Our Drill-Seeding Services
Thicken your lawn without starting over.
If you're frustrated with a thin, patchy lawn that never seems to thicken up no matter how much you overseed, you've likely discovered that broadcasting seed on top of compacted Goshen clay soil just doesn't work. The seed sits on the surface, dries out, gets eaten by birds, or washes away with the first heavy rain—wasting your time and money.
Drill seeding (also called slit seeding) solves this problem by cutting narrow slits directly into your soil and placing seed at the perfect depth for germination. This gives seeds the soil contact they need to establish, even on our challenging clay. We have been providing professional drill seeding throughout Goshen and Elkhart County for years, helping homeowners renovate thin lawns without the expense and hassle of starting over.
Whether you're dealing with patchy grass that's thinned out over time, bare spots from tree competition, compacted high-traffic areas, or you simply want to thicken your existing lawn, drill seeding delivers results that broadcast seeding can't match. You keep your existing good grass while filling in the weak areas with new, vigorous growth.
If you're tired of failed overseeding attempts and want a method that actually works on clay soil, let's discuss how drill seeding can transform your lawn.
Transform Your Lawn with Precision
What Is Drill Seeding and How Does It Work?
Drill seeding uses specialized equipment with vertical blades that cut narrow slits into your soil, drop seed directly into those slits at the optimal depth, and press the soil back together—all in one pass. Think of it as planting each seed exactly where it needs to be for maximum germination success.
Unlike broadcast seeding where you scatter seed on top of the ground and hope for the best, drill seeding ensures every seed gets three critical things: soil contact, proper depth, and protection from drying out or washing away. The slits are typically spaced 2-3 inches apart, creating rows of new grass that fill in quickly to thicken your lawn.
The equipment we use has sharp cutting blades that can penetrate Goshen's compacted clay soil—something that's impossible with hand spreading or drop spreaders. Each seed is placed at 1/4 to 1/2 inch depth, which is exactly where grass seed germinates best. Too shallow and it dries out. Too deep and it can't emerge. Drill seeding gets it right every time.
Within 7-14 days, you'll see new grass sprouting in uniform rows. By 3-4 weeks, those rows fill in, blending with your existing grass to create a thicker, healthier lawn. You get professional results without tearing up your entire yard.
Drill Seeding vs. Broadcast Seeding vs. Hydroseeding:
Factor | Drill Seeding | Broadcast Seeding | Hydroseeding |
---|---|---|---|
Cost | $0.10-$0.20 per square foot | $0.03-$0.08 per square foot | $0.08-$0.15 per square foot |
Germination rate | 60-80% on clay soil | 20-40% on clay soil | 50-70% |
Visible results | 7-14 days | 3-4 weeks (often patchy) | 7-14 days |
Best for | Existing thin lawns, renovation, compacted clay soil | Light overseeding on prepared, loose soil | Large bare areas, new construction, erosion control |
Keeps existing grass | Yes | Yes | No (applied to bare soil) |
Equipment required | Professional drill seeder | Spreader (often DIY) | Professional hydroseeder |
Get Your Free Hydroseeding Quote
Ready to transform those bare areas into a lush, established lawn? Let's talk about your specific property and what hydroseeding can do for you.
Whether you're dealing with new construction aftermath, erosion problems, or large areas that need affordable coverage, We wil give you an honest assessment and a clear quote with no surprises. I'll visit your property, evaluate your soil conditions, discuss your timeline and goals, and recommend the best approach for your situation and budget.
Contact Us
Get in Touch with Hydro-Tek Seeding
Have questions or ready to transform your lawn? We're here to help! Reach out to our friendly team for expert advice, quotes, or to schedule a consultation. Your dream lawn is just a message or call away!