{"id":4670,"date":"2021-08-13T21:55:09","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T21:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=4670"},"modified":"2026-11-02T17:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:10:11","slug":"what-is-hydroseeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Hydroseeding?"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>What it is:<\/strong> Hydroseeding sprays a slurry of grass seed, water, mulch, and fertilizer onto bare soil to start a lawn.<br>\u2022 <strong>Why choose it:<\/strong> It usually costs less than sod and covers slopes and large yards more evenly than dry seed.<br>\u2022 <strong>What it needs:<\/strong> New hydroseed needs frequent light watering and a few weeks of patience before the first mow.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is hydroseeding? It\u2019s a speedy lawn solution that sprays a mixture of seed, water, mulch, and fertilizer onto your soil for faster germination and healthier grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding isn\u2019t as fast as sod, but it\u2019s generally much cheaper, especially for large properties. Doing it yourself usually means renting equipment and learning to use it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers everything from what\u2019s in the mix to caring for a new lawn. If you just want to thicken thin grass, Lawn Love\u2019s local <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=aerationOverseedingPackage\">aeration and overseeding service<\/a> is a simpler fix.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-64476a95-131c-417b-8359-985ec8f9e087\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#0-how-hydroseeding-works\" style=\"\">How hydroseeding works<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#1-what%E2%80%99s-in-hydroseed\" style=\"\">What\u2019s in hydroseed?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#8-benefits-of-hydroseeding\" style=\"\">Benefits of hydroseeding<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#15-disadvantages-of-hydroseeding\" style=\"\">Disadvantages of hydroseeding<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#16-types-of-hydroseeding\" style=\"\">Types of hydroseeding<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#17-hydroseeding-vs-seed-vs-sod\" style=\"\">Hydroseeding vs. seed vs. sod<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#20-how-to-care-for-a-hydroseeded-lawn\" style=\"\">How to care for a hydroseeded lawn<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydroseeding\/#21-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-how-hydroseeding-works\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-hydroseeding-works\">How hydroseeding works<\/span><\/h2>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo: credit information is incomplete (missing: License). Replacement could not be found in this session; flagged for manual sourcing. \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding is a planting method that uses a hydroseeder to spray a slurry of plant seed, water, mulch, and fertilizer onto prepared soil. The slurry forms a protective layer that holds seed in place and retains moisture.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding is an effective way to get seed on the ground and keep it from blowing away, says <a href=\"https:\/\/snre.arizona.edu\/elise-gornish\">Elise S. Gornish<\/a>, a cooperative extension specialist in Ecological Restoration at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It keeps seed from getting buried by shifting soil during heavy storms and reduces granivory, she says, meaning less seed is lost to seed-eating animals.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under favorable conditions, seeds germinate faster than with traditional dry seeding.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding is particularly effective for erosion control on slopes, disturbed soil, and large bare areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-grass-seed-on-slope\/\">How to Plant Grass Seed on a Slope<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"1-what%E2%80%99s-in-hydroseed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"whats-in-hydroseed\">What\u2019s in hydroseed?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each ingredient in a hydroseeding mix plays a key role. <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysgreenri.com\/about\/\">Kevin E. Smith<\/a>, president and owner-operator of Always Green Hydroseeding in Coventry, Rhode Island, says the biggest advantage for his residential customers comes down to the mix: \u201cUsing turf-quality seed mixes and enhanced additives for faster germination and establishment.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-grass-seed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"grass-seed\">Grass seed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grass seed is the primary ingredient. Choose it based on your climate, the time of year, and the look you want.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular varieties for hydroseeding include <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, buffalograss, and Bermudagrass.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water\">Water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water activates the seeds and keeps them hydrated as they start to grow. After hydroseeding, water regularly and follow the product instructions.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-mulch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mulch\">Mulch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch retains moisture, prevents erosion, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/mulch-benefits\/\">protects the seeds<\/a> from extreme weather, so they don\u2019t dry out too quickly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/egle\/Documents\/Programs\/WRD\/NPS\/Tech\/BMP\/bmp-hydroseeding.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">erosion control guide<\/a>, the length of the mulch fibers determines its holding power, while germination depends mostly on how well the mulch retains moisture and how much of it is applied.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common hydroseeding mulches are wood fiber and recycled paper fiber, and some blends add natural agricultural fibers.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-fertilizer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilizer\">Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fertilizer gives new grass an early boost with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It\u2019s especially helpful if your soil is nutrient-poor.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-dye\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dye\">Dye<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A blue or green dye shows where you\u2019ve sprayed so you don\u2019t miss spots. Some mixes also include an ultraviolet (UV) protectant that keeps the sun from drying out the seed.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-tackifier-optional\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"tackifier-optional\">Tackifier (optional)<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tackifier is a binding agent that helps the slurry stick to the soil, especially on slopes or in areas with high wind or rain risk. Mostly flat lawns usually don\u2019t need one.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/perennial-ryegrass-guide\/\">Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"8-benefits-of-hydroseeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"benefits-of-hydroseeding\">Benefits of hydroseeding<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/hydroseeded-lawn.jpg\" alt=\"hydroseeding of a lawn\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hydroseeding provides a protective layer that holds seed in place and retains moisture. