There’s more to grass than you think. It’s not simply a case of scattering seed and hoping for the best. You must factor in erosion control, the size of the area that requires grass, and even the type of property where grass will need to grow. 

With so much to consider, it’s only natural that you’ll be tossing up between hydroseeding and sod. What is the better option for a large property in Georgia? The following guide will help you make an informed choice. 

What is Hydroseeding? 

Hydroseeding is a lawn installation method in which an experienced landscaping professional sprays a slurry of grass seed, water, mulch, and soil amendments onto prepared soil to establish new grass growth. 

Compared to many other grass-growing methods, hydroseeding promotes fast germination and ensures even distribution. Due to the use of specialized hydroseeding equipment, large grassy areas can be covered quickly and evenly. 

What is Sod? 

Also known as turf grass, sod is grass grown elsewhere, harvested into rolls or squares, and installed on prepared soil. It provides instant coverage because the grass is already mature. 

While instantly beautiful, there is a great deal of labor involved with sod as it must be installed. This can be time-consuming on large properties. 

Cost Differences: Hydroseeding vs. Sod

Money is a major consideration in the grass-growing method you choose for your residential or commercial property. After all, the more of your landscaping budget you use for grass, the less you have for hardscapes, gardens, and other areas! 

Most landscaping companies price hydroseeding and sod on a per-square-foot basis, with hydroseeding ranging from $0.07 to $0.21 per square foot and sod installation at $0.60 to $1.65 per square foot. 

To put that into perspective, it would cost $4,000-$12,100 to hydroseed an area the size of a standard American football field of 57,600 square feet, and $34,600-$95,000 to use sod. 

If you’re a Georgia developer, HOA, or large property owner, hydroseeding would be the more cost-effective choice. 

Why Hydroseeding Works Well for Large Properties 

It’s only natural to want to see immediate results with grass growth, which is why many people opt for sod. However, it’s not that straightforward if you own a large property. 

The labor costs of sod installation can quickly blow out your budget. You’ll also be pleased to know that there are many great benefits to hydroseeding over sod. 

Faster Coverage

Sod must be installed piece by piece, making it a time-consuming task when you have an expansive area to re-grass. Fortunately, quality hydroseeding equipment can quickly cover large areas. As a result, hydroseeding is preferred for many large projects, such as:

• New residential developments
• Commercial properties 
• Golf courses
• Construction sites
• Roadside landscaping

Lower Installation Costs

As previously mentioned, lower installation costs are undoubtedly a major advantage of hydroseeding. This service for a large property over half an acre is a mere fraction of what it would cost to install pre-grown turf. 

If you’re setting a landscaping budget and need a rough idea of costs, contact a trusted hydroseeding business in Georgia for a free, no-obligation estimate. 

Strong Root Development

Hydroseeded lawns grow directly into the soil, where they stay. As a result, they grow deep, strong root structures that adapt to the climate and local soil conditions. 

Georgia is known for acidic, heavy red clay soil in the Piedmont region and sandy soil in coastal areas, making grass growth challenging. Therefore, root strength can be crucial for achieving a thick, healthy lawn. 

Grass grown elsewhere and installed on prepared soil needs time to develop a root structure. It starts with a shallow, mature root system that must break through the new ground to anchor in. This takes time and requires consistent watering. Otherwise, failure is a genuine risk.

Better Coverage for Slopes and Uneven Terrain 

Georgia is widely considered flat in the southern half and mountainous in the north. It doesn’t matter whether you live in the flatter or the more sloped part of the state; hydroseeding is a fast, efficient, and accurate coverage option for both. This is because the slurry sticks to the soil, helping prevent erosion.  

Sod is better suited to flat areas. When used on uneven, rolling, or sloped ground and not installed perfectly, it can slip or dry out. 

Custom Grass Blends to Suit Georgia’s Climate

Georgia throws some challenging conditions at home and business owners. It can feel incredibly difficult to grow healthy, lush grass in the midst of an ice storm, drought, or flood!

Hydroseeding offers a solution in the form of grass varieties suited to our unique climate. Whether you prefer the drought and wear tolerance of Bermuda grass, Fescue for cooler and shaded areas, or another variety, you’re well catered to!  

How Long Does Hydroseed Grass Take to Grow? 

You won’t be waiting too long until you have a lush, healthy lawn – whether it’s on a roadside offering erosion protection or adding aesthetic appeal to your residential or commercial property. 

After five to 10 days, the seeds in a hydroseeding slurry start to germinate. By week three to four, the grass is beginning to fill in. By weeks four to eight, you have a thick, established lawn! 

Request Hydroseeding Solutions from Sandy Creek Hydroseeding in Monroe, GA

Hydroseeding is a smart choice in Georgia for its lower installation costs compared to sod, its strong root development, and effective erosion control. Are you ready for this cost-efficient and sustainable lawn solution? It’s time to talk to the team at Sandy Creek Hydroseeding. 

Whether you’re a property developer, a commercial business owner, or a proud homeowner, we’re here to help you get the lush, healthy, and strong lawn you deserve. Call now, and let’s discuss your project.