Slice Seeding vs Hydroseeding vs Overseeding vs Sod

Which is Best?


Overseeding

Is your lawn sporting dead, patchy, or thin spots? When it comes to setting your lawn up for new growth success, you have many options. Learn the differences between slice seeding, hydroseeding, sod, and overseeding.

Slice Seeding

Slice seeding, sometimes referred to as slit seeding, is done with a machine that cuts the ground and deposits seeds into the newly formed slits. It is considered one of the most intense seeding methods because it slices up your lawn including existing healthy grass. It is only recommended for small patches or lawns that require a complete renovation.

slit seeding grass

Benefits

Because the seeds are nestled carefully in the soil slits, they have a greater chance to germinate than if you just sprinkle seeds over your lawn. It is an effective method for lawns that need all-over help.

Cost

Slice seeding can be considered an expensive choice because of the required machinery and time investment. The cost ranges from $0.09 to $0.18 per square foot.

Hydroseeding a liquid lawn by spraying the mixture from a hoseHydroseeding

Hydroseeding uses a combination of seed, fertilizer, mulch, and soil amendments. The components are mixed with water and then sprayed onto a lawn. It should only be used on lawns that have healthy, aerated soil, as the seeds are laid atop the soil instead of being deposited in the ground.

Benefits

Hydroseeding is an effective method for seeding slopes where it’s challenging to manage machinery. The moist mix sticks to the ground rather than sliding down the hill as runoff.

Cost

Hydroseeding costs between $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot. The cost greatly depends on the expertise of the lawn care company you choose and the quality of the slurry mix used.

SodLaying sod for new lawn

Sod is established grass that has first been grown and harvested at a sod farm. It is delivered to you as rolls of grass, soil, and roots. Simply roll it onto your aerated soil, and you have an instant lawn!

Benefits

Sod is the quickest way to give your lawn that carpet-like appearance because the grass is already grown and healthy. It is a solution for lawns that can’t establish new seed for a variety of reasons.

Cost

Sod costs nearly 10 times more than seed. Sod itself costs between $0.30 to $0.85 per square foot. Add in install, and your cost per square foot is closer to $1 to $2.

Overseeding aeration and overseeding

Overseeding is appropriately named because it involves using more seed on your lawn than might be necessary to give grass a greater chance of germinating. It is combined with a process called aeration, which involves pulling “plugs” or “cores” out of the soil to break up compaction and allow seeds to settle in the soil.

Benefits

Aeration and overseeding give your lawn’s root zone more access to air, sun, water, nutrients, and fertilizers to help roots grow deeper and healthier. These healthy roots make your turf more tolerant to stress from heat and drought.

Cost

Aeration and overseeding costs vary, generally somewhere between $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot. It is a cost-effective choice to help your turf grow thick and healthy.

Green Lawn Fertilizing chooses aeration and overseeding to help your lawn grow thick and healthy.

Lawn aeration is most effective when performed by experts. At Green Lawn Fertilizing, we understand your compacted turf won’t thrive and new seeds you’re planting won’t take. That’s why we provide aeration and overseeding services. Contact us today at 888-581-5296 for a free consultation to help your lawn reach its full potential.