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While hydroseeding is designed for bare soil, it is possible to apply it over an existing lawn with certain adjustments. For the new seed to be successful, it needs good seed-to-soil contact to germinate and take root. Without proper preparation, most of the new seed will fail to establish and will die. To hydroseed over existing grass, first mow the lawn as low as possible, then loosen and clear any exposed soil. It is also recommended to use a finer mulch mixture in the hydroseed spray, which helps the seeds penetrate the existing turf and reach the soil without suffocating the established grass.

Seeding a lawn offers several advantages over laying sod, primarily related to cost and variety. Seeding is less expensive upfront, making it a more budget-friendly option. It also provides a much broader selection of grass varieties, allowing you to choose the best type for your specific climate and soil. Additionally, seeding allows grass roots to establish directly in the native soil, and the installation process is typically less labor-intensive than sodding. However, it's important to consider that sod offers better immediate protection against weeds and erosion.

Some grass types grow better than others on hard dirt. For example, hardy grass types like perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass will grow better on tough soil. Keep in mind that you should still consider your area’s climate when deciding on a grass type.

Morning and late afternoon are the best times for watering new grass seed. The seed gets a healthy balance of water and sunlight, and the excess water evaporates. If you water the grass long after the sun goes down, the air is too cold, and there's no sun to make excess water evaporate. This keeps the grass damp for too long, increasing the chances of over-watering.