Hydroseeding and hydromulching are two terms for the same process of using a mulch, soil, and seed mixture to grow a new lawn. If you need to plant a lawn and are unfamiliar with the process of hydroseeding, the following guide can help answer some of your questions.
What preparation is required for hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding requires the same general site preparation as sodding or traditional seeding. The old turf is removed and a soil test is performed. The soil is then tilled and graded. Amendments may be added before hydroseeding if soil quality is poor, but decent quality soil may not require amending beyond that in the mulch mixture that is applied at seeding.
When can hydroseeding be performed?
This depends on your local climate, but generally anytime between spring and fall is suitable. Hydroseeding in spring can give you a leg up on the summer weed season, since the hydroseed mixture typically contains weed killer. Summer seeding is best in mild climates, since drought and high heat can be hard on new grass. Fall seeding is only advisable in areas where winter comes late or where winters are mild, so that the lawn has time to establish well.
How long until grass appears?
Hydroseeded lawns often begin growing sooner than a traditionally seeded lawn simply because of the moisture and nutrient conditions in the hydroseed mix. You can expect to see a lawn growing in just over a week.
Can you walk on the new lawn?
It's generally a good idea to stay off of the lawn until the first mowing, which occurs when the grass grows to a 3-inch height. This typically takes about three to five weeks, depending on moisture and temperatures. If you must walk on the lawn before then, at least make sure the grass and soil surface are dry before doing so.
What other care factors are there?
During the first few weeks as the lawn establishes you must water twice daily during the first week. Once germination occurs, you can reduce it to every day and then to every other day once the shoots are about an inch long. Once established, follow the recommended watering schedule for your climate. You want the soil to remain moist but not soggy, since overly wet soil can cause the seeds and new grass to rot.
For more help or to get further answers to your questions, contact a lawn installation and hydroseeding company like K4 Environmental LLC in your area.
