Lawn and Garden Hydroseeding Preparation Instructions
Proper site and soil preparation, before any planting takes place, will make it easier for the grass roots to penetrate deeply and evenly. Deep roots will make the lawn more drought resistant, a more efficient water and nutrient user and more dense as new grass plant shoots emerge. A dense lawn crowds out weeds and resists insects and disease.
We take the following steps below for a beautiful, healthy and trouble-free lawn:
Remove Debris
We clear the site of all building materials (wood, cement, bricks, etc.), as well as any buried stumps, rocks, stones or other debris that is larger than 2-3 inches in diameter. We rough grade the entire area and eliminate any drainage problems. This would include sloping the grade away from building foundations, eliminating or reducing severe slopes and filling low-lying areas. Use a tractor-mounted box blade for rough grading large areas. Rough grading may uncover more debris to be removed.
Initial tilling, to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm), should be completed prior to adding any topsoil or soil amendments. This will alleviate subsoil compaction; permit a bonding of the topsoil to the subsoil; and improve root penetration and water movement.
Irrigation
Proper landscape irrigation is helpful for hydroseeding success. Although it can be installed at any time, it’s best to install a lawn irrigation system when you are installing a new lawn. There is less disruption in the grading, and you will be able to take advantage of the irrigation system’s watering programs which are designed specifically for newly seeded areas. We work with and can recommend a variety of reputable companies that specialize in irrigation.
Top Soil
If the soil is compacted, we lightly till the soil to a depth of 4 inches or less. Top soil amendment is not always required. If you do plan to amend the soil we recommend a 50/50 blend mix. If the area does not currently have at least 4 inches of top soil, we can arrange to have the suggested amount of soil delivered and we will regrade the area with a skid steer using a harley rake extension.
Access
Provide access, for the hydroseeding equipment and hose, to target areas. Remove any obstacles that might hinder access, prior to our arrival.
After Care
Hydroseeding is not typically a set-it-and-forget-it application. It is merely the process of applying seeds. This step is vitally important in growing a strong, healthy job site to control erosion. Aftercare includes many of the same general yard maintenance tips used for a residential lawn, including watering consistently, fertilizing regularly and routine upkeep of the lawn. After the hydro seed is applied, watering the area for approximately 15 minutes (without puddling) is required. The area will need to be watered twice a day, early morning and late afternoon for 3-4 weeks.
We also recommend hiring a local landscape company to provide the best lawn care maintenance possible for your newly installed lawn. We work with a variety of reputable landscape companies and would be glad to provide a recommendation.