Thank you for choosing Sod Science for your hydroseeding. Our hydroseed application creates the optimum microclimatic conditions for rapid seed germination. This is due to enhanced nutrient availability and moisture retention yielded by the premium 100% wood fiber mulch that we combine with grass seed and fertilizer in our slurry. Our high-quality seed blend is selected for its success in northwest Montana, and our fertilizer optimizes soil nutrient load so that the germinating seeds have all they need to establish healthy roots and shoots. The green-colored mat adheres well to the soil due to the organic guar gum tackifier in our mulch, providing excellent erosion control.
WATERING______________________________________
Wait 24 hours after your hydroseed application before watering.
Soil type, weather, and temperature will influence how often you water. In the peak of the summer you may need to water 2-3 times per day. The cool, damp days of the spring and fall may only require a single watering per day.
Keep the mulch and soil near the seed constantly moist. Do NOT let it dry out, as the seedlings may die.
Avoid saturated soils, pools of water, and washouts. These are signs of overwatering, which may lead to uneven distribution of seed, slow germination rates, and poor root establishment.
Depending on moisture and temperature, you can expect the seeds to germinate in 5-10 days in ideal conditions. Low temperatures may slow germination to 14-21 days. The cool season turfgrasses used in our seed blends germinate best when soil temperatures range between 50—65 °F.
Once you begin to mow your grass (4-6 weeks), decrease the frequency of your watering and increase the durations. To encourage deep rooting, transition from daily light watering to 1-3 days of deep watering per week, depending on weather. A well-established lawn should receive ~1 inch of water per week.
You can expect the green dye in the much to fade within the first week post-application.
MOWING________________________________________
Wait to mow until grass blades are ~3-4 inches tall. Never mow more than 1/3 of the height of the grass, and be sure to mow with sharp blades. Be careful to avoid sharp turns with your mower—this will tear the grass.
Bagging the clippings is not necessary, but do NOT leave clumps of grass clippings to cover your lawn.
Frequent mowing will help your lawn fill in quickly—it stimulates tiller formation of the plants and deters weed growth.
FERTILIZING_____________________________________
Our hydroseed slurry includes a custom blend starter fertilizer that stimulates rooting in germinating seeds and enhances seedling growth. A common practice is to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer after the first or second mowing (weeks 4-6).
Continue with a fertilizer maintenance program once your lawn is established.
To reduce the potential of burning your grass, apply granular fertilizer only when the grass is dry. Then water thoroughly.
WEED CONTROL & FOOT TRAFFIC_______________
Do NOT apply herbicides to kill weeds during the first 3 months. Weed-killer may harm the grass seedlings.
Limit foot traffic to what is absolutely necessary, and avoid pet traffic during the first 2-3 months.