Hydroseeding

[RyanH]

I know several folks here have mentioned having a history of working in or owning a landscaping outfit. Has anyone had experience with hydroseeding, either applying it or having used it? I'm interested in having it done in my yard (about 50,000 square feet) instead of putting out 3000 pounds of grass seed and hoping it grows. I'll be calling around to various local companies but I'd like some opinions from others as to its effectiveness.

[copgib]

Ryan, if anyone emails you on this subject please send the information also to me. I am very interested. Thanks Hugh Gibson Copgib@earthlink.net

[RogerG]

I have talked to the landscaper that I work with at this new development, and he is talking about going to that kind of seeding. He said that you will get a higher germination with the hydroseeding. Plus you dont have all the straw blowing all over the place.

Roger

[Jarrod]

We had it done last summer and we had a chia yard for about 1 month. After that, it started looking much better. We were real happy with the results. Just remember to be patient. You'll probably have to fill in the shady spots with some shade mix from Home Depot.

[RyanH]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

We had it done last summer and we had a chia yard for about 1 month. After that, it started looking much better. We were real happy with the results. Just remember to be patient. You'll probably have to fill in the shady spots with some shade mix from Home Depot.

That's good to hear. No shady spots (100% sun all day long) and I put in my sprinkler system last year so I can keep it watered.

About how much, if you don't mind me asking, did it run? Any idea per area
($ / square foot or equiv.)?

[CarolinaProWash]

Chia yard.....that's too funny

[Jarrod]

It was around $1300. Our yard is 60 X 150

[jthompson]

My Uncle started a hydroseeding company 40 years ago and still going strong. He developed and patented fas-gras, a pre-germinated seed, you'll see results in about 3 days compared to about two weeks.

If it's a new lawn, they will usually hand rake, or use a rock picker to get the bigger stones out, grade, and then hydroseed.

Please let me know if you need more info...


Jason

[Don Phelps]

This is a very good BBS for all "green" info.

http://www.lawnsite.com/

[Jim Carroll]

I had mine sodded with centipede.

[mas3372]

I have a lot of experience in landscaping. For the money, hydroseeding is the way to go. there are a few things you want to do first though to make it well worth it.

1. Put down lime. neutral soil is best for seedlings.

2. Scratch or roughen up the top 1/8th to 1/4 of an inch. If you have dethatcher, that will work perfect.

3. Water, Water, Water. keep it wet all the time for the first month. Having sprinklers is perfect. Dont' soak it. You dont' want the seeds to wash away or drown.

4. Ask the hydroseeder if his blend has a starter ferlizer, if not, put down some strictly starter fertilizer.

5. After 5 weeks, fertilize again with a fetizilizer/weed preventer combo.

6. Dont' use scotts. Expensive and it's middle of the line. find a lesco dealer, cheaper and better.

7. lime again in the fall.

8. Water, Water, Water.

9. Put down a good sun seed around the perimeter of the house, walkways and driveways.