Hydromulching in Melbourne

Hydromulching vs hydroseeding

The two names get used for the same job, and the difference is mostly the mulch. Every hydroseed mix we spray already contains fibre mulch. When people say hydromulching, they usually mean a heavier mulch rate, or a mulch layer with no seed at all.

A heavier layer holds more water and protects seed from sun, wind and heavy rain, which is why it suits ground where a normal lawn mix would struggle. For a front lawn that needs to look green straight away, see hydro turfing, which uses the same heavier layer with a lawn finish.

What hydromulching costs

For a home lawn, hydromulching costs the same as our hydroseeding: about $5–$8 per m², including seed, mulch, fertiliser and tackifier. A typical 120m² backyard is around $790, and small areas are covered by our $490 minimum job.

• Lawns on flat, prepared soil: $5–$8 per m²
• A heavier mulch rate for slopes or exposed sites: itemised in your quote
• Mulch-only cover for bare building sites: quoted after a site check
• Large open areas: see hydroseeding cost per acre

Prep changes the price most. If your soil needs clearing, ripping or topsoil, it's listed separately so you can see what you're paying for.

Is hydromulching worth it?

It's worth it where bare soil is the problem. Slopes, hot north-facing lots and clay that crusts after rain all lose seed under a light mix, and a heavier mulch layer gives it a much better chance. It's also a cheap way to stop dust and mud on a building site before you're ready to landscape.

It's less useful on a small, shaded courtyard that needs to look finished this week. Instant turf can make more sense there, and we'll tell you if we think so.

Where we spray

We hydromulch across metro Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, from new estates in the west and north to acreage on the city's fringe. See the areas we cover.