Turf vs. Hydroseeding: The Great Australian Lawn Debate
When Australian homeowners are spending thousands on establishing a lawn, understanding the real pros and cons of each method could save you money, time, and regret. There are two main contenders: laying instant turf or hydroseeding. Both will get you a lawn, but the results, costs, and ongoing maintenance can vary dramatically depending on many factors.
Laying turf has been the most popular method when it comes to growing and maintaining a healthy, luscious lawn, yet hydroseeding is having a resurgence in popularity with new techniques and seeding available. Both can create a beautiful lawn, yet experts warn there are upsides and downsides to both methods.
Laying turf vs. hydroseeding – the pros and cons are revealed. Picture: Lawn Solutions Australia
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Laying Turf
Laying pre-grown turf is the most common way to establish grass for Australian homeowners. Some of the newest types of grass that are ideal for the extreme Australian climates that are drought and shade tolerant, perfect for hot summers are only available in turf, not seed.
Nathan Brown, from Lawn Solutions Australia, said laying turf provides instant consistent coverage and a predictable result.
"It offers greater reliability, particularly in residential and high-traffic areas, as the grass is already mature and uniform at the time of installation," Mr. Edwards said.
Lawn Solutions Australia offers a wide range of premium turf varieties, including Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda (couch), Sir Grange Zoysia, Zoysia Australis, and Eureka Kikuyu, along with a few other varieties that are specialized for specific climates.
This wide range allows homeowners to select a turf that is specifically suited to their climate, shade conditions, usage requirements, and desired level of maintenance.
As a general guide, homeowners can expect to pay from about $10 to $25 per square meter for turf supply only, depending on the variety selected.
When including full site preparation and professional installation, costs typically range from approximately $30 to $60 or more per square meter, depending on access, ground conditions, and turf selection.
"Turf delivers a consistent, high-quality finish that hydroseeding can struggle to achieve, particularly in areas requiring quick results or long-term performance," Mr. Edwards said.
Full establishment generally occurs within four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and ongoing care.
Results of laying turf. Picture: Lawn Solutions Australia
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Hydroseeding / Hydromulching
This method involves an expert spraying a mix of mulched seed with a specialized machine. It’s been around for years, yet new technology and businesses popping up around Australia are starting to perfect the method and see much better results than what used to be readily available.
One big draw card with hydroseeding is the price. Ben O’Brien from Green Fingers Lawns said hydromulching can cost as little as $5 per square meter.
"It’s generally about a third of the price compared to laying turf," he said.
The seeds are sprayed in a mulch mixture directly onto the soil, establishing it from seed to root in your backyard.
"(You can be) left with the lines from where you cut the turf, and there’s always going to be those lines, especially if the area isn’t prepared perfectly. Turf is a lot more unforgiving than hydroseeding," Mr. O’Brien added.
Results from hydroseeding from day 1 to fully established. Picture: Greenfingers Lawns
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He also added that if any problem patches popped up, it would be clear within the first weeks and could be rectified by respraying.
"If an area is not getting watered enough that turf is going to die, you’re not going to notice that until it’s too late," Mr. O’Brien said.
"With hydroseeding, you can see very quickly if something is not getting enough water, and because it’s in early stages, I can come back and spray over the top rather than having to cut out more turf and put in random pieces."
Within 5-7 days, you can see visible germination, and you can expect a fully established lawn within 5-8 weeks.
Things to Consider
Turf is grown in turf farms, and once turf has been harvested, it needs to be installed within 24-48 hours.
Mr. O’Brien said this is one major factor why people should consider hydroseeding.
"The main thing with hydroseeding is you’re setting up that lawn from day one," Mr. O’Brien said.
"It hasn’t been ripped up from a farm, then on a truck, then a warehouse, and sitting around... when you hydroseed it sits directly in that soil."
As turf has grown in a different environment, on rare occasions, there is a chance that the grass won’t establish once it’s laid in a new environment.
"PH and nutrient levels are perfect in a turf farm, and then you’re slapping it over whatever new environment, and if it doesn’t take, you have to rip it up and try again," Mr. O’Brien added.
Mr. O’Brien was based in the ACT and used a cooler climate lawn, which was another major factor to consider.
"If you used this in a hotter climate, it would fry it in summer," Mr. O’Brien said.
"Unlike hydroseeding, turf delivers immediate visual appeal, significantly reduces weed invasion, and establishes far more quickly," Mr. Edwards said.
Seed isn’t readily available for all types of grass, which means you are limited in the type of grass you can access. However, Mr. Edwards noted that for large commercial areas or where access is poor, hydroseeding can be a solution.
It also relies heavily on the machinery and mulch created by the individual.
"Do your research on your hydroseeder if you’re going to use one, check out the reviews, ask them to see some local lawns in the area to see it in the flesh," Mr. O’Brien said.
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