass seed up a notch and adds several additional ingredients to increase the chances that your grass will grow strong and healthy.

The heart of hydroseeding is the use of a “slurry” that usually consists of grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, water, and dye (which helps workers track the application). The slurry is made and carried in a special piece of equipment called a hydroseeder tank and is applied through hoses using high pressure.

Think of spray painting a lawn with a seed mixture, and you’ll have an idea behind hydroseeding. Typically, grass begins to sprout in one to two weeks after hydroseeding, with full germination in two to three weeks.

Why Choose Hydroseeding Instead of Directly Planting Grass Seed?

Hydroseeding offers several valuable benefits over other methods of grass seeding.

• Quick germination: The mixture of mulch and fertilizer gives grass seeds the ideal growing environment, which can lead to faster seed germination.
• Erosion control: Tackifying agents in the hydroseed slurry help bind the seed, mulch, and soil together, reducing erosion. This makes hydroseeding popular on slopes or hillsides.
• Moisture retention: The mulch in the hydroseed mix helps the soil around the seeds retain moisture, which spurs better growth.
• Efficient: High-pressure hydroseeder equipment allows workers to quickly cover large areas of land, making this process more cost-efficient for large landowners.
• Even distribution: The slurry, along with the dye, helps workers evenly distribute grass seed, promoting uniform grass growth.

How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?

Like most other seeding methods, hydroseeding is often priced by the square foot. In many cases, seeding companies require a minimum charge because they’ll need to spend time and effort making the slurry in the hydroseeder tank before bringing the tank out to your property. For this reason, hydroseeding is usually only a cost-efficient option for large landowners. If you have less than 2,000 square feet (185 square metres) of land, you may have trouble finding a hydroseeding company willing to work on your property.

With that in mind, Canadians can expect to pay between $0.13 to $0.18 per square foot (or per 0.09 square metre) for hydroseeding.

What Factors Impact Hydroseeding Cost?

The total amount you pay for your hydroseeding project will depend on a number of important factors:

The Size of Your Lawn

The larger your land, the more hydroseeding slurry you’ll need. Workers will also have to spend more time applying the slurry to your property. However, if you have an extra-large job, you may also be able to negotiate a lower cost per square metre.

Type of Grass Seed

Certain grass seeds are more expensive than others. For example, you’ll pay more for fescue seeds than Kentucky bluegrass or ryegrass. Your landscaper can help you decide on the right type of grass seed for your lawn.

Type of Mulch

The most common types of mulch used in hydroseeding are wood fiber, blended, and paper mulch. Wood fiber is usually the most effective type of mulch but is also the most expensive option. Blended mulch, which includes a mixture of wood fiber and paper, is a more cost-efficient option but is seen as less effective than wood fiber mulch. We don’t recommend using paper mulch.

Site and Soil Preparation

Most hydroseeding jobs will require some level of site and soil preparation to make sure your lawn has the best chance to thrive. Costs can vary greatly depending on how much or how little prep you need. Typical preparation can include lawn removal, grading, tilling, or adding topsoil.

Terrain and Accessibility

If your land is difficult to access, workers may have to spend more time and effort getting their equipment to the right place. Steep slopes and uneven ground can also slow the process and increase costs.

How Does Hydroseeding Cost Compare to Other Seeding Methods?

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s useful to understand all your grass-seeding options.

Broadcast Seeding

Broadcast seeding is the least expensive way to plant new grass on your lawn. This traditional method involves spreading grass seed by hand or using a spreader over prepared soil and then raking the seed into the soil. Broadcast seeding is more time- and labour-intensive than hydroseeding and may result in uneven seed distribution. That said, broadcast seeding can be a good option for homeowners with small or even medium-sized lawns and those who are looking for a simpler DIY option for seeding a lawn.

Sod

Installing sod is the best way to get instant results. By adding strips of pre-grown grass to your soil, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, lush lawn overnight. Unsurprisingly, this method is among the most expensive options for getting a new lawn. Sod placement can easily be double the cost of hydroseeding. Installation is also a labor-intensive process. While savvy homeowners can install their own sod, most opt to hire a professional.

Grass Seed Mats

These pre-seeded mats are made of biodegradable materials and embedded with grass seeds. They are then rolled out over prepared soil and anchored with staples and stakes. Grass seed mats can be an excellent option for soil erosion control and are often used on hillsides and along waterways. They do tend to be much more expensive than hydroseeding and are sometimes priced on par with sod.

Hydroseeding

While more expensive than broadcast seeding, hydroseeding can be a great middle-ground for homeowners who want efficiency at a good price. Hydroseeding is much less expensive than sod or grass seed mats and offers even seed distribution and a strong growing environment.

Should You Hire a Professional for Hydroseeding?

Homeowners can perform their own hydroseeding, and you may even be able to find a hydroseeding kit at your local home improvement or landscaping store. However, DIY hydroseeding is not for the faint of heart. First, research the best slurry mix for your region and soil type. You’ll also need to buy or rent hydroseeding equipment, including a holding tank and pump.

We strongly suggest working with an experienced landscaper like The Grounds Guys® who use top-notch equipment and the highest quality seed mixes. At the end of the day, that will give you a better-looking lawn. And isn’t that the entire point of hydroseeding in the first place? Professionals will also choose the best grass seed for your needs and budget.

Looking for a reliable, friendly, and experienced hydroseeding company? Contact us today. We offer all our customers our Neighbourly Done Right Promise™. That means your satisfaction always comes first. Request a free estimate.