Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take before I see results?

Depending upon watering and/or rainfall amounts, a properly hydroseeded lawn should show results in as little as 5 to 7 days and should be ready for the first cut in 3 to 4 weeks.

Can I walk on my newly hydroseeded lawn?

Yes, you may walk on the surface when watering, being careful not to disturb the mulch mat.

What about using sod?

You�ll have a thick, green lawn immediately, but the process of applying sod is extremely labor intensive, and costly. Although it looks like you have an immediate lawn, it is not very durable and well rooted for approximately 1 year, and therefore can be more susceptible to disease and drought. A sod lawn requires more extensive watering than hydroseeded lawn to become established. The property owner doesn�t have to pay the sod company for growing, weeding, palletizing, shipping and the installation of the product when deciding to hydroseed. This is why hydroseeding is a fraction of the cost of sod. Sod is also known for not catching and dying off when being grown in one location and then stripped off and relocated to a different soil.

What are the advantages to hydroseeding vs. conventional seeding?

Hydroseeding is excellent for preventing soil erosion do to wind and water, because the wood or paper mulch bonds directly to the ground, with the use of a tackifier, which holds the seed in place.

By having your lawn hydroseeded, you are insuring nearly 100% seed growth. Each seed is suspended and protected in the mulch mat, which creates a mini-greenhouse effect, retaining 10 times its weight in water and promoting germination. It produces a high quality lawn without the areas lacking seed, years of spot seeding and an overwhelming amount of weeds.

When is the best time to hydroseed?

Spring - gives you a jump on a nice lush lawn for summer and fall.

Summer � depending on your vacation schedule, the summer can be an excellent time to hydroseed. Make sure you water a little more frequently due to the hot weather.

Fall � gives you a nice lush lawn for the following spring. The lawn will be a little thin in the fall, but by next spring it will thicken up and fill in nicely. You will have a nicely established lawn the following spring.

Will the green mulch stain my sidewalks, driveways, flowerbeds or siding of my house?

NO. The green mulch slurry will not stain any of the above areas. If the mulch gets on any of the above it is simply removed with water.

Will the green mulch cause any harm to our family pets?

NO. All components of the hydroseeding process are environmentally friendly and will not cause harm to pets.

How do I prepare the area that needs to be hydroseeded?
There is no difference than the way you would prep the area for sod or seeding conventionally. However, preparing the ground for hydroseeding is a very important part of the entire process.

Remove existing grass and weeds. If there is an excessive amount of vegetation in the area, a non-selective herbicide, such as Round-Up, can be sprayed over the entire area to kill unwanted weeds. If topsoil is brought in, use a minimum of 3 inches, then level, rake and roll the area for a smooth slightly compacted surface free of any debris, large rocks, leaves and sticks. Ensure that the topsoil is not crusted. Then we will hydroseed your new lawn for you.

How do I take care of my new lawn?

• Watering:
  
  The establishment of your new lawn requires water. A new lawn should be watered 2-3 times each day for the first 2 � 2 � weeks, with a watering cycle of normally 10 to 15 minutes each watering is sufficient. The lawn should be kept lightly damp and water should NOT RUN or PUDDLE on the lawn. Watch the weather, and adjust your watering to keep the mulch lightly damp, NOT soaking wet and muddy. After the first mowing then water more heavily just once a day.
  
  
• Mowing:
  
  Don�t be in a hurry to cut your lawn the first time. Give the roots time to take hold. As soon as the new lawn is 3 inches high it is time for the first cut. Be sure your mower blade is sharp. This will prevent the grass from tearing and being pulled out by the roots. Torn or ripped grass is susceptible to attack by disease. Subsequent cuttings should be done often and no more than 1/3 of the grass should be cut off at one time. For the first couple of cuts do not collect the grass clippings. Use your mulching option on your mower so to allow the clipping to fall into your new lawn and be used as mulching compost.
  
  
• Fertilizer:
  
  We apply a high quality fertilizer, with a high potassium level, during the initial hydroseeding process to help your new lawn start growing and establish a strong root base. Your new lawn should be fertilized, with a high nitrogen fertilizer, again in about 4 weeks. Fertilizing too early will burn the grass, and possibly kill the new lawn. You will know it is time to fertilize, if the new lawn has a light green color. The new lawn should then be re-fertilized about every 6 to 8 weeks through the summer.
  
  
• Weed Control:
  
  This is very serious ------ do not use weed control products on new young grass. The grass at this stage may react severely to the chemicals and die. All soil contains weed seeds, which will come up after the lawn has been planted. Weeds germinate quicker than grass seed therefore, do not be concerned when weeds appear. As the grass becomes established, many weeds cannot survive the grass root system and will be choked out. The few that might remain can be controlled and eliminated as part of your normal fertilizing process. Ask your nearest garden center to recommend the appropriate weed & feed product. Do not put fertilizer with a Weed Killer on your new lawn until it is at least 3 months old.
  
  

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
GrassOnDemand.com, LLC 2004
Atlanta's Hydroseeding Experts
[email protected]
678-935-7107