Hydrograss

Hydrograss is the machine application of seed, water and mulch mixture.  Seed growth depends on many things: warmth from the sun, constant moisture and fertilizer (non burning type).  The home/business owner must use his knowledge and expertise to care for the seed as climatic conditions dictate.  The key is to prevent dryness or puddling (best results are obtained with a sprinkler system), and to fertilize with a non-burning fertilizer until all the grass seedlings are at least 20 weeks old.  Until the grass is old enough to tolerate weed killer, there will be weeds present, and they may even be excessive.  Most weeds can be controlled with a commercial weed and feed type fertilizer after all the grass seedlings are 20 weeks old.  However, some weeds such as quack or nugget grass that may have been present in the soil will not respond.  To control these would be impossible without killing the grass.  If the weather is severe, such as major rain storms, the seed may wash.  Also, in shade areas, on steep grades, or with inadequate care, hydrograss may not fill in or even grow.  For bare, sparse or slow growing areas seed may be re-spread by hand after the soil is loosely raked.  Whether you are starting a new lawn, over seeding or spot seeding an existing lawn, rocks 'n' roots has the seed mix that will work best for you.

Turfgrass Establishment:

A possible maintenance program for seeded areas could be as follows, but please adjust if the weather is very wet or excessively dry.

1.  Prepare seed bed

• Minimum of 4-6inches of good topsoil
• Pick Stones
• Work soil and rake out lumps

2.  Apply hydrograss

3.  Water! Water! Water!

• After seeding, water frequently but light (10-20 minutes).  This would be 2 to 3 times per day, depending on how hot and dry the weather is.  Continue this frequent watering for 10 days to 2 weeks.  Ryegrass should be greening up by now.
• After 10 days to 2 weeks, water 1 to 2 times per day, 30-45 minutes each.  Bluegrass will start to germinate after about 3 weeks of water.
• After 3-4 weeks, reduce the frequency of watering, but increase the length of time the sprinkler is on.  After about 2-3 months you should be watering 1-2 times per week, applying 1 inch of water per week.

4.  After 3-4 weeks

• After 3-4 weeks, apply 3.5 - 5 lbs per 1,000 sq/ft of non burning fertilizer.  Repeat this for the first 3 months of establishment.

5.  Mow! Mow! Mow!

• Mow the new grass as soon as it reaches 2" with very sharp mower blades.
• Cut off about 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing.
• Take extra care not to tear up the new turf.
• By mowing soon and often, the slower-growing Kentucky Bluegrass varieties will have a much better opportunity to fill in.