How to Prepare for Hydro Seeding

HydroMulching

PREPARATIONS FOR HYDRO SEEDING

New Lawn Preparation:

Preparing a new site for hydro seeding is the same as for seeding any other way. Properly prepared soil is essential to healthy lush lawn for years to come. At the very least we need a smooth, rock free, slightly loose soil that is at the desired final grade and contour.

It is important that your soil is not compacted and the top 1-2” is soft so the hydroseed can bind with the soil particles. If the soil is compacted the hydro seed will not be able to penetrate the soil to root properly and may even wash away. If the soil is too soft it may be necessary to roll the area to be seeded lightly using a half full (of water) roller. Rake the soil just before seeding to break up any crust that has formed so the seeds have an excellent chance to bond with the soil and water lightly if ground is very dry.

Re-doing an established lawn

If you are planning to re-do your lawn completely it is necessary to completely remove the existing turf before hydro seeding the new lawn. The best way to do this is to skin off the existing turf. If you are doing a small area a shovel or spade can be used. The best way to do a larger area is to rent a sod cutter. It is best to do this when the soil is dry. Moist soil is heavier and harder to handle. If you have a garden you can compost the old sod that you have removed and turn it into rich humus to build your garden.

Don't use a rotary tiller to clear a sodded area. Rotary tillers cause weed problems by chopping up plants and weed roots and spreading them through the lawn. You could end up with more weeds in your new lawn than you had in your old one.

You can also have the old lawn sprayed with a herbicide to kill all existing vegetation, then level and loosen the soil and have the lawn hydro seeded. You should wait about 10 days from the time the herbicide is applied before seeding.

We recommend testing your soil

Soil Testing is an inexpensive way to find out if your soil is suitable to withstand a healthy lawn. Hydroseed will grow almost anywhere but once the roots imbed themselves in the soil the quality of plant life may decline. A soil test will provide us with a baseline of pH and nutrient levels in the soil.

Benefits of a test include:

• Optimizing plant life.

• Helping protect the environment from contamination

by runoff and leaching of excess fertilizers.

• Aid in the diagnosis of plant cultural problems.

• Improving the soil’s nutritional balance.

• Saving money and conserve energy by applying

only the amount of fertilizer needed.

• Identifying soils contaminated with lead or other

heavy metals.

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