Customer Service: Maintenance Tips Landscaping Maintenance Landscaping General Information Hydroseeding is merely a means of seeding, as is broadcast, drill or powerseeding. Its germination rate is somewhat faster because the seed is put in a water solution that removes the protective seed coating, thus initializing the germination process. The green component of the mix is dyed paper mulch used for stabilization, moisture retention, and protection of the seed. Any seed type can be hydroseeded. The seed contained in your hydroseed mix is a combination of fine blade perennial rye/fescue/bluegrass. This mix allows for faster germination/stability (rye), durability (fescue), and finished look (bluegrass). It gives a good all-around starter lawn with protection against one disease/insect infesting your entire lawn. Germination rates depend mainly on soil temp, moisture content of growing medium, and type of seed. Minimum soil temps (not ambient) for germination rye grass approximately 55° F fescue 60° - 65° F bluegrass 65° F Optimal conditions for germination rates rye 7 - 14 days fescue 10 - 20 days bluegrass 17 - 28 days After the initial installation, it is recommended that the homeowner reseed to thicken/renovate his/her property in the fall. Seed must be planted in a growing medium soil, obtained by topdressing, dethatching or powerseeding/aerating. Spring reseeding can be done but limits your ability to utilize crab grass pre-emergent. Care Information When establishing a lawn, one must realize that a lawn is a living organism that will need some care on the homeowner's part. All organisms need nutrients. Contained in the hydroseed mix is an initial source of nutrients for the seed; lime, fertilizer a mulching material and water. The process of watering and future fertilization is to be continued by the homeowner. Watering - it is best to water early morning and early evening. The soil must be kept moist, through daily light watering (usually 15-20 minutes per area, depending on flow of sprinkler) for generally 3 to 4 weeks. Heavy watering should be avoided to prevent erosion and washing away of seed. Hydroseed is to be kept damp, not soaked. When the grass becomes mowing height, about an inch of water should be applied weekly. Mowing - grass can be mowed when it reaches 3 inches. Avoid mowing the grass height less than 2.5 inches. This could cause the grass to burn out. Avoid mowing when the grass/ground are wet. Make sure the mower blades are sharp to avoid ripping the grass. Fertilization - after the initial fertilization at seeding, a second application can be done two weeks after the second mowing. Please read the fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations on amount per square foot for new lawns and method of applying the material. Failure could result in damage to your lawn. Be sure to avoid fertilizers with herbicides, which will inhibit additional seed germination. For continuing success with your lawn, consult your local garden center for do-it-yourself programs or a professional who specializes in fertilization applications. Shrubbery Watering - watering should occur three times a week, soaking the plant thoroughly for the first month. After a month's time, continue watering once a week. Fertilization - a general fertilizer can be used. Please read fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations.