Hydroseeding is a fast, cost-effective method of planting grass by spraying a mixture of seed, water, mulch, fertilizer, and a bonding agent onto the soil. This slurry promotes quick germination and even growth, making it ideal for residential lawns, commercial landscapes, erosion control, and more. The result is a healthy, lush lawn that establishes faster than traditional seeding methods.

Hydroseeding provides a more effective and efficient way to grow healthy grass compared to traditional hand seeding. When applied, the hydroseed mixture includes wood fiber mulch that holds moisture like a sponge, creating the perfect environment for seeds to germinate. This mulch helps retain water and nutrients at the surface, where the seeds need it most.

In contrast, when you hand-seed by simply spreading dry seed over bare soil, much of the water quickly drains into the ground—often before the seeds have a chance to absorb the moisture and nutrients they need to grow. As a result, hand seeding can lead to poor germination, patchy growth, and wasted materials. Hydroseeding ensures better seed-to-soil contact, improved moisture retention, and faster, more uniform results—making it a far superior option for establishing a lush, healthy lawn.

What kind of mulch do you use for hydroseeding?

At Mean Green Hydroseeding, we use only high-quality wood fiber mulch—the best option for moisture retention and healthy grass growth. Unlike paper mulch, which many contractors use because it’s cheaper, wood fiber mulch holds water more effectively and creates a better environment for seed germination.

Some contractors are limited to using paper mulch due to the equipment they operate. Machines with plastic tanks and jet agitation systems cannot handle wood fiber mulch. That’s why we invest in a professional-grade, truck-mounted hydroseeding unit with mechanical agitation. This allows us to mix and apply premium wood fiber mulch properly and efficiently.

When it comes to hydroseeding, the equipment and materials truly make a difference. Choosing Mean Green Hydroseeding means you’re getting the highest-quality results backed by the right tools and experience!

We do not apply hydroseed over existing grass—whether it’s alive or dead. For hydroseeding to be effective, the seed mixture needs to make direct contact with the soil so it can properly germinate and develop strong roots. If dead grass or an old root system is left in place, the seed will sit in the mulch, sprout briefly, and then die off due to lack of soil contact. The end result is often patchy, short-lived, and not something we would feel confident putting our name on.

If your lawn still has a partial base of grass, you may want to consider slice seeding (also known as over-seeding). This method is designed to improve and thicken existing lawns by planting seed directly into the soil without full removal.

Hydroseed will technically begin to grow almost anywhere—even on a rock—but without the proper conditions, it won’t survive or thrive. Grass seed isn’t “magic”—it needs the right environment to become a healthy, lasting lawn. That includes good soil contact, consistent watering, adequate sunlight, and nutrients from fertilizer.

For the best results, the area should be properly prepped so the seed can root deeply into the soil. With the right care and conditions, hydroseeding can produce a lush, beautiful lawn that lasts.