Hydro-Seeding

What is Hydro-Seeding?

Hydro-Seeding is a relatively new concept that allows us to give you a greener and more luscious lawn faster than traditional lawn installation. A mixture of water, grass seed, fertilizer, and an organic-based mulch agent is prepared in a large tank and sprayed onto the lot. They Hydro-Seeder consists of a large polytank mounted on a trailer. There are a few ports for the materials to be added. There is also a large hose attachment, which is used to spray the Hydro-Seed mixture that is pumped out of the tank. Check out the Equipment Pictures link to see the Hydro-Seeder. The amount and composition of the fertilizer used in the mixture varies. It depends on the current chemical composition of the soil and the type of seed being used because different types of grass require different amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Phosphorus is especially important for root development and is therefore the most important component in the starter fertilizer used during Hydro-Seeding. The composition of the mulch agent varies. It can be comprised of soy-based paper, pulp-based paper, wood, peat moss, or a combination. The mulch agent holds moisture around each seed, helps to protect it from the elements, and forms a mat that keeps the seed in place once it has been sprayed.

Advantages to Hydro-Seeding

• The Hydro-Seed mixture looks like a green mat as soon as it is sprayed on your lot. It is more appealing than the traditional mulched straw method.
• Germination of the seed depends on several factors, including the species of grass, weather conditions, soil conditions, etc. However, with the Hydro-Seed method, you will most likely start to see some grass blades popping up in just a few days.
• As the Hydro-Seed mulch agent begins to decompose, it improves the quality of the top soil more so than the traditional mulched straw. Straw tends to have a high nitrogen content (due to the bacteria involved in decomposition), which may increase the nitrogen level in your topsoil.
• The Hydro-Seed method allows grass to grow more easily on hillsides because the mulch mat holds the seed in place. Straw does not hold down the seed as effectively.
• The Hydro-Seed mulch agent does not contain any weed seed. Straw may contain tons of weed seed, which grows along with the grass seed. By using the Hydro-Seed method, you are decreasing the chance that weeds will grow among the new grass.

Care of a newly Hydro-Seeded Lawn

• Moisture is essential in grass seed germination, no matter what installation method is used. It is important to water your new lawn on a regular schedule. The amount of watering that needs to be done depends on the temperature, humidity, the physical characteristics of the soil, the species of grass seed, etc. When your lawn is installed, we will discuss your recommended watering schedule with you.
• Mowing is a double-edged sword. Proper mowing can encourage growth, which leads to a thicker lawn. However, if you mow too soon, mow your lawn too short, or mow in the wrong direction, your lawn will not grow to its optimum potential. Generally, you can start mowing your new lawn when the grass is over 3" tall. The first time you mow, you should have your mower deck up high, so you just trim the tops of the grass blades. As a rule of thumb, you should never trim more than one-third of the grass height each time. Once your lawn's root system is well-established, you can mow normally. It is important to remember that if you insist on mowing your lawn short, you will have to mow it more frequently in order to keep it healthy. Also, the direction that you mow is important, especially if part of your lawn is on a hillside. Do not mow up and down the hill. If you do, this will make it easier for water to carry the soil away from the grass roots. You should mow laterally across the hillside to avoid erosion.
• The amount of fertilizing you have to do depends on the species of grass, the soil composition, the age of your lawn, and a few other factors. It is usually recommended that you use a fertilizer high in nitrogen after a month or two of your lawn being Hydro-Seeded. Nitrogen stimulates the growth of the grass blades. However, don't use high-nitrogen fertilizer too soon because the root system needs to be established first. Every lawn is different, so when your lawn is installed, we will discuss the specifics with you.

If you are interested in having a Hydro-Seeded lawn, give us a call. We will be happy to discuss the specifics with you.