Here are some frequently asked questions that many people may have about hydro-seeding.
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What is hydro-seeding?
Why hydro-seed instead of laying sod?
What about site preparation for hydro-seeding?
What are my choices of grass types?
When is the best time to hydro-seed?
How long is the germination process?
How often do I need to water?
What about mowing, fertilizing and weeding my new lawn?
Why should I have my soil tested?
Will hydroseed work in shady areas?
Why is my lawn so thin and have moss growing in it?
How long does it take after hydroseed is applied before grass will appear?
What if I can not water as recommended?
When can I walk on the hydroseed?
Why is the grass thicker in some areas than others?
Are the materials used in hydroseeding dangerous to my children or my pets?
Do all hydroseeding contractors use the same materials?
What kind of seed do you use?
What should I expect to pay for hydroseeding?
Why should I choose Weisinger Hydroseeding?
What should I do if my lawn is not filling in properly?
Hydro-seeding is the process of combining the correct recipe of grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, tackifier and dye with the appropriate amount of water and spraying the application on the ground surface in a uniform manner to create a mat or blanket effect.
Hydro-seeding can be used for many different applications:
Residential Homes
Commercial Properties
Churches
Parks
Golf Courses
Retention Ponds
Sports Fields
Roadsides and Highways
Industrial Properties
Sub Division Entryways
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The answer is simple.
COST! Hydro-Seeding is more efficient and cost effective when compared to sodding, broadcast seeding or other methods of establishing turf and controlling erosion.
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When preparing a new site for hydro-seeding it is essential to loosen the soil somewhat. This allows the seeds to bed into the soil easier. Most applications require some tractor work to level the area and clean up debris. This is done by using box blades and root rakes resulting in a smooth, rock-free final grade. We can provide this service for you in addition to the hydro-seeding application.
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Bermuda - This grass comes in two types, improved and common. The improved, often referred to as tripple blend, is a high maintenance often used for golf courses in the south. The common Bermuda is used primarily on lawns and pastures, but is not recommended for shady areas. Both require little irrigation except during the germination process. We will be glad to explain the pros and cons of various grasses to assist you with your decesion.
Centipede - This is a good low maintenance lawn grass for homeowners who want an easy lawn to care for. It is a warm season grass that grows slowly and does not require a lot of mowing.
Zoysia - This is a warm season grass suitable for the deep south. It is slow to grow and seeds are slow to establish. It has good resistance to draught, insects and wear. The grass has distinct wiry blades.
Bahai - This is a medium fine blended warm climate grass that requires miimum maintenance. It has good draught resistance and is used a lot in pastures and roadsides in the southern areas. It will do well in shade but does require some sun.
Carpet - This is a medium texture warm region grass that does not require a lot of maintenance. It is suitable for very wet areas.
Rye - This is a medium textured grass that grows very uniformly. It is best used in cool regions or for a winter ground cover in the deep south. It will establish very quickly and provide a lush green color. It is also used as a cover crop or erosion controller with slower germinating seeds.
Foxtail Millet - This is a warm weather grass usually seeded after the ground becomes warm in late spring. The germination process is 5 to 8 days and is often planted as an erosion controller with other slower germinating seeds. It has a distinctive flowering leafy stem.
Kentucky Blue - This is a popular cool region grass. It has a denser turf than many grasses and is dark green in color. It is often used with a mixture of Rye and Fescue and requires irrigation to grow.
Fescue - This is a bunch-type grass that is best used in cool climates. Fescue is very tolerant to wear and is suitable for lawns, golf courses and athletic fields.
Bent - This is a high quality grass often used for greens and tees. It is very high maintenance grass that can tolerate close mowing.
Flower Mix - Bluebonnets, Indian Paint Brush, Mexican Hat, Sunflowers and other assorted seed.
Oates - Great for meadows and pastures.
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The best time to hydro-seed is in the spring. This will provide a nice lush lawn for the summer and fall. You may also hydro-seed in the summer but you will need to water at least twice daily for up to 20 minutes at a time depending on your soil type. If you hydro-seed in the fall you can expect a nice lawn in the spring but it will be dormant during the winter months as most lawns in the south.
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The germination process differs dependant upon the type of grass you hydro-seed. Bermuda grass is the primary type of grass hydro-seeded in the southern regions. Bermuda grass will germinate in 18 to 21 days with the appropriate amount of watering. Often times erosion is a problem due to spring and summer rains. Bermuda seed is typically combined with Foxtail Millet in the warmer months and Rye seed in colder months to afford a faster ground covering and to aid in prevention of erosion. Both Foxtail Millet and Rye will germinate in 5 to 8 days.
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The establishment of your new lawn requires water. When hydro-seeding an area, it is essential to keep the ground moist during the first 14-21 days. The frequency and amount of water will be determined by the soil composition, temperature, type of grass and equipment used to water. It is recommended to water during the early morning hours. If you do not water, the grass will not grow. We will provide you with a watering guide
to assist you with this process.
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Once your new lawn is about 2 inches high you may mow. Do not set your mower blade too low. You do not want to scalp your new lawn.
Do not use weed control products on your new young grass and never use Weed& Feed on hydro-seeded grass. The best weed control is by hand pulling the weeds. You may treat a established lawn with weed killer but it is always best to consult with your nursery for proper product use.
Fertilizer is always a part of the initial hydro-seeding application. Once the germination process has been completed you will want to fertilize with a quick release type of fertilizer. This is usually four to six weeks after the initial seed application. Once your lawn has established you may use a slow release balance formula.
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Soil Testing
Soil Testing is an inexpensive way to find out if your soil is suitable to withstand a healthy lawn.
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Shady Areas
Most lawn grasses are full-sun plants and do best in bright light. Even shade-tolerant grasses need at least three hours of filtered sunlight a day.
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Lawn ConditionThis is usually due to a lack of sun-light.
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Wait TimeDepending on the soil temperature, weather conditions and how much it has been watered, the seed should germinate anywhere from 10 to 15 days.
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Watering is EssentialThis is the most important thing you need to do for the first few weeks. If the seed is not watered adequately it will not grow and may die.
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Walking on your new lawn!
It will need to dry completely and then you walk on it as necessary.
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Uneven Growing
The grass is thicker because it is mainting more moisture; you will need to increase your watering for the thinner areas. Usually the areas out of direct sunlight are thicker.
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Are the materials hazardous?
No. Hydorseed is simply a mixture of grass seed, starter fertilizer, water and hydro mulch made from recycled newspaper and wood fibers that is dyed green with a dye simlar to food coloring.
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Are Hydroseeding companies equal?
No. Some companies that offer hydro-seeding use materials that will fit into a developer's budget. This means that you are not always getting the best quality lawn.
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Types of seed used
We use premium quality certified seed mixtures. We will custom mix seeds to suite your needs.
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How much is it?
Hydroseeding in our area is typically priced between $425-$450 per 10,000 sq. ft. depending on how big or small the job is, proximity to a water fill location, type of seed, and other materials being used.
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Why should I choose you over the other guy?
We use the highest quality materials available. Our goal is to give you a high quality lawn for a fraction of the cost of sod. We use special additives to achieve a superior result.
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Balding Issues
You may contact us for any problems you have have with your lawn.
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