F.A.Q’s
What type of grass seed is used in Hydroseeding?
Almost any type of grass seed can be used in Hydroseeding, factors such as climate and soil conditions will be the determining factor as to which grass type is recommended. Rich Valley Contracting can work with you to determine the best type or blend of grass for your specific need. Irrigated, non-irrigated and native seed mixes are available.
Why is the green color gone from my HydroSeeded Area?
The green dye that was present during the initial application will fade and disappear in as few as 2 days in some cases and in other instances it may last weeks. The colorant has no bearing on the quality of the hydroseed or the impression that the hydroseeded lawn has washed away.
How much should I water my HydroSeeded Area?
Initially water is essential to the development of a strong root system in your hydroseeded lawn. Newly hydroseeded lawns should be watered as much as 2-3 times a day. Special care should be taken to ensure that the lawn is NOT saturated during watering and puddles DO NOT form on the lawn. An irrigation system or handheld garden hose is often the best method of watering your lawn. The goal is to have a consistently moist area for the best germination results.
When should I fertilize my HydroSeeded Area?
This will often vary depending on the type of grass seed used, condition of the soil and recommended fertilizer types for your climate. A common practice is to apply a high phosphorus fertilizer soon after the first mowing has been done. Weeks 4-6 are common fertilizing times. When in doubt, an Expert should be consulted as improper fertilization could cause severe damage to your lawn.
Can I walk on the HydroSeed once it is applied?
Only as much as is absolutely necessary. Heavy traffic on a newly seeded lawn can permanently damage the new grass. Walking on a freshly hydroseeded lawn can leave depressions in the lawn and in some cases cause bare spots to form. If the mulch is moist when you walk on it, it can stick to your shoes and leave bare spots as well.
How soon will I have grass?
Often times hydroseeded lawns will begin to germinate is as little as 7-10 days. Most grass types will take between 4-6 weeks to fill in and depending on how often the lawn is watered, and the type of grass seed used, it can take up to as much as 8 weeks to see strong growth.
When should I first mow my HydroSeeded lawn?
As a general rule of thumb the first mowing is recommended once the lawn reaches 3-4 inches in height. The 1/3rd rule is a good guideline; you should never remove more than 1/3rd of the grass blade at one time.
Do I need any special equipment to mow my HydroSeeded lawn?
No. The most important item you can have when mowing your new lawn is a very sharp mower blade. Try to avoid sharp turns when mowing a fresh lawn so as to avoid tearing the grass out with your tires.
Is Hydroseeding better than sod?
Having your lawn sodded will give you a picture perfect lawn in as little as one day. Hydroseeding may take a few months to see your lawn fully develop. Hydroseeding is also 50-60% less expensive than sod. As to which lawn looks better, aftercare and attention to your investment will ultimately determine what your results are with either choice.
Can I apply weed-killer to my HydroSeeded lawn?
Strong chemicals such as Pesticides or herbicides should be avoided until your lawn is well established. A common practice is to wait at least 3 months before any herbicides are used on your new lawn as some chemicals may hinder your lawn from growing to its full potential.
Can a HydroSeeder spray something other than grass seed?
Absolutely, Hydroseeders can often spray wildflower mixtures, Horse pasture mixes, native reclamation mixes and many more.
Whats the best time of year to have my Area HydroSeeded?
With our Saskatchewan climate May and June are our traditional best seeding months, followed by late August, September and October. July and early August are not terrible months to seed however more water may be required if plants are just germinating and its very hot out. Caution must be taken as well when seeding in the late fall as we don’t want to have germination near a time of hard frost. Late fall seeding will germinate in the spring.
