Caring for your Hydroseeded Lawn

The first 14 days after Hydroseeding are important

Mr. Green-Up will apply the spray-on application of grass seed, fertilizer, wood fibre mulch (the green stuff) and Tackifier (an organically-based glue) used to produce lush NEW grass quickly and economically. Once sprayed, the green mat aids in water and soil retention and acts like a greenhouse, speeding up the germination process. As your lawn grows, the mat will decompose and add nourishment to the soil. The first 14 days after hydroseeding are important. Grass seed needs heat and moisture to germinate and grow. See below tips on how to care for your newly hydroseeded lawn on the Sunshine Coast of BC.

WATERING YOUR LAWN

For most of the year, there generally should be enough rainfall on the Sunshine Coast for nature to do the watering for you. When it is warm and dry, you can accelerate this process by watering the hydroseeded area with frequent, light sprinklings. This can be done by hand with a spray nozzle on your hose. If using a sprinkler, monitor watering carefully – 10 minutes per area is likely more than enough to moisten the hydroseed.

Sometimes watering in the spring is ineffective because tap water will cool the soil below germination temperature and actually stunt growth and leach out fertilizer. After the first mowing, you can water the lawn to promote root growth by watering deeper and less often. > View our tips for hydroseeding during watering restrictions.

MOWING YOUR LAWN

Depending upon watering/rainfall amounts and temperature, a hydroseeded lawn should start to grow in approximately 7 to 10 days and should be ready for the first mowing in about 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season. A new lawn should be mowed as soon as the first grass blades are 3” to 4” high, even if the whole lawn has not yet reached that height. Mowing will make the grass send out side shoots and fill in.

Your mower height should be no less than three inches and you should only cut off 1/3 of the grass blade in one mowing. Keep your mower blade sharp to get the best results. Healthy lawns are less vulnerable to pests, weeds, drought, and other problems. Mow frequently for a healthy lawn. You can leave clippings on the lawn to provide a natural source of nitrogen.

FERTILIZING YOUR LAWN

The fertilizer put down in the hydroseeding process is only to start your grass growing. Your lawn will need to be fertilized within one month and every second month thereafter in the growing season to ensure continued growth even after it is well established. A granular fertilizer should be applied with a broadcast spreader at this time. Contact a local nursery for the type of fertilizer that should be applied to your lawn.

WEED CONTROL

Your new hydroseeded grass will likely grow some weeds. Weeds come from seeds which have lain dormant in the ground or which have been carried in by wind or birds. Growing good, healthy grass can control many weed species. If you are concerned about weeds, please contact a local nursery for options.