Hydroseeding vs hand-seeding: which is better for commercial use?

There’s little that is quintessentially more British than a lush green lawn but, when you’re faced with a series of new gardens or a large communal space in-between properties to seed, it’s vital that you complete the task quickly and efficiently, without compromising on the final appearance.

Hydroseeding and hand-seeding are two possible solutions. While both have their advantages, hydroseeding emerges as the most efficient and cost-effective option, particularly in expansive spaces or on a construction site where there are many lawns to lay.

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of hydroseeding and explain why it’s the best choice for commercial landscaping.

Exceptional speed and coverage

For new housing properties with large spaces of bare soil, hydroseeding is a faster, more comprehensive solution than hand-seeding. The hydroseeding process involves spraying a slurry of seeds, fertiliser, water, and a wood fibre mulch onto the soil, meaning a large area can be covered incredibly quickly, saving valuable time compared to the labour-intensive process of hand-seeding.

Hydroseeding also achieves better coverage, whereas hand-seeding can result in bare or thin patches if the process is not completed diligently. For commercial projects, such as newbuild housing, that require the rapid establishment of greenery, hydroseeding is a more cost-effective and time-friendly option.

Rapid lawn growth

The rapid turnaround of newbuild houses means that it’s essential to establish lawns that are resilient and ready to use. Hydroseeding uses a unique combination of seeds, nutrients, and wood fibre mulch to create an ideal environment for seeds to germinate and grow healthily. Consequently, hydroseeded lawns typically start sprouting within a week and can be mown within three to four weeks after application, which is notably faster than hand-seeded lawns. Rapid growth is particularly advantageous for new housing estates that need functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes as soon as possible.

Low maintenance

Grass tends to fair badly during spells of hot, dry weather, so the changing climate poses a real danger to hand-seeded lawns if watering isn’t regularly carried out. In contrast, hydroseeded lawns offer greater resilience because the wood fibre mulch is highly effective at retaining moisture and, therefore, require less frequent watering. As a result, the irrigation process is more efficient and less ongoing maintenance is necessary to keep the grass in pristine condition - a significant advantage for busy homeowners for whom regular maintenance may be challenging.

Effective erosion control 

Construction sites often face challenges related to soil erosion, especially during major development or landscaping. Hydroseeding is an effective solution as the fibre mulch binds to the soil, forming a protective layer that resists water and wind erosion. Hydroseeding can also be used effectively in combination with Rootlok vegetated wall systems - for example, on slopes where hand-seeding may be less effective. The stability offered by hydroseeding not only safeguards the topsoil but also minimises the need for additional erosion control measures.

In addition to this, as the seed is held in place by the wood fibre mulch this means hydroseeding is a viable option for seeding all year round, whereas hand sowing isn’t really suitable in the colder and wetter months as it can result in seed loss from wind and rain.

Contact us to find out more

At GeoGrow, we offer a nationwide professional hydroseeding service that is underpinned by our specialist knowledge of erosion control. To find out more, please get in touch today.