We have been Hydroseeding since 1969 and have been in the business of landscaping since 1926. Hydroseeding can be used anywhere and for anyone. Find a reputable Landscape Contractor who has been in business for 5 years or more and not a FLY-BY-NIGHTER. It is up to you as an owner to determine what kind of seed mix to use.You should choose a seed mix with at least several species. I believe you are in zone 5. You should choose a mix with the following,Improved variety of Kentucky Blue Grass,Creeping or chewing fescue(improved variety)and a turf type improved variety of perennial ryegrass. Hydroseeding is a faster way of seeding while split seeding or brillion seeding might be considered a little more accurate. Stay away from any Annual Ryegrass. It is garbage and should not be used in your mix.Building contractors constantly use this because it looks good when it first comes up but turns a faded yellow-green in a few months and eventually dies resulting in to reseeding.Ask a lot of questions to the Hydroseeding Firm you use. It is your investment.

Still looking for an answer LOL

Why use hydroseed, then? Is it really only useful for builders in new houses to get lawns done quick and easily?

It seems like slitseeding is a better alternative where you can select your seed, etc. better.

In my limited experience, builders do it because it wets the seed, adds some minor mulching and fertilizer, and is a lot faster than spreading. If the homeowner doesn't care for it properly, it won't sprout well. The same's true of anything else.

On the downside, the mix tends to settle a bit and I often see variable output from the hydroseeders. Some skill is necessary, too.

Slit seeding (optimally) puts the seed right where it should be to grow properly. That helps. Simple broadcast and roll works fine, too, if cared for correctly.