Hydroseeding Procedures

Soil Preparation

• As with any type of planting, the soil must be prepared first. Hydroseeding can be performed in any season except winter. The process should begin with the removal of all debris from the area that you intend to hydroseed. Next, till the soil and add any fertilizers that may be necessary to ensure growth on the given property. Soil in different locations is often comprised of different components and it is necessary to know what fertilizers will enhance the likelihood of growth. Next, the property should be graded and leveled to ensure application to a smooth surface. Finally, the soil should be slightly compacted and the yard should be moistened (Landscape-America.com, 2009).

Mixture Preparation and Application

• The next step in hydroseeding involves preparing the mixture. It should be noted that hydroseeding is not for the casual do-it-yourself person because the process takes special equipment. Although the process of hydroseeding is relatively inexpensive, the special application equipment is extremely expensive. Therefore, it is recommended that you rely on a professional to hydroseed your lawn (Landscape-America.com, 2009).

  The professional will provide a mixture of seed, fertilizer, and some type of mulch. The types of each depend highly on the climate, the type of machine the professional is using, and personal preference. Three basic mulches can be used in hydroseeding. The first is 100 percent paper-comprised mulch made up of chopped-up newspaper, green dye, and a foaming agent. Other types of mulch are made up of 100 percent wood by-products and then there are mixes of the two. Once the mixture has been prepared, it is poured into a machine where it is kept under pressure until it is applied to the property via a high-powered hose (Landscape-America.com, 2009).

Time and Precautions

• Although hydroseeding typically takes a shorter amount of time for germination than any other planting method, take certain precautions to make sure the hydroseeding process is successful. Initially the lawn should be watered lightly for three to four weeks after the procedure has been completed. This should be done while trying to keep the surface evenly moistened. The hydroseed mulch will help maintain the moisture content of the property. However, a heavy rainstorm or even a slight rain on a sloped area can cause the hydroseed to fail by allowing the applied chemicals and components to wash away into sewers. Typically the property should be ready to mow in about three to four weeks. However, during the first year, keep high traffic off the lawn, especially for the first two to four months (Landscape-America.com, 2009).