What is hydroseedingin construction?

On first cost, substantially: hydroseed typically prices at cents per square foot while installed sod runs many times that. The tradeoff is time and risk. Sod is finished grass the day it is laid; hydroseed needs watering and several weeks of growth, and a hard rain before establishment can wash seed and mulch into the silt fence. Specs often dictate which areas get which treatment, so check the landscape plan before assuming the cheaper line.

By area: square feet on smaller scopes, acres on large ones, at 43,560 sf per acre. The cleanest method is to start with the disturbed area or limits of disturbance and subtract buildings, pavement, sod, and planting beds. On slopes steeper than roughly 3:1, account for true surface area exceeding plan area, and check whether the erosion control plan swaps hydroseed for blankets or heavier mulch rates on those faces.

It is one of the standard temporary and permanent stabilization methods on erosion control plans, and inspectors generally accept it once uniform coverage establishes. Construction general permits typically require stabilization to begin within a set number of days after grading stops in an area, so phasing drives when and how often you spray. Areas regraded later must be stabilized again, which is why experienced estimators carry a respray allowance.