Hydroseeding Q & A "Hydroseeding explained..." What is Hydroseeding? It is a process whereby seed, fertilizer and a wood fiber mulch are mixed together and applied over the ground. In one application, the ground is seeded, fertilized and mulched. The green mat that covers your lawn will aid in water retention, soil retention and protection from the sun's scorching rays. As your lawn grows the mat will decompose and add nourishment to the soil. The First 45 Days Are Important! The establishment of your new Hydroseed Lawn is easy. The seed, fertilizer and mulch are in place. All you have to do is water it. Keep the lawn moist at all times by providing frequent, light sprinklings. When grass is cut at the proper height the clippings that fall to the ground will break down and return valuable nutrients to the soil. The mower blades need to be sharp in order to prevent bruising and tearing of the grasses. Dull blades promote disease and encourage insects. When grass is cut too short it requires more fertilizer. Taller grass blades shade the plant and reduce evaporation of precious water. How Often Do I Water My New Lawn? Keep the lawn moist at all times. If you cannot provide frequent, light watering then you must soak the lawn for 30 minutes, or until runoff is detected. This watering process should be done twice a day, early morning and evening for one week. You may then reduce the watering to every other day, twice a day, till the first mowing. Do Not Let the Germinating Seeds Dry Out! Watering is most effective if done during the evening or early morning hours when sunlight cannot cause excessive evaporation. After your lawn becomes established, it requires about one inch of water per week. The soil should be soaked through when watered. Water should penetrate the soil for six inches. My New Lawn Looks Patchy... What's Wrong? Nothing. Some perennial grasses take up to thirty days to germinate. The faster germinating grasses will appear in about 7-8 days after the hydroseeding. Germination is a gradual process. With proper watering the perennial grasses grow and thicken eventually providing that lush look. When Should I Mow? A new lawn should be mowed as soon as the grass blades are 2" to 3" high. Delaying the first mowing may allow long grass blades to bend over, preventing proper growth and encouraging disease. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the height. When Will I Need To Fertilize My New Lawn? A commercial fertilizer was put down with your seed. This will give the young grass seedlings a healthy start. You won't need to fertilize for 10 - 12 weeks. Consult us for the type of fertilizer and its frequency of application. How Do I Treat the Weeds in My New Lawn? Weeds will appear in your new lawn. They come from seeds that have lain dormant in the soil or which have been carried in by wind or birds. These weeds can be best controlled by growing strong and healthy grass. Grass that is properly watered, mowed and fertilized will not allow weeds to gain a stronghold. If weeds do appear consult us for the proper treatment. What About Pest Control? Pests need chemical treatment. There are a variety of compounds which can be used on new lawns. Consult us immediately if you suspect a problem. What Happens If It Rains? Manhasset Gardens uses the finest quality hydroseed mulch and tackifiers to ensure that your lawn will germinate properly. My Grass Didn't Germinate... What Went Wrong? Failure to water the new seed according to the directions is the most common reason. As the root and stem emerge from the seed it needs to be kept constantly moist. Failure to water properly will result in a poor germination.

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