Hydroseed Lawns
Information, Preparation & Long-Term Care
About Hydroseed
What is hydroseed & why might it be right for your lawn?
Hydroseeding is a method of establishing a new lawn or vegetation by spraying a combination of seed, mulch, and fertilizer directly onto the soil. It is an effective way of promoting rapid growth and implementing erosion control.
In This Article
Features & Benefits:
- Great for Large Areas: Efficiency in covering large areas. If you have a spacious yard measuring more than 4,000 square feet, hydroseeding can be a time-saving and cost-effective option.
- Even Coverage: The process involves using specialized equipment to spray the seed-and-fertilizer mixture evenly across the soil, ensuring consistent coverage and optimal germination.
- Faster Germination: The mulch component of the mixture helps retain moisture in the soil and acts as a protective layer, preventing soil erosion and helping to control weed growth. Additionally, the fertilizer included in the mixture provides essential nutrients to support the initial growth of the newly seeded lawn.
- Customizable Seed Options: Hydroseeding can be used to establish various types of vegetation, including grass, wildflowers, erosion control mixes or other desired plants. This flexibility allows you to create a customized and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
Preparing for Hydroseed
A few steps of preparation will ensure that your hydroseed will take off strong and healthy.
Step 1 - REMOVE WEEDS & DEBRIS
Clear your area of all weeds, large rocks, debris and existing grass.
Step 2 - PREP TOPSOIL
Loosen topsoil to a depth of 4-6 inches with a spade or rototiller. If topsoil is brought in, use a minimum of 3 inches and incorporate into existing soil. Level using a rake. If necessary, add dolomite or agriculture grade limestone at the rate of 50# per 1000 square feet. Rake and level simultaneously.
Step 3 - RAKE & WATER
- Rake area lightly and roll with lawn roller 1/3 full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas which need to be filled in.
- Keep the grade 1/2 inch below sidewalks and driveways.
- Water the area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for the turf. Aim for a solid surface area that still allows you to leave footprints, but not so soft that you end up with uneven surface after installing turf.
Step 4 - ORDER AHEAD
Hydroseed is mixed and applied to order. We need the following information in order to provide you with an estimate:
- Square footage of site
- Seed mixture desired: Sun - 2 - Shade Lawn Blend, Premium Shade Lawn Blend, Erosion Control Seed, or other species (please specify)
- Application rate, mulch, and fertilizer requirements (if applicable)
- Project Address
- Accessibility: We have 200' of hose to navigate your site. Will this be enough to reach the entire area? Please let us know if more will be needed to access your area.
- Expected date the project will be ready
Please send us a message with this information and we'd be happy to provide you with a quote.
Please Note: Availability and lead times can vary depending on the season and current weather conditions. We plan our jobs out based on a first-ready, first-serve basis. Let us know as soon as your site is ready to go and we will schedule your project.
How much hydroseed should I order?
A simple guide to measuring your site and deciding how much hydroseed to order.
Break your site into measurable shapes.
Hydroseed Application
How the hydroseed will be applied to your lawn.
- Once your site is prepped and ready to go, we’ll schedule a time to come out and apply the seed/mulch/fertilizer mixture to the area.
- If there are areas you do not want to be sprayed, please mark them off clearly.
- You do not have to be present for us to do the application.
- Please note: if your area is larger than 30,000 Sq Ft or requires more than one type of seed mixture, we will need access to water on-site with a connection of 1-1/2 inch or better.
Hydroseed Application
Hydroseed - 3 Weeks Later
*Results and growth rate vary based on weather, soil nutrients, and regular watering/fertilizing.
Caring for A Hydroseeded Lawn
Follow these steps to ensure your new hydroseed grows strong through its first growing season & beyond.
First Month:
Initial Watering
First four weeks, or until established
- Daily Watering - usually appropriate during spring and fall.
- Weather conditions may require more or less water
- Hot summer days = water up to 3-4 times/day
- Avoid making puddles or washing away the hydro mulch.
- Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day (about 10 am - 4 pm) as it may end up burning the grass.
After 1 Month:
First mowing
- Mow as soon as grass reaches 2-3 inches tall. Delayed mowing can cause bent blades and a shabby appearance.
- Make sure your blade is sharp!
- Dull mower blades can cause bruising and torn grasses, which can create brown spots.
- Avoid mowing off more than 1/3rd of the grass blade at a time.
Fertilizer - after first mowing
Apply a balanced fertilizer, like 16-16-16, on dry grass after the first mowing. Water thoroughly after application.
- Apply at recommended rates, usually 7-8 lbs./1000 SqFt.
- DO NOT USE WEED AND FEED FERTILIZER on a new lawn, it chokes out the new grass shoots & prevents germination.
- If you have weeds coming up, use a weed killer directly on the weed.
We do not recommend a weed killer to be sprayed over the entire lawn.
After 2 Month:
Fertilizer - 30 days after first mowing
Once again, apply a balanced fertilizer, on dry grass, 30 days after the first application. Water thoroughly after application.
- Apply at recommended rates, usually 7-8 lbs./1000 SqFt.
- Fertilizers: Starter 16-16-16, 21-7-14 Maintenance, or 12-2-8 (Slow release with Iron for moss control).
- DO NOT USE WEED AND FEED FERTILIZER on a new lawn, it chokes out the new grass shoots & prevents germination.
3 Months & Beyond:
MOW REGULARLY
- Keep blades sharp.
- Mow regularly, maintain an average height of 2-3 inches.
- Avoid removing more than 1/3rd of the grass blade at a time.
FERTILIZE - REGULARLY
Based on the vitality and color of the lawn - Apply a maintenance fertilizer every month during growing season (Mar-Sept).
Apply a winter fertilizer (12-10-10, 10-20-20) in October or Nov, usually around last mowing.
- Apply at recommended rates, usually 7-8 lbs./1000 SqFt.
- Apply to dry grass, then water in thoroughly.
Tip: aim for fertilizing around each of these major US Holidays
- Easter (16-16-16 or 12-2-8 in March/April as a starter)
- Memorial Day (21-7-14 or 12-2-8 in May as maintenance)
- 4th of July (21-7-14 or 12-2-8 as maintenance)
- Labor Day (21-7-14 or 12-2-8 as maintenance)
- Halloween to Mid-Nov. (12-10-10 or 10-20-20 around last mowing for season)
INSECTICIDE
Apply insecticide 1x/year – either in Fall (Oct) or Spring (March) for preventative maintenance.
Maintaining A New Hydroseeded Lawn
After the first year, follow care instructions for
Established Lawns to maintain a lush healthy lawn for years to come.