Hydroseed care

Your new lawn has everything it needs to give it a good start: the highest quality grass seed, fertilizer and fibre mulch. The mulch is 100% wood or paper fibre with a non-toxic green dye (the dye will not stain). The fibre mulch helps to retain moisture and helps protect the seeds. This will decompose to a natural fertilizer.

By following the care instructions, your lawn will provide you with the desired beauty, value and lush green.

Watering

Proper watering of your new hydroseeded lawn is essential for seed germination and giving your lawn the right start.

Water enough to keep moisture in the soil. Depending on weather, temperature and soil type, your lawn may need to be watered several times daily. Cooler, damp days may only need one watering per day, whereas hot summer days may need watering 3-4 times daily. During hot summer days, an electronic timer may be useful.
Not enough water slows down the establishment of your grass seed. If the seed starts to germinate and then is allowed to dry out, the seedlings can die.
Too much water will cause puddling and washouts. Once germination has started, too much water can cause the grass seedlings to have a weak root system (due to insufficient oxygen being supplied to the roots). This slows the establishment and can cause a sparse lawn.
After the first or second mowing, reduce the watering to 1-3 times per week, depending on weather conditions. Watering less frequently and for a more extended period promotes deeper root systems.

Mowing

Your new lawn should be mowed when the grass blades are 2” to 3” high. This usually is around 4-6 weeks after seeding. Mow to a height of 1.5” to 2”.
A good rule of thumb is to never mow off more than 1/3 of the height of grass in any one mowing. Should the grass get too tall before it is mowed, raise the mower cutting height and work back down to the proper height over the next couple of mowings.
Mow frequently. Mowing encourages the formation of tillers (branching out at the base of the plant). Increased tillering means your lawn fills in more quickly.
Be careful when mowing a newly seeded lawn. Keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut. Set the mower at a slower speed to reduce the chance of pulling or “sucking up” seedlings.

Fertilizing

Your new lawn has been Hydroseeded with a starter fertilizer.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a starter fertilizer after the first or second mowing. Follow the manufacturer's recommended rates.
Apply the fertilizer when the lawn is dry, then water thoroughly to reduce the chance of burning.
Once your lawn is established, follow a fertilizer maintenance program. Fertilize up to 4 times a year (minimum two times).

Foot Traffic

Keep people and pets to a minimum for the first 2-3 months.

Weed Control

Weed seeds present in the soil can grow in your lawn area. Do not use herbicides (weed killers) on your lawn for at least three months; they can harm the tender new grass seedlings. Suppose you need weed control after three months. In that case, we recommend a herbicide spray rather than a Weed n’Feed for two reasons: you can target areas in your lawn rather than apply the herbicide to the whole lawn, and a spray gives better weed coverage than a dry granular product.