How To Care For

The success of your newly hydroseeded lawn greatly depends on your commitment to following the steps below to insure quality turf establishment.

WATERING PRACTICES

Once the newly hydroseeded lawn has set for 24 hrs, it is time for watering. Depending on temperatures, watering should take place in the morning, late afternoon or early evening hours.

Keep your bed mulch moist, but don’t over water it. If you see puddling, stop watering. During the first 2 – 3 weeks your lawn needs to stay as moist as possible. Lack of watering causes the seed to dry up and expire. Once the grass seed begins to germinate it is important to apply enough water to encourage deep root growth.

You want the new seedlings to chase the water into the soil. Grass roots are healthier when they grow deep and soaking your lawn over a longer period of time promotes deep root embedment. In the spring and fall, when temperatures are more favourable and the nights are cooler, one good watering per day is usually all that is needed.

Be careful not to over water during these periods. This can also cause seed damage. The most common reason for hydroseeding failing to grow is not enough water.

We can easily recognize a lawn that has not received enough water and this will void any guarantees. If you notice your lawn thriving in any shadier areas and not in the direct sun you are losing a lot of moisture due to evaporation. It is very important to compensate for this and increase your watering in the full sun areas. The easiest way to explain it is……Keep your mulch moist; don’t let it dry out for periods longer than 24 hours.

WHEN TO MOW

Once the grass is approximately 3 inches, it is time for its first mowing. Mowing stimulates growth and increase thickness. Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear the new blade of grass. This can cause stress or disease resulting in death to the new plant. When mowing, make sure you never take more than ¼ of an inch off the new blade of grass, and don’t collect the clippings! Let them biodegrade within the new turf. This helps feed the soil and accelerates plant development. Set the mower high at first and then gradually lower it as the lawn fills in and thickens.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE **(THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)**

The plant will use the fertilizer applied at installation in 4 to 5 weeks. At this time you will need to fertilize once again. Fertilize your new lawn with a high nitrogen (the first of the 3 numbers on the bag) fertilizer. During the application of the seed a high phosphorus or “starter fertilizer” was used. The phosphorus stimulates root growth which is important in the early stages. The addition of the nitrogen then encourages vigorous top growth. This will result in a greener lawn. ** Remember to continue to fertilizer every 6-8 weeks**

WEEDS

Weed seeds are naturally present in all topsoils. Weed growth is to be expected in your newly hydroseeded lawn. The weeds like hot and dry weather and will grow faster than the grass seed. Keep the weeds trimmed off with your mower. Set your mower at its highest setting. It is important to cut off the weeds before they go to seed. As the grass grows it will thicken and choke out the weeds. A healthy well fertilized lawn will help to keep out the weeds. WHAT TO REMEMBER Your new lawn is still in its infancy. Just because your lawn looks fully established, doesn’t mean you can stop watering or change your mowing practices. It takes months before your lawn is ready for the stress of hot summers and cold winters. Choosing the right fertilizers, overseeding every fall and spring, keeping your mower blades sharp, proper watering practices and changing the heights of mowing throughout the year, should guarantee you a healthy and beautiful lawn! Visit our website to see more FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S). WWW.JMBEQUIPMENT.CA