Preparing new grass is hard work. You have to scatter the seed, make sure the soil is healthy, and set it up for success. It can sometimes not seem worth it, even if you dream about a velvety soft lawn. That’s where spray-on lawn comes in.

Hydroseeding is the process of applying seed, mulch, and fertiliser in a single application to any soil type. Many people opt for spray-on lawn seed for new developments or even when their dry seeding attempts go awry.

But given that there are many methods for achieving a beautiful lawn, like grass seed, hydroseed, and sod, you may not know which option is right for you. Is hydroseeding better than seeding, or should you just stick with dry seeding by hand? Read on to find out everything there is to know about spray-on lawn seed.

Is Spray-on Lawn Seed Any Good?

Many people who want to start a new lawn from scratch or fix their balding grass may ask the question: is spray-on lawn seed any good? The unbiased answer we’re offering is yes! It’s one of many sound lawn application options, but with some surprising benefits.

First of all, it takes just one application to apply not only the seed but the mulch and fertiliser to give it a fighting chance. It’s also incredibly fast-growing and even, which means it’s only a matter of a couple of months before you can be enjoying a vibrant green, lush lawn.

People also love spray-on lawn seed for how cost-effective it is. When you compare the price of buying grass seed, mulch, and fertiliser separately, then having to fix up bald patches, it’s an affordable option with consistent results.

Is Hydroseeding Better Than Seeding?

 If you’re on the fence about whether hydroseeding is a better option for you than grass seed, then it pays to know how these two options compare. Hydroseeding involves a professional spray with everything the seeds require for a healthy start to life.

Grass seed that you scatter by hand is an economical choice. You can spread it on bare soil or an existing lawn and water it consistently until it establishes itself. Both spray-on grass and grass seed are valid choices for homeowners.

In saying that, the even finish of hydroseeding, not to mention the addition of fertiliser and mulch, means it can grow a lot faster. This option may suit developers who have built a home and want to make sure it looks picture-perfect for the real estate market quickly.

Hydroseeding can even prove popular with families who need a quick solution so they can enjoy outdoor summer games in the months to come. Which leads us to our next point: hydroseeding over an existing lawn.

Can I Hydroseed Over Existing Lawn?

If your re-seeding efforts didn’t go to plan, and you’re left with a patchy, balding lawn, then spray-on grass can still be an ideal option for you. You can use it on soil that your grass seed hasn’t taken to. If the earth is firm, rake it to loosen it up or apply a 20mm layer of new soil to the top for easier hydroseeding.

How to Care for Spray-on Grass

The beauty of hydroseeding is that it’s an effortless process for your patch of dirt to turn into a lush, green lawn. Watering is key. Water your freshly sprayed on grass three times a day for ten minutes, for up to three weeks.

When roots establish, you can start watering less frequently for between three and six weeks. While it can be tempting to walk on your lawn and feel how soft it is, refrain from doing so for the first month. Keep pets off it, too!

Once it reaches around 75mm in height, you can give it its first haircut, mowing about 25mm from the top. Then, after almost three months, you can give your new lawn a nice health booster with some slow-release fertiliser.

These care instructions can differ from one property and region to the next, as seasons can present different challenges. However, you’re sure to find that whoever you hire for your hydroseed needs will offer instructions that are unique to your property.

Preparing Your Lawn for Spray-on Seed

If you’ve got fresh dirt ready for a beautiful lawn, then it’s time to prepare it for hydroseeding. This process requires you to have level topsoil with around 50mm of screened soil. Lightly roll it so that you don’t sink into it, but so it’s soft enough for you to make an indent with your finger.

If you’re not sure how to go about preparing your soil, you can always contact a company offering the seeding service who will be more than happy to provide advice.

Is it Time for Spray-on Lawn?

If you’re tossing up between sod, grass seed, and hydroseed, it’s crucial to have all the facts. All grass application methods have their place, but hydroseed is most certainly a convenient and cost-effective option worth your consideration.

Once it’s grown, you can then enjoy all the lawn games and outdoor entertainment you please. If you’re not sure which grass application is right for you, why not talk to lawn care experts like the team at Crewcut who can shed some light?