Spray on Grass Seed for Simple Lawn Care
Achieving a lush, green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners. But starting a lawn from seed or fixing bare spots can be tedious and time-consuming. This is where spray on grass seed products can help make lawn care much simpler.
Sprayable grass seed allows you to grow grass just about anywhere with minimal effort. After preparing the area, you just mix the slurry and apply it with a sprayer. The special coating ensures even distribution of grass seeds, fertilizer, and mulch on the ground below. Then you simply water and watch your grass paradise grow!
What is Spray on Grass Seed?
Sprayable grass seed, sometimes called hydroseeding, is a mixture containing grass seeds, a slurry or tackifier, fertilizer, green dye, and mulch. It is specially formulated to be applied on lawns and slopes using a spray gun or attachment connected to your hose.
When you spray this mixture onto soil, the tackifier ingredients help the grass seed stay in place. This allows the seeds to root and germinate. The fertilizers and nutrients also give them what they need to sprout. And the protective layer of mulch preserves moisture while blocking sunlight to prevent premature germination.
Advantages Over Spreading Grass Seed
Using liquid grass seed offers many benefits over traditional methods of seeding a lawn:
- Saves time and labor - no need for raking or aerating
- Achieves up to 99% seed to soil contact for maximum germination
- Applies seed, fertilizer and mulch in one step
- Can spray on steep slopes and hard to reach areas
- Grows grass in thin or patchy lawns
- Delivers even coverage and uniform thickness
How Spray on Lawn Seed Works
The sprayable mixture is specially engineered to make DIY lawn installation and repair simple. Here's a quick rundown of what happens when you use it:
- After preparing the area, mix grass seed with the slurry as directed
- Spray the mixture in layers using a back and forth motion
- The tacky mixture sticks to the soil, anchoring the seeds in place
- A protective layer of mulch shields seeds and retains moisture
- Fertilizer provides nutrients needed for fast, vigorous growth
- Within 5-14 days, you'll see baby grass plants emerging!
When to Use Spray on Grass Seed
Now that you know the why and how of hydroseeding, when should you break out the sprayer? Here are the most common times homeowners turn to liquid grass seed products:
New Lawn Installation
Preparing the ground and sowing an entire lawn by hand demands lots of time and labor. Spraying a grass seed mixture allows you to cover large areas quickly.
Fixing Patches and Bare Spots
If your existing lawn has thin areas or bare patches, blending liquid grass seed with your turf grass makes for uniform thickness and color.
Lawn Renovation
To breathe new life into tired, unhealthy grass, use spray on seed after aerating for a vibrant makeover.
Overseeding Lawns
Applying extra grass seeds to thick lawns prevents overcrowding and encourages density. This leads to fewer weeds and unhealthy grass.
Choosing the Best Spray on Grass Seed
With many formula options on the market, it helps to know what to look for when selecting liquid grass seed mixtures:
Check Grass Species Percentages
The label should list the exact grass varieties and percentages. Top-quality blends contain 70% elite grass seeds that thrive in your climate and soil.
Consider Added Ingredients
Some sprayable seed products include extra ingredients like soil enhancers, mycorrhizae fungi, and beneficial bacteria that amplify germination and stimulate root development for hardier grass.
Match Sunlight and Climate Needs
Whether you want shade-tolerant mixes or drought-resistant southern grasses, buy liquid grass seed suited for the amount of sun and your location.
Lawn Prep Before Spraying Seed
Proper preparation sets up your grass for success right from the start by ensuring the seed will germinate. Here's how to get your yard ready for hydroseeding:
Test and Adjust Soil Composition
Use a home test kit or send a sample to a lab to check pH and nutrient levels. Adjust and enrich your soil as needed so it offers ideal growing conditions.
Clear Away Debris and Unwanted