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/sue90ca\/50510058302\/in\/photolist-2jXpfAb-awGjfS-Uxcxbd-auVnsX-bAKBoQ-2niGVah\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sue Thompson<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding\u2019s main benefits are fast germination, erosion control, even coverage, lower cost than sod, versatility, and eco-friendliness.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-fast-germination\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fast-germination\">Fast germination<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-ways-to-grow-grass-fast\/#:~:text=healthy%2C%20green%20grass.-,Option%203%3A%20Hydroseeding,-BanksPhotos%20%7C%20Canva%20Pro\">fastest ways<\/a> to establish or rejuvenate a lawn because the seeds get mulch, water, and fertilizer from the start.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/should-you-sod-seed-or-hydroseed\/\">Hydroseeded grass<\/a> can sprout in as little as 5 to 7 days and reach first-mow height in about 30 days.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-erosion-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"erosion-control\">Erosion control<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding is an excellent choice for slopes and other erosion-prone areas. The mulch in the slurry secures the seeds and holds the soil in place while they grow.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-even-coverage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"even-coverage\">Even coverage<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The water-based slurry keeps seeds from clumping, so you can spray evenly over bumps and slopes. That means fewer <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-patchy-grass\/\">patchy spots<\/a> than traditional seeding often leaves.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-cost-effectiveness-for-large-areas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"cost-effectiveness-for-large-areas\">Cost-effectiveness for large areas<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding may cost more than dry seeding, but it\u2019s often more affordable than <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-sod\/\">installing sod<\/a>, especially for large or hard-to-reach areas.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-versatility\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"versatility\">Versatility<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can buy a pre-made hydroseeding mix from a garden center or create a custom blend with different grass seeds, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/different-types-of-soil-amendments\/\">soil amendments<\/a>, fertilizers, and even wildflowers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Native plants &#8220;do really well with hydroseeding,&#8221; Gornish says. She recommends a mix made up entirely or mostly of native species, then tailored to your priorities:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Pollinators:<\/strong> Include lots of flowering species that bloom across the year.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Erosion:<\/strong> Add deep-rooted perennial species.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Kids or grazing animals:<\/strong> Leave out toxic species.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right mix depends on the homeowner\u2019s priorities and site conditions, Gornish says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-eco-friendliness\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"eco-friendliness\">Eco-friendliness<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many hydroseeding mulches use degradable, non-toxic fibers, and on bare slopes hydroseeding greatly reduces sediment runoff. Check the label, since some mixes include additives such as fungicides or surfactants.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"15-disadvantages-of-hydroseeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"disadvantages-of-hydroseeding\">Disadvantages of hydroseeding<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding\u2019s biggest drawbacks are equipment cost and the risk that sprayed seed won\u2019t sit in close contact with the soil, as the Penn State Extension <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-establishment\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lawn establishment guide<\/a> notes. <strong>Other drawbacks to weigh:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>When you only need to thicken a lawn:<\/strong> Hydroseeding is generally used on bare soil. Smith says it isn&#8217;t the right choice when homeowners &#8220;want to overseed an existing lawn.&#8221;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Equipment:<\/strong> Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects need a rented hydroseeder and some practice to spray evenly.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Watering:<\/strong> The slurry must stay moist until seedlings establish, so you\u2019ll water often for the first few weeks.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Weather and timing:<\/strong> A downpour or heat wave right after spraying can set your new lawn back.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Waiting period:<\/strong> Keep foot traffic off until the lawn is well rooted and mowed several times.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Not instant:<\/strong> Unlike sod, you have to wait for the grass to grow in.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"16-types-of-hydroseeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"types-of-hydroseeding\">Types of hydroseeding<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding mixes vary by composition, application method, and intended use. <strong>Common options include:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Basic hydroseeding:<\/strong> Seed, water, and basic wood or paper fiber mulch.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Bonded fiber matrix (BFM):<\/strong> A South Carolina <a href=\"https:\/\/des.sc.gov\/sites\/des\/files\/Documents\/BOW\/Stormwater\/BMP\/BondedFiberMatrix.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BFM stormwater specification<\/a> describes it as a continuous layer of degradable fibers held together by water-insoluble bonding agents.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hydromulching:<\/strong> Sometimes used interchangeably with hydroseeding, but technically it means spraying mulch for erosion control, often over seed already spread.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Specialty erosion blends:<\/strong> Engineered hydraulic mulches, including BFM, are designed for steep slopes and high-erosion sites.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"17-hydroseeding-vs-seed-vs-sod\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hydroseeding-vs-seed-vs-sod\">Hydroseeding vs. seed vs. sod<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1flow_chart-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Photo Credit: Jane Purnell<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re torn between hydroseeding, traditional seed, and sod, here\u2019s how they compare on cost, effectiveness, look, establishment time, maintenance, and environmental impact.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"18-cost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"cost\">Cost<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydroseeding costs far less than sod and about the same as dry seeding. Lawn Love\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hydroseeding-cost\/\">hydroseeding cost guide<\/a> puts professional hydroseeding at $0.10 to $0.19 per square foot, or $1,089 to $2,069 for a 1\/4-acre lawn.