Is it time to Hydroseed your yard?

Have you driven by an area that’s been hydroseeded and wondered what it is and how a big patch of green spray on dirt turns to lush grass in a few weeks? If your lawn is suffering with bare spots, thin grass or no grass, it may be time to hydroseed.

Now is the time to start thinking about Aerating and Overseeding!

After a warm and dry summer, your lawn may benefit from aeration and overseeding, and fall is the best time to consider it! Over the summer grass clippings, dead roots, and other materials build up in your lawn and create a layer of thatch. Thatch becomes like a sponge at the top layer of the soil and absorbs all of the nutrients and water before they reach the roots of the grass. Aeration works by removing small round plugs from the top layer of the soil. This breaks apart the thatch and creates space for oxygen, fertilizers and other important nutrients to make their way to the roots of the turf. Overall, the aeration process will make your turf healthier and more prepared for the winter ahead. Along with aeration, we provide an overseeding option. After aeration is the best time to plant new grass seed.

Your lawn may also be suffering from bare spots and soil compaction. In this case we offer a slice seeding option to help rejuvenate your lawn and get it in the best shape possible. With the cooler temperatures of fall coming it is the optimal time to promote new grass growth in your lawn.

What is hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is typically used on commercial projects but it can also be used on residential lawns. It involves preparing the ground and spraying a wet mixture onto the ground. Here’s what’s in the mix:

Water
Seeds such as grass seeds or wildflower seeds
Fertilizer
Fibrous mulch often consisting of wood or paper
A tacky substance that will help the mixture stick to the ground
Dye which results in an area covered looking green

The seeds, fertilizer, mulch, and water play the same roles as when you plant grass the old-fashioned way. Water provides moisture needed for seed germination. The fertilizer helps stimulate root growth. And the mulch helps to hold the moisture in the soil so, the seedlings don’t dry out. Almost any kind of grass seed can be used.

What are the benefits of hydroseeding?

For large commercial projects like highways, there are obvious advantages over other methods of establishing grass.

The hydroseeding process is fast. A large area can be covered much faster than if sod is put down.
The hydroseeding mixture can be sprayed into areas that are difficult to reach such as corners.
The mixture can include the preferred seed for the project.
Hydroseeding equipment can be used from a distance so the ground that’s prepared for new grass isn’t compacted.
New construction projects with nearby slopes are easier to seed with hydroseeding.
If the area that needs seeding is exposed to high winds, hydroseeding is the preferred method because the wet mixture sticks to the ground.

The Hydroseeding Process

Like sodding or planting grass, you will need to prepare the ground. Start by

Tilling the ground and remove rock and debris.
Improving the soil by adding organic matter to help hold moisture, adding nutrients.
Smoothing the soil to grade with a rake and lightly firm the soil.
Applying the seeds .... with hydroseeding, the soupy ingredients are mixed in the hydroseeding machine, with the grass seeds added last, just before the mixture is sprayed on the ground.
Once the seeds are on the ground, you will need to follow the same sort of watering schedule you use for traditional methods of seeding grass.

Watering Tip: If you need to water the area two or three times a day, water lightly being careful to avoid forming puddles of water. Your goal should be to keep the area consistently moist to promote seed germination.

Give us a call or send us an email today for your free estimate!

Call 443-486-5812 or email info@honeycovelandscape.com

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