Lawn Care Guide

Hydroseed is a slurry of seed, water, and mulch that is sprayed on your lawn.

Proper watering during the first 14 days is critical to your new lawn.  Keep the soil moist at all times, preferably through frequent, light sprinklings.  If this is not possible, soak your new lawn for 30 minutes, twice a day, early in the morning and again in the late afternoon.  Continue this regimen of watering twice each day, every day, for the first week, and every other day after that, until the first mowing.

It cannot be overstated that MOISTURE IS CRITICAL.
Once the seeds have sprouted – they must not dry out.

Once your lawn is growing, water in the morning before 11am or late afternoon/early evening when sunlight will not cause excessive evaporation.  An actively growing lawn requires one inch of water each week, thoroughly soaking the soil each time.  Water should penetrate 6” to ensure a strong, deep root system.

• Once established try to avoid frequent, light watering which tends to create a shallow root system.
• Do not water when the sun is high in the sky.
• Do not water so late in the day that the grass will go into the evening wet as this encourages disease.

Mowing should begin when the new grass is 3” high.  If it grows longer, it may shade new plants and inhibit growth.  Mow often with sharp blades, maintaining your grass at a height of 3” – 3.5”.

Fertilizer is not needed until after 2-3 months of new growth.  At that time, consult your local nursery or garden center for the best choice based on time of year and other lawn needs.  Once your lawn is established, spring and fall feedings should be sufficient.

Weeds will appear in your new lawn.  These weeds arise from dormant seeds already in the soil, or they are carried into your yard by wind or birds.  The best defense against weeds is a healthy lawn which resists such invasions.

Chemical control of weeds, pests or diseases is best provided by a local nursery, garden center or lawn care service that is familiar with your soil and climate conditions.

Repair bare spots immediately by spot seeding.

Shady areas require a different type of grass seed and additional effort to achieve healthy turf.  Provide adequate water and fertilizer for both the turf and surrounding plants.  Clean up fallen leaves and branches promptly in early spring so sunlight can get through the bare branches of your trees.  Don’t let foliage lie on and create impenetrable mats on the lawn.  If these measures are not sufficient to create an acceptable lawn, consider using a groundcover plant (for example, Sweet Woodruff or Pachysandra) that grows well in shade.