Post Care and Maintenance Guide For Hydroseeding
The hydroseeding process is a revolutionary method for establishing a healthy lawn quickly and efficiently. However, the real secret to achieving a thriving landscape lies in the post-care efforts that follow the initial application. In this informative guide, we will unravel the crucial steps and best practices involved in hydroseeding post-care.
What to Expect:
The green mulch in the hydroseed is a non-permanent chemical dye that will fade between 1-7 days. This dye is non-toxic and will not harm children, animals, pavement, siding or other surfaces.
With optimal conditions along with the following of this care guide, the hydroseed will start to germinate within 7-14 days. This timeline can be affected by the chosen species as well as the seasonal time of year.
At first you will see the seedlings starting to shoot. This is the first stage of growth. As the seeds continue to grow, you will see the hydroseed mulch start to dissipate into the soil, switching places with your newly formed grass.
It is recommended to stay off the newly hydroseeded grass for 3-4 weeks to prevent the disruption of the newly formed seedlings. Although it may look like the grass is fully formed, the roots are still maturing.
Watering Instructions
Frequency: How often?
Scheduled watering is an essential factor in the establishment and germination process of your newly seeded project. Frequency can be as little as once, or as many as 4 times per day depending on the time of year and local weather.
Watering Amount: Too little or too much? There is too much and too little water use on your newly hydroseeded project.
Pooling water and soggy hydroseed is a sign of over watering.
If the hydroseed is light in color and dry to the touch it is most likely too dry to promote growth.
Insufficient watering can result in the seeds dying. In addition, weeds within the soil will choke out the grass seed.
Over watering during the germination process can result in the development of a weak root system due to a lack of oxygen supply to the root system.
The key to a successful and optimal hydroseed project is keeping the hydroseed consistently damp and moist throughout the germination process. A helpful rule of thumb is if you feel the hydroseed with the palm of your hand and it is cool and damp to the touch, you are in optimal range for the best growth.
Mowing Recommendations:
Ensure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can cause the ripping and tearing of the newly established grass.
It is recommended to wait to do your first cut until week 4-6 to ensure proper and stable establishment of the root system before mowing for the first time.
It is recommended to work your way down. Start with your initial cut at the highest setting on your mower. Working your way down to desired height. This ensures a gradual cut, protecting your newly established lawn.
We recommend keeping your lawn at a height between 3”- 4” throughout the year, especially during the dry summer months. This not only protects the soil and roots from sun damage but prevents damage to the root system from a low mow setting.
Fertilization Recommendations:
Your freshly hydroseeded project is a complex mixture of fertilizers tailored to the soil specific needs. You should not need to fertilize your lawn until 8-10 weeks post application. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize your lawn in the 4 main growth phases of the vegetation. Each season has specific needs for optimal fertilization practices.
Recommended Seasonal Fertilizer Blends:
Nitrogren-Phosphorus- Potassium- Sulphur (N-P-K-S)
Early Spring: 18-18-18+1.5S
Late Spring: 18-18-18+1S
Summer: 23-3-23+2S
Fall: 6-6-36+15S
