What is Hydroseeding and Does It Work For Every Lawn?

/

Hydroseeding is a high-quality and efficient method of seeding a lawn and is commonly used to beautify yards, prevent erosion, and eliminate weed growth.

This process is perfect for large areas that are difficult to seed but may not be a cost-effective method for smaller areas.

To know if hydroseeding will work for your lawn, it’s best to speak to a professional technician with industry experience who can guide you to the right decision.

Otherwise, here is everything you need to know about hydroseeding, the pros and cons, and aftercare:

The Hydroseeding Process

The hydroseeding process involves using a high-pressure hose to apply seeds onto the soil.

The seeds are mixed into a water-based seed spray, or slurry, that may also contain fertilizer, lime, mulch, or other substances necessary to ensure a healthy lawn.

This slurry is mixed in a truck or trailer-mounted tank that contains an agitation system to create the spray to be applied to the ground in a uniform layer.

Hydroseeding Pros & Cons

There are several advantages to hydroseeding:

  • Price: Hydroseeding is less expensive than laying sod and grows more quickly than basic grass seed.

  • Longevity: Hydrossed lawns tend to be healthier since you can combine different grass types to suit your property. This increases your chances of having a beautiful lawn compared to sod or grass seed in the long term.

  • Custom Mixtures: With hydroseeding, you can create your own mixture of seeds by selecting from various grass species to suit your preferences. This way, you can create a more attractive lawn in the colors and textures you desire.

  • Large Spaces: Larger spaces require more labor for seeding or sod, so hydroseeding is the perfect choice for large lawns.

While these are notable advantages when it comes to hydroseeding, there are some considerations as well:

  • Water: Hydroseeding requires high quantities of water both during and after the hydroseeding process.

  • You Can’t DIY Hydroseeding: It’s impossible to purchase a hydroseed sprayer; anything you find online is a scam. Professionals purchase specialized equipment to get the job done right.

  • Precision: Prepping your lawn for hydroseeding has to be precise. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by the technician and have your property hydroseeded immediately before the most effective growing season.

  • Patience: Hydroseeding does not yield immediate effects and can take 3-4 weeks before you see results.

  • Environmental Concerns: While hydroseeding small properties pose no environmental threats, larger commercial projects can adversely impact local vegetation when sprayed over a large area.

Hydroseeding Aftercare

After your property has been hydroseeded, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by a professional technician.

Here are the general steps you should follow:

After Application

Following the hydroseed application, allow your lawn to dry for 24 hours to allow the “glue” to adhere the slurry to the soil.

Avoid walking or driving on your newly seeded lawn to prevent compaction of the soil and disruption of the seeds.

Watering Schedule

After the 24-hour drying period, you will have to begin a watering schedule immediately.

The new seed must be kept moist but not soggy for the first three weeks by watering it 3-6 times per day. If the seed dries out, the sprouts will die. Look for light green or brown areas to know where the dry areas are.

From weeks 3 to 5, water your lawn less frequently but for longer periods of time. This will help promote healthy root and plant growth. Aim to water the hydroseed 2-3 times per week.

Mowing

As soon as the grass reaches a height of 3.5 inches, you can begin mowing your lawn, only removing the top ⅓ of the grass blade. Frequent mowing with a sharp blade will encourage the grass to branch out at its base and spread more quickly.

Fertilizing

Newly hydroseeded lawns need to be fertilized to encourage the growth of new plants. Once the grass is 2 inches high, spread a balanced fertilizer on your lawn 4-5 times per year.

Weeds

Avoid using weed killers on your lawn until you have mowed it at least five times. Weeds will appear in newly hydroseeded lawns during the spring, and regular mowing should be enough to keep them under control.

Are You Ready to Hydroseed?

Marksmen Vegetation has been beautifying outdoor spaces around Western Canada since 1991. No job is too big, and no location is too distant!

Our team is more than happy to work with designated environmental departments and industry suppliers to guarantee the best products for your project.

Let our professional experience and specialized equipment help you achieve the landscape of your dreams. Contact us today for more information.


/ /

Ben Lovell