The single fastest and inexpensive way to cover bare ground with living plant material is to Hydroseed it. Hydroseeding is an installation specialty that fulfills a variety of landscape needs: erosion control plantings, residential and commercial lawns, spot seeding and more. Hydroseeding, like spray painting – covers irregular surfaces as no other method can.
Hydroseeding is the machine application of seed, water, mulch, fertilizer and a tackifier mixture. It is used to establish new lawns or to rejuvenate existing lawns. Hydroseeding generally promotes faster, healthier grown lawns at a fraction of the cost of sod.
Proper care of a newly hydroseeded area can be summed up in two words – water it. The surface must be kept moist until the seeds germinate and the new plants have grown for a minimum of two weeks – not soggy, and never dry.
All of our projects are bid individually, and our prices are based on the size and location of the project as well as the seed and mix required. TLC Inc. also has the capability to prepare soil surfaces for Hydroseeding.
Care of Hydroseeded Area
Lawn care is an ongoing consideration for the homeowner and commercial property owner. During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated traffic on the hydroseeded area. This gives roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil and ensure the surface remains smooth.
Proper irrigation is essential. The irrigation system should have total coverage and should water evenly. It should not puddle water and should keep area continually damp. Keep surface moist until full germination is complete (about 2 weeks). Be certain your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry and windy conditions. Water lawn near buildings and paved surfaces more often as reflected heat dries the soil more quickly. Once the seed has germinated and growth is established, water should be applied with less frequency, but for longer periods of time. Deep watering will establish deep root growth.
A fertilization program should be established. New lawns respond to more frequent, lighter fertilizing. We have included a starter fertilizer in the mixture applied, but it is only sufficient enough to supply nutrients for about 30 to 45 days. It is important for the development of a healthy lawn that a fertilizer program be started at this time. Do not over apply fertilizer in hot, windy weather, damage could occur. Each fertilizer type requires a different application rate. Please consult TLC Inc. or another State licensed applicator to establish a fertilizer program for your lawn.
Weed control is best achieved through a healthy lawn. Some weeds will be present in your new lawn as seeds that were already in soil will germinate with watering and fertilizing. Never use a weed killer on brand new lawns, damage could occur to seedlings. Consult a State licensed applicator for the proper weed control method needed on your lawn.
Mowing your lawn should never remove more than 1/3 leaf height at one time. For instance, a lawn that is to be maintained at a height of 2 inches should never be allowed to grow beyond a 3 inch height before being cut. During warmer months, a taller blade will promote deeper roots and make the grass more drought tolerant. Mowing it at 2 1/2 inches during these months is recommended. Always keep your mower blades sharp to prevent bruising of grass blades.
Mowing Tips
1. Don’t cut wet grass. The grass blades may not be standing up straight and this can cause an uneven cut. The clippings are more of a problem and can clump together and mat down, preventing light from getting to grass underneath and damage will occur.
2. If possible, remove clippings from your lawn for the first year of growth. This will give the young plants a better chance to spread and fill-in faster. (It is also important to remove any leaves or debris from lawn for the same reason.)
3. Keep mower blades sharp, this will prevent ripping and bruising of grass blades.
4. Alternate mowing patterns. Mowing in the same direction all the time will cause wear patterns and the grass will eventually “lay” down.
5. Check for areas that are uneven. Settling of soil may occur and leave depressions. Be aware of this and watch that you don’t scalp the high spots.
Call TLC Inc. with any questions you may have or if a problem arises with your new hydroseeded area.
