Lawn Installation: Ready lawn vs Hydroseeding

Brendon
Feb 13
3 min read

Updated: Feb 26

Are you in search of a landscaping team in Queenstown to install your new lawn?

Finished ready lawn in Lower Shotover, Queenstown

Ready Lawn vs Hydroseeding: Which Lawn Installation Method is Right for You?

At Shotover Mowing & Landscaping, we often get asked: “Should I go with ready lawn (instant turf) or hydroseeding for my new lawn?” Both methods will give you a beautiful green lawn — but they work very differently and suit different needs, budgets, and timelines.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you make the right choice for your property.

What Is Ready Lawn?

Ready lawn — also called instant turf — is pre-grown grass that is delivered and laid straight onto prepared soil. From the moment it’s installed, you can see a full green lawn. This option is perfect if you want:

Instant visual impact — your lawn looks finished the day it’s laid.
Quick usability — once roots take hold (usually within 1–2 weeks), it can handle light foot traffic.
Minimal waiting time — great for events, open homes, or immediate curb appeal.

However, ready lawn also comes with some considerations:

Higher upfront cost – because it’s pre-grown and needs harvesting, transport, and detailed installation, it’s significantly more expensive than hydroseeding.
Soil preparation is critical – if the soil isn’t well prepared, the turf may struggle to root deeply and establish long-term health.

Ready lawn suits smaller yards or situations where you need a lawn now, even if it’s slightly pricier.

What Is Hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is a modern lawn installation method where a custom mix of grass seed, mulch, fertiliser and water is sprayed evenly over your prepared soil. This creates the perfect environment for seeds to germinate and develop into a lush lawn.

Why consider hydroseeding?

✅ More cost-effective – hydroseeding can cost significantly less than ready lawn — often up to 70–75% cheaper per square metre. ✅ Ideal for large areas – because the seed mix is sprayed, it’s fast and efficient over bigger lawns. ✅ Excellent soil contact – the mulch helps keep seeds moist and protected, improving germination and reducing erosion. ✅ Custom grass varieties – we can tailor the seed blend to suit your soil, micro-climate, shade levels, or high-traffic needs.

With hydroseeding, you typically start seeing grass sprouting within 7–14 days, and an established lawn in 4–6 weeks under ideal conditions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ready Lawn (Instant Turf)	Hydroseeding
Appearance	Instant green grass	Develops over weeks
Cost	Higher upfront	More budget-friendly
Time to Use	~1–2 weeks before light use*	~4–6 weeks full lawn
Best for	Small sites & quick results	Large sites & long-term value

*Even with instant turf, roots still need to lock into the soil before heavy use.

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide:

🌿 Choose Ready Lawn if:

You want a finished lawn immediately
You’re preparing a property for sale or a special event
The lawn area is small and budget is less of a concern

🌱 Choose Hydroseeding if:

You want great value for money
You’re covering a larger lawn or difficult terrain
You care about customised grass types and long-term lawn health

Need Help Deciding?

Both options have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. At Shotover Mowing & Landscaping, we can help you assess your site, recommend the best lawn solution, and deliver beautiful results — whether you choose ready lawn or hydroseeding.

📞 Contact us today to talk about your lawn project and get a tailored quote! Check out our landscaping page for more details