Hydroseeding 101: Preparation Tips You Need to Know

Hydroseed is a slurry of wood mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer that is sprayed onto soil that turbocharges growing your grass vs hand seeding, giving the fuel and moisture retention needed for making a great lawn. Preparing the soil for planting a lawn is a crucial step to ensure healthy grass growth with hydroseeding. Here are the general steps we recommend following. And if it seems like too much or you would rather leave it to the professionals, we're here to help!

1. Spray herbicide:

Some Roundup products that will kill broadleaf weeds and can be hydroseeded as soon as three days after, read the instructions and be careful with pets. Most other herbicides that kills unwanted weeds, hydroseeding can be done after a month.

2. Conduct a soil test:

Although not required we highly recommend this to determine the pH and nutrient levels of the soil. A common sign of too high acidity is if your seeing lots of weeds and moss. This will help detail what amendments are needed to create an optimal growing environment. We especially look for PH levels. The pacific northwest is more likely to have high acidity levels and can be amended with dolomite lime.

3. Till the Area: 

This is needed if too compact. Think if you can drive a truck over the soil and not have it leave a mark, it needs to be worked up. Remove any existing grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from the area where you plan to have hydroseeded. You do not want to go any deeper than 4”-6”. The deeper you go the higher the potential to bring in new weeds or unwanted vegetation.

4. Wet & Grade the Soil if needed:

If too fluffy and dry, wetting the soil is necessary to compact the soil and ensure proper grading to promote water drainage away from buildings. The soil should slope away from structures to prevent water accumulation. You should not sink more than 1-2”. If it does even after wetting, a roller can be used to compact further. This also helps us hydroseed your lawn and leave it smooth. Residential work is usually done with two people with a hose that pushes the product out. If the surface is too soft and dry it may make it difficult not to leave footprints and hosemarks as well as the pressure of the hydroseed slurry being applied doesn't sit on top and just pushes the dry dirt around not making it uniform.

5. Level the Soil: 

Leveling can be done with a hand rake to create a smooth, even surface. This helps with uniform grass growth and makes mowing easier. And really, who wants a bumpy lawn anyway? Hydroseeding will be applied much more evenly on well prepped soil. More ridges and ruts can leave what we call a shadowing effect, which is the opposite side of the rut from where is being sprayed is not getting coverage of the hydroseed slurry and either requires more material to cover it, or comes in a little patchy.

5. Topsoil & Compost:

Topsoil is great way to add a little extra fuel to your new grass or level out your yard. Make sure the soil brought in is weed free, any new soil or even worked up soil on site has potential dormant seeds that can start growing undesired weeds. The weeds love the fertilizer in the hydroseed just as much as your new grass. Be sure to let your new grass establish first before using herbicide on your new lawn, patience is key! If using compost as opposed to topsoil we would recommend putting about 1” - 2" deep. This will give great nutrients to your lawn reducing the need for fertilizer for a while, and if left on top and not tilled into the soil also offers a way to suppress some of the dormant seed you would rather not see grow. If your topsoil is very compact tilling is recommended and adding the compost on top after is a great way to go.

If there will not be someone onsite to direct the areas getting sprayed we highly recommend using spray paint, stakes or flags to outline the area. This helps create a more crisp line and stay within the areas intended for hydroseeding.

THIS IS WHERE HYDROSEEDING BEGINS AND PREP ENDS.

Choose the Right Grass Seed:

Select a grass seed that is suitable for your climate, soil type, and sun exposure. Consult with local experts or garden centers for recommendations. Take a look at our Hydroseeding page to see our typical grass seed blends.

Be patient and allow the grass to grow. Follow a regular maintenance routine, including watering, fertilizing, and mowing, once the grass reaches the recommended height.

Remember that specific details may vary based on your location, climate, and the type of grass you're planting, so it's always a good idea to consult with local gardening experts or extension services for tailored advice.