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Phone: 937-604-0272 E-mail: info@seedmylawn.com |
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To contact us: |
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HYDRO-SEEDING |
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What is hydro-seeding? |
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Hydro-seeding is the process of mixing seed, fertilizer, bonding agents, mulch and water in proper proportions inside the hydro-seeder’s tank. Once blended the mixture is sprayed evenly over the prepared areas. Spraying allows the pressure produced from the hydro-seeder to force the seed to make contact with the soil. This soil contact is key for producing sod quality turf. The mulch and bonding agent stabilize the soil and hold moisture.
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Why hydro-seeding? |
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Hydro-seeding is a cost effective alternative to sod and allows greater soil stabilization compared to seeding with straw. The seed grows in its native soil without transplanting. There is no straw mess to clean up. Birds don’t seem to eat the seed in a hydro-seeded lawn, although they will with seed and straw. Hydro-seeding is generally less than 1/3 the cost of sod. Hydro-seeding meets EPA standards for erosion control when applied correctly to the engineered specifications.
The popularity of hydro-seeding has never been greater than it is now. Beginning in the 1950’s hydro-seeding was seen as a way to establish turf for highway construction or landfills. Today more than ever the hydro-seeding industry is seeing huge growth in the residential and commercial markets.
There are reasons hydro-seeding works so well. The seed while being mixed is suspended in a nutrient rich environment and in contact with water to trigger germination. The mixture is pumped under pressure allowing great seed to soil contact. The mulch layer then protects the seed and retains moisture. The combination of soil contact, moisture retention and fertilizer typically allow for very short germination times. Many of our customers have growth within 5-7 days. Under the right weather conditions and with correct watering mowing can be done within 2-3 weeks. |
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Watering! |
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After hydro-seeding special care must be taken to produce sod quality turf. Watering 2-3 times daily for 20-30 minutes each time should be adequate. Pooling or puddles of water should be avoided. Only water enough to keep the soil moist. Watering frequency is dependant on weather conditions and must be adjusted accordingly. After a sufficient rain allow time for the water to be absorbed before continuing water cycles. |
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Fertilizer |
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Fertilizer is applied at the time of spraying but follow up treatments are necessary to feed the new turf. Three to four weeks after seed germination a starter fertilizer application should be applied. No herbicides! Your lawn is very fragile and will die if weed killers are used. No pre-emergent or crab grass control prior to seeding. Pre-emergent will prevent the grass seed from germinating. |
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Mowing |
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Allow the new turf to grow at least 3 inches prior the mowing. Make certain the blades on your lawn mower are sharp. Use the 1/3 rule pictured below! No more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass should be cut off. We strongly recommend cutting the grass to a minimum height of 3 inches. Avoid bagging the clippings if possible. Mulching or discharging the clippings will allow them to act like a mulch layer to hold soil moisture. |
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Where can hydro-seeding be used? |
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Residential lawns Commercial lawns Hillsides Roadsides Sports fields Golf courses Utility repairs Construction sites Parks and schools Cemeteries Erosion control projects Site restoration Re-vegetation Anywhere grass will grow! We aren’t limited to just grass, ask us about wildflowers and native plants. |