Five Ways To Ensure That Your Hydroseeded Lawn

18 July 2017
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If you're like many homeowners, you've heard that hydroseeding is an inexpensive alternative to having sod installed in order to create a lawn. You may also have reservations because you're afraid you won't be able to perform the maintenance tasks necessary to ensure that the hydroseeded area grows into a lush expanse of velvety green loveliness instead of a patch of weeds -- after all, so patches only require a couple of weeks of heavy watering to become established. However, strategies exist for ensuring that your hydroseeded patch of soil evolves into a luxurious lawn -- following are five of them. 

Choose You Seed Mixture Wisely

One of the main advantages of hydroseeding is that homeowners can select a customized blend of grass seed that optimally suits the quirks and attributes of not only their local climate, but their individual plots of land as well. For instance, if your intended lawn area is mostly shady, you're going to want grass seed varieties that perform well in shaded conditions. If active children or pets are a part of your overall household picture, you're probably going to want a grass seed blend that contains grasses best able to stand up to a great deal of rough-and-ready traffic so that little ones and furry friends can romp without you having concerns that the grass will be worn down or damaged. 

Most thriving lawns are a mixture of several different types of grasses. Your local landscaping contractor can tell you which ones perform best in your specific area and for the particular needs of your household. 

Prepare the Area Well

Always make certain that the area that is to be seeded is loose, clod-free, and well-aerated. A few weeks before the area is to be hydroseeded, remove weeds, stones, and break up any clogs that exist. You can rent a rototiller, hire a landscaping company to rototill the area, or use a spade and shovel and prepare the site manually. The soil needs to be turned to at least a depth of 12 inches. The soil should be leveled, and you should allow ample time for it to settle before it's hydroseeded. Do one last check for weeds, dirt clods, and other possible impediments before seeding day. 

Don't Let the Soil Dry Out After It's Seeded

Grass seeds and sprouts that don't have constant access to moisture are at risk of drying up and dying, causing your hydroseeding efforts to be in vain. It may take as long as two months of heavy watering before your hydroseeded lawn is well enough established to handle an ordinary watering schedule. Ask your landscaping contractor how often and for how long each watering session should be in order to turn your fledgling lawn into the soft green carpet of your dreams. Always take care when temperatures are high to never allow the soil to dry out while your lawn is getting established. 

Be On Constant Weed Watch

Preparing a site for lawn grass and providing lots of water also creates an optimal breeding ground for weeds. Until your lawn grows in thick and lush, you're going to have to keep a sharp eye out for any developing weeds and pull them out immediately or apply a selective herbicide. 

Please Keep Off the Grass

Although it may be tempting to walk barefoot on fresh green grass, resist the temptation to do so until your new lawn is thoroughly established. This will take at least two months. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to start walking on your grass when it can survive on a normal watering schedule. However, it's best to keep heavy traffic to a minimum at first and gradually increase it as time goes by.

Please don't hesitate to contact a local landscaping contractor, like one from Bark Blowers & Hydroseeding Inc, for more information on creating a beautiful lawn.