What is Hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is the simple procedure of applying grass seed, fertilizer, hydromulch and water in one liquefied application. Various soil amendments and soil stabilizers may also be used in the mixture depending on the needs of the environment.

How much does Hydroseed cost?

Hydroseeding prices will vary greatly across the United States. Conditions such as Grass type, soil additives and extreme climates are some of the factors that will affect cost. Hydroseeding jobs are commonly priced by the Square footage of area to be seeded and can range from 6 cents/sq. ft to 15 cents/sq. ft nationwide.

What type of grass seed is used in Hydroseeding?

Most any type of grass seed can be used in Hydroseeding, factors such as climate conditions will be the determining factor as to which grass type is recommended. A Horticultural center or County Agricultural agent can tell you what turf seeds flourish best in your climate.

Why is the green color gone from my hydroseeded lawn?

The green dye that was present during the initial application will fade and disappear in as few as 2 days in some cases and in other instances it may last weeks. The colorant has no bearing on the quality of the hydroseed or the impression that the hydroseeded lawn has washed away.

How much should I water my hydroseeded lawn?

Initially water is essential to the development of a strong root system in your hydroseeded lawn. Newly hydroseeded lawns should be watered as much as 2-3 times a day. Special care should be taken to ensure that the lawn is NOT saturated during watering and puddles DO NOT form on the lawn. An irrigation system or handheld garden hose is often the best method of watering your lawn. The goal is to have a consistently moist area for the best germination results.

When should I fertilize my hydroseeded lawn?

This will often vary depending on the type of grass seed used, condition of the soil and recommended fertilizer types for your climate. A common practice is to apply a nitrogen rich fertilizer soon after the first mowing has been done. Weeks 4-6 are common fertilizing times. When in doubt, an Expert should be consulted as improper fertilization could cause severe damage to your lawn.

Can I walk on the hydroseed once it is applied?

Only as much as is absolutely necessary.  Heavy traffic on a newly seeded lawn can permanently damage the new grass. Walking on a freshly hydroseeded lawn can leave depressions in the lawn and in some cases cause bare spots to form.

How soon will I have grass?

Often times hydroseeded lawns will begin to germinate is as little as 5-7 days. Most grass types will take between 3-4 weeks to fill in and depending on how often the lawn is watered, and the type of grass seed used, it can take up to as much as 8 weeks to see strong growth.

When should I first mow my hydroseeded lawn?

As a general rule of thumb the first mowing is recommended once the lawn reaches 3-4 inches in height. The 1/3^rd rule is a good guideline, You should never remove more than 1/3^rd of the grass blade at one time.

Do I need any special equipment to mow my hydroseeded lawn?

No. The most important item you can have when mowing your new lawn is a very sharp mower blade. Try to avoid sharp turns when mowing a fresh lawn so as to avoid tearing the grass out with your tires.

Is Hydroseeding guaranteed?

A reputable Hydroseeding contractor will stand by his work. Often times incidents such as Torrential rains, Hurricanes or acts of nature are beyond the Hydroseeders control and are often not covered. A common problem in the development of a new lawn is neglect, not watering the property sufficiently will cause the yard to appear spotty and incomplete.

Is Hydroseeding better than sod?

Having your lawn sodded will give you a picture perfect lawn in as little as one day. Hydroseeding may take a few weeks to see your lawn fully develop. Hydroseeding is also 60%-75% less expensive than the costly application of sod. As to which lawn looks better, aftercare and attention to your investment will ultimately determine what your results are with either choice.

Do Hydroseeders have to have a license to Hydroseed?

Some states do require licensure of certain types to apply some of the additives in the hydroseeding mixture. It is always best to check with your State Agricultural Board as to what the specifics are in your area.

Can I apply weed-kill to my hydroseeded lawn?

Strong chemicals such as Pesticides or weed-killers should be avoided until your lawn is well established. A common practice is to wait at least 3 months before any pesticides are used on your new lawn as some chemicals may hinder your lawn from growing to its full potential.

Do I need to have a soil test done before hydroseeding?

A soil test is an important tool in evaluating your soils requirements. Often times a hydroseeding contractor will do his own soil test to determine exactly what nutrients are lacking in your soil.

Where do I find a reputable hydroseeding contractor?

http://www.hydroseedingexperts.com/     is a very valuable tool in identifying contractors in your area. The Better Business Bureau is also a valuable tool in finding whether or not a contractor has had formal complaints levied against him.

Can a hydroseeder spray something other than grass seed?

Absolutely, Hydroseeders can often spray wildflower mixtures, Horse pasture mixes and many many more.

Whats the best time of year to have my lawn hydroseeded?

This will depend greatly on your climate, traditionally the Spring and Fall months are the most conducive to growing any type of vegetation.

Do I need to have new soil brought in before I hydroseed my yard?

A soil sample will tell exactly what the health of your soil is and how conducive the area will be to grow grass. Additional soil is sometimes required if the existing soil is sterile or is nutritionally deficient beyond reasonable control.

I see green stains on my foundation and my walkway after my yard was hydroseeded, will it go away?

Absolutely, the green dye that may have splashed onto your foundation or walkways will usually fade away within a few days and can be hosed off with a garden hose.