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Method<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pro cost per sq. ft.<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>1,000 sq. ft.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Traditional seed<\/td><td>$0.07 to $0.23<\/td><td>$70 to $230<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hydroseeding<\/td><td>$0.10 to $0.19<\/td><td>$100 to $190<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sod<\/td><td>$1.70 to $2.60<\/td><td>$1,700 to $2,600<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Traditional seed: <\/strong>The least pricey option upfront, but establishing your lawn takes more time and effort.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hydroseeding: <\/strong>You pay for seed, mulch, fertilizer, and water in one go, a budget-friendly choice for large areas. DIY materials and machine rental run about $398 to $725.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sod: <\/strong>The most expensive option because you\u2019re paying for fully grown grass.<\/p><\/li> <\/ol>    <h3 id=\"19-other-factors-compared\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"other-factors-compared\">Other factors compared<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Factor<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How hydroseeding compares<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Effectiveness<\/td><td>Sod gives instant results because the grass is already mature.<\/td><td>Supports quick germination, even on slopes and difficult terrain. Wind and rain can wash dry seed away.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overall look<\/td><td>Sod has instant visual appeal since the lawn is already mature and thick.<\/td><td>Provides even coverage and a lush lawn once it germinates.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Establishment time<\/td><td>Sod gives you an instant lawn.<\/td><td>Usually ready for its first mow in about a month. Dry seed takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on grass type and weather.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Environmental impact (our judgment)<\/td><td>In our view, traditional seed, especially with organic seeds and fertilizers.<\/td><td>In our view, a solid middle ground, though some mixes contain chemical additives, so ask about eco-friendly blends.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-seeding-cost\/\">How Much Does It Cost to Seed a Lawn in 2026?<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/\">How Much Does It Cost to Lay Sod in 2026?<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hydroseeding-how-to-spray-grass-seed\/\">Hydroseeding: How to Spray Grass Seed on Your Lawn<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"20-how-to-care-for-a-hydroseeded-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-care-for-a-hydroseeded-lawn\">How to care for a hydroseeded lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A hydroseeded lawn needs steady moisture and patience. <strong>Here\u2019s how to help it fill in:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Water lightly and often:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/how-to\/seeding-new-lawn\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seeding guidelines<\/a> from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension call for keeping the top inch of soil continuously moist until seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, then watering deeper and less often.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Adjust for your soil:<\/strong> Clay holds water longer than sand, so check before you water. \u201cSandy soil dries out quickly because water runs straight through it,\u201d says Mike Marlow, co-founder of Heroes Lawn Care in Omaha, Nebraska.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Stay off the lawn:<\/strong> Keep people and pets off until the grass is well rooted and mowed several times.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Wait to mow:<\/strong> Let the new grass reach about 3 to 4 inches tall before the first cut. With the right care and soil temperatures, Smith expects customers \u201cto be mowing in 3-4 weeks.\u201d<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hold off on weed killer:<\/strong> Weed killers can damage young grass. ISU Extension notes most pre-emergent herbicides can\u2019t be used at seeding, and selective broadleaf herbicides are safe after the lawn has been mowed 3 to 4 times. Follow the product label.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Fertilize later:<\/strong> Feed the lawn again once it\u2019s established.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-long-to-water-new-grass-seed\/\">How Long to Water New Grass Seed<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"21-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17936057537745190\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When is the best time for hydroseeding?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><p>Hydroseed cool-season grasses in late summer to early fall, the ideal <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.illinois.edu\/lawns\/planting-new-lawn\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cool-season seeding window<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17936057537741405\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I hydroseed my own lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but you\u2019ll need to rent a hydroseeder, prep the soil, and mix the slurry to the right consistency. Large or sloped yards are often easier to hand off to a pro.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17936057537745863\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long before you can mow a hydroseeded lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hydroseeded lawns are often ready about a month after spraying, while dry-seeded lawns can take 4 to 8 weeks. Wait to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-cut-new-grass\/\">cut new grass<\/a> until it\u2019s 3 to 4 inches tall, the blades stand upright, and a gentle tug doesn\u2019t lift the roots.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"22-let-lawn-love-handle-your-new-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"let-lawn-love-handle-your-new-lawn\">Let Lawn Love handle your new lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you hydroseed yourself or hire a pro, get the prep and watering right, and you\u2019ll have full, thick grass in a few weeks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your new lawn is ready for its first cut, Lawn Love\u2019s local <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn mowing pros<\/a> can take mowing off your to-do list and keep your grass healthy and even.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: Hydroseeding equipment spraying slurry on a landscape. <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hidrosiembra_equipo_paisaje_projar.jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Projar<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hydroseeding sprays grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, and water onto bare soil. Learn how it works, what it costs vs. seed and sod, and how to care for it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":17706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[226],"class_list":["post-4670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Hydroseeding-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Andie Io\u00f3","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/andie-ioo\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4670"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50764,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4670\/revisions\/50764"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}