What is Hydroseeding? back to top

Hydroseeding is a process by which seed, water, fertilizer, fiber mulch, and sometimes lime are blended together in a tank and applied onto aprepared lawn area through a spraying hose. Once sprayed,the wet fiber mulch will help create a bond to the soil and provide the seeds with a water retaining blanket-coat while protecting it from sunlight, wind, and erosion. Hydroseeding also gives us the ability to “cut in “around existing flower beds and gardens with very little overspray and still producing an even coverage of grass which is hard to achieve with hand seeding. As the grass seeds begin to germinate, the fiber mulch will slowly decompose adding nutrients to the soil.

Mulch applied to the soil reduces moisture evaporation. Grass seed needs continuous moisture to germinate and grow. Moisture must initially come from either irrigation or rainfall. Once the soil has moisture, mulch helps the seed get the most benefit from that moisture. Poor growth is almost always due to the seed and or the seedlings not getting enough moisture during certain critical times. Soil moisture is absolutely necessary to grow grass.

A good mulch application also provides erosion resistance. Soil erosion caused by flowing water is always a factor. Mulch helps hold soil in place and reduces the possibility that the seeds will be washed away, providing a better chance for establishing a more uniform coverage of grass, when soil erosion is reduced, soil pollution of streams and other bodies of water is reduced. Wood mulch, with its fibrous network in the soil, can have significant benefits in reducing or preventing soil erosion. Mulch products are usually produced from re-cycled paper or raw wood, Quality mulch is the key factor, only 100% pure wood mulch has been proven to be better for holding water than ground up newspapers (cellulose) or any other commonly used mulch, but the strength of the mulch can be enhanced by using a tackifier for use on steep banks and unstable soil. A tackifier is glue for tying the mulch and soil together.

Seeding back to top
Alaska lawn mix is our choice of seed to use for most residential and some commercial jobs, although a custom mix is always welcome. This can include a large variety of grass seeds, or wild flower mixtures. We also add some annual rye grass to get fast germination which helps establish a root system and protect the other seeds from sun and drought.

Watering back to top
Grass seed needs water; begin watering immediately. Keep the mulch moist until the grass shoots appear. Avoid puddling and erosion. After shoots appear and until the grass blades are three inches tall, water once daily, preferably early morning or evening. In hot weather, you may need to water twice a day.

When the tallest grass blades are four inches tall, they are ready for the first mowing. After the first mowing, water every three to five days. To prevent root rot, allow enough time between watering to allow the soil surface to dry. Increase watering in very hot weather, and decrease watering during periods of heavy rainfall. Grass will respond best to slow, gentle watering where the water has a chance to soak in well to a depth of about three inches.

Mowing back to top
The lawn is ready for its first mowing when the tallest shoots are four inches tall. It is normal at this time that the height of the shoots will vary from one to four inches. Discontinue watering one day prior to mowing to allow the soil surface to dry and stabilize. As with a mature lawn, no more than one third of the grass blade should be cut off. To avoid damage to the lawn, keep your mower blade sharp

Fertilizing back to top
A balanced fertilizer is applied at the time of hydroseeding, but an ongoing fertilizing program is essential to produce a lush lawn. Your lawn will stay healthy and green when it receives a steady supply of nutrients. More numerous light applications of fertilizer are better than fewer, heavy applications, and will produce more consistent grass color and rate of growth. We recommend fertilizing after the first mowing with a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16, and always follow recommended rate application instructions.

Organic fertilizing back to top
We offer an organic fertilizer at the time of hydroseeding so you can follow up with an all organic fertilizer. This is beneficial in building and aiding the balance of the microorganisms in your soil which produces a more natural consistent growing environment rather the “feast or famine” effects of chemical fertilizers. Use of organic fertilizer also eliminates the threat of chemicals leaching into the waterways and water table.