Hydroseeding in Moultonboro
 

We are thinking of doing hydroseeding of approximately 1,500SF behind our house. Any recommendations much appreciated.

I would be happy to help with your hydro-seeding project.
Helpful list of items before seeding;
-Have soil tested for Ph and N-P-K
-Remove any weeds existing in area with non-selective herbicide (Round-up).
-Soil preparation is key, cultivate 4-6 inches deep add organic soils if possible.
-Follow soil test fertilization and liming requirements. (NH State extension service)
-Apply all amendments to the soil and grade, rake and lightly roll area.
-Find a hydroseed contractor with a small tank that will do this small space most contractors have larger units with tanks that do 10,000SF+ per load, you don't want to pay for extra mobilization charges.
-Request the contractor use a Seed Mix which will do best in your location ex. sun, shade or both. Use a quality lawn mix with at least 3 improved varieties of perennial ryes, fine fescues and bluegrasses (if you have sun). No Annual Rye in the mix. Have the contractor give you the seed bag label tag. You will use 10-15lbs.
-Paper/Fiber or 50/50 hydro-mulch is fine on most grades. Slopes will require additional mulch and netting.
-Have contractor use a starter fertilizer in the mix.
-Timing is everything and in your case try to shoot the area between August 15-September 15 for the best results. Fall is the best time to seed for a lot of reasons, some are. Less weed growth, cool nights, rainfall and day length of sun light.
- Keep seed bed moist by lightly watering morning and night. Be patient quality seed mixtures germinate slower 10-14 days.
- Mow as soon as the grass blades are 2-2.5" don't wait. This will develop strong lateral growth and close in the bare space quick.
-After the first mowing follow up with a Fall fertilizer mix high in P-K, ex. 10-20-20 low in Nitrogen. Place lawn sprinkler on area if lack of rainfall, 1" per week is good. Use a rain gauge.
-Try not to cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at each mowing. The more you mow the better the results.
-Hydro-seeding will make it grow a little faster, however you can get very good results by hand broadcasting seed and lightly covering with mulch hay.
I've done hundreds of acres both ways!
That's it in a nut shell, Good Luck!

Mike Dion - Dion's Plant Place does hydroseeding in Moultonborough

Thanks hughie
 

Wow... thanks for the info. So much to do!! My husband has now decided that he wants to seed the space rather than do hyrdo. We are having some other needed work in yard done by Don Lemaine, and he is going to tear out the mulch, weeds, put in loam, grade it etc. But thanks for the knowledge you are sharing about testing the Ph levels... I have a black thumb, so this is a huge help.

THANK YOU

Hi I also have a hydroseeder, and can provide you a quote if you would like. As stated above there are alot of factors that need to be figured into the preperation and the mix all of which can and will affect the out come of the turf you are trying to establish. You can PM me if you would like more information or a site visit. Thank you.

Just a reminder that as you fertilize, make sure the phosphorus does not get into the lake, or you will notice an increase in weeds and algae around that area. Even if the lawn in question is behind the house, strong run-off can carry the chemical where it does not belong.