Preparing Your Lawn for Hydroseeding
The first year is critical in establishing a thick, healthy lawn. But before we start talking about post-hydroseeding lawn care practices, here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare the site for hydroseeding:
- Soil preparation. Seed will grow best if sown into new soil. If you are installing a new lawn, a minimum of 4 inches of well aerated, nutrient-rich topsoil will ensure an established lawn faster. If you are renovating an existing lawn, don’t rototill the turf grass under. Rather, use a power thatcher to churn up any loose or dead grass; rake it up, then top dress over the bare spots with 2 inches of fresh loam.
- Soil amendments. It’s a good idea to test your new soil for pH and available nutrients. Topsoil in New Hampshire tends to be acidic, and acidic soil locks up available nitrogen. You will likely need to spread some pelletized lime and rake it into the soil as you grade it for seeding. Hydroseeding has starter fertilizer mixed in, however- if you are seeding a lawn in the spring, it’s a good idea to apply a starter fertilizer with crabgrass control. This is a specialized product specifically designed for new seeding, and is available at most garden supply stores.
- Sprinkler systems. Although it can be installed at any time, it’s best to install a lawn irrigation system when you are installing a new lawn. There is less disruption in the grading, and you will be able to take advantage of the irrigation system’s watering programs which are designed specifically for newly seeded areas.
- Plan ahead. Hydroseeding works best when applied to loose soil. Please schedule your hydroseeding with Green Acres Hydroseeding three weeks in advance of when your soil will be prepared. We can move the date within a day or two if we already have it in our calendar.
Our hydroseeding technician will be happy to answer any questions you may have about lawn preparation, lawn care, irrigation requirements or pricing when they meet with you for a free, no-obligation consultation and site analysis.