Hydroseeding and Erosion Control

The three most popular methods for seeding lawns and land are sod, traditional grass seeding, and hydroseeding.

Sod

Sod is a pre-grown patch of grass that is packaged in rolls or pre-cut rectangles. While seemingly a convenient way to quickly turn barren land into a grassy lawn, some drawbacks include the potential for roots to dry up and die without proper, gaps or "seams" forming between sod panels, incompatibility between sod soil and your soil, and limited grass varieties.

Sod installation can be quite expensive and labor intensive, with costs ranging from two to three times more than hydroseeding or traditional grass seeding.

Traditional Grass Seeding

Seeding your lawn in the traditional way involves acquiring grass seed, spreading it on your prepared land, and watering intensely. The process allows for versatility in the the type of grass seed used, but may take weeks or months before grass germinates and reaches maturity. 

While this method offers the lowest cost for lawn seeding, it is vulnerable to erosion, especially on slopes and hillsides. 

Maintenance can be a pain because of watering requirements, regular fertilization needs, and the need for protection from birds and other animals eating the seed. 

Failure to properly maintain grass seeding may lead to empty patches and inconsistent growth across the area. 

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a more cost-effective way to apply grass than sod and is less labor intensive. 

Although it may be slightly more expensive than traditional seeding, the benefits often far outweigh the costs, especially when it comes to maintenance, germination rates, and uniform growth.

Hydroseeding can be customized to meet El Dorado County's climate needs while also minimizing water needs over time compared to other methods. 

It can effectively be used on uneven and sloped terrain, providing a significant advantage in the hilly areas surrounding towns like Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, and South Lake Tahoe.

The overall appearance and aesthetics of hydroseeding surpass those of sod or traditional garden seed methods within just a couple of weeks of initial application, as well as over subsequent weeks and months.

Hydroseeding can be performed year-round.

The optimal times to hydroseed and implement erosion control projects are in spring or fall, when days are cooler and rains are more likely.

Because of hydroseeding's unique hydraulic pressure application technique and blend of ingredients in the "slurry," it is ideal for uneven and sloped terrain, such as hillsides.

Hydroseeding leads to uniform, rapid growth, but it does require some maintenance in the aftermath of the initial application. 

For the first several weeks, you'll want to ensure that your hydro seeded lawn or landscape is sufficiently watered daily. 

When we complete your hydroseeding project we'll provide you with additional details and information for properly maintaining healthy growth.

Costs for hydroseeding vary depending on the size of the area and the type of seed being used for your specific application. Generally speaking, it is cheaper than sod and significantly less labor intensive.

Contact Hargo's Land Management for a free estimate and evaluation.