Hydroseeding for quickly reseeding a new lawn
Sodding is an expensive and labor-intensive way of establishing a new
lawn, but it is quick. Seeding is less expensive, but susceptible to
rainfall washout and sometimes spotty growth. Another new lawn installation
option is hydroseeding.
Not intended as a do-it-yourself option, hydroseeding makes quick work of sowing large areas with grass seed.
Hydroseeding is less expensive because it requires a smaller crew
size, but does require specialized equipment. In recent years,
the hydroseeding industry has been growing at about 10% a year as more
and more people realize the value of the hydroseeding process. The
seed, fertilizer, hydro mulch, tackifier and water are all applied in
one fast easy step from a large tank through a hose and nozzle.
Hydroseeding process
Hydroseeding is a process of mixing grass seed, fertilizer, and
mulch then applying that mixture under pressure with a hose. You'll
notice a hydro seeded lawn by it's distinctive dark green appearance.
The mulch used in hydroseeding depends on the machine a contractor is using, climate conditions and personal preference. The basic mulches available are 100% paper comprised of chopped-up newspaper, green dye and a foaming agent. Other mulches include 100% wood by-products, and mixes of the two.
Hydroseed typically germinates faster than normally broadcast seeding
because broadcast seeding requires several days of watering to reach
the same level of moisture saturation the grass needs to grow as that
used in the hydroseeding process. Not all types of grass can be grown
with hydroseeding. Most common varieties, including Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass,
Zoysia grass, Fescues, can be hydroseeded.
Hydroseeding can be done in the spring, fall and early summer. Soil
preparation is the same for all types of grass: remove debris, till
the soil, add necessary fertilizers for the site's condition, grade
and level for smooth surface and then lightly pack and moisten the
yard prior to using the hydroseeding process.
After a lawn has been hydroseeded, water it lightly for three to four
weeks, keeping the surface evenly moist. In addition to preserving
moisture, the hydroseeded mulch will help in preventing erosion and
runoff. Heavy rain or sloped areas can cause
the seed, fertilizers and silt to wash onto sidewalks and into sewer
systems.
Usually the grass will be ready to mow in three to four weeks. Keep traffic low for two to four months after the lawn is established, and avoid normal to high use until the lawn has had a year to take root.
