Caring for a Hydro-Seeded lawn.
Basic Information.
Hydro-seeding is a popular method for planting new grass, both commercially and residentially. It offers a cost-effective way to get fast results and give you the lush, green yard you want. Caring for a hydro-seeded lawn is really not that much different than caring for any newly planted lawn. Hydro-seeded lawns are just like traditionally planted lawns, in that water is key in the beginning for the grass to grow. Once the grass has rooted and is established, you will care for it just like you would any other lawn. Following are some facts and tips about hydro-seeded lawns that will introduce you to this method of grass planting and tell you exactly how to care for it.
What is Hydro-Seeding?
Hydro-seeding involves spraying a mixture of water, grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch onto the ground. The mixture will have a wet, lumpy, green appearance and will be applied with the use of a hydro-seeding machine.
Why would someone Hydro-Seed their lawn?
Hydro-seeding comes with quick results at a fraction of the price of laying sod. If you decide to hydro-seed, you will typically see new grass beginning to grow in just 3 days, with it fully established in about 3 weeks. Because the seed is sprayed directly onto the soil, you don't have to worry about it "not taking" like you do with sod. Additionally, you won't have to deal with messy straw like you would with old-fashioned planting methods, and you will see the results much more quickly.
Does a Hydro-Seeded lawn require extra care?
Hydro-seeded lawns don't necessarily require extra care, but they do need the same kind of care that you'd give to any newly planted grass seed. Watering is the most important thing; you must make sure that the seed mixture does not dry out. For the first two weeks, you should water it about 2 or 3 times per day, making sure each time that the seed mixture is moist throughout. After the first two weeks are up, reduce your watering to just once per day until the first mowing. Your first mowing should not occur until the grass has established itself and is about 3 inches tall in most areas. It's important to remember not to cut your new grass too short - set your mower deck high and then lower it gradually as the grass becomes stronger over time. A good rule is to not cut more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. After you've mowed it once, you can cut back even more on your watering. However, when you do water, make sure that you are watering deeply to encourage strong root growth.
Hydro-seeding is a great alternative to traditional grass planting or sod; it's cost-effective, it's easy to apply, it boasts quick results, and you will enjoy a beautiful green yard when your grass has grown in. Hydro-seeding also does not require any special care, other than making sure it's kept moist in the beginning. If you're looking to plant new grass, consider hydro-seeding and all it has to offer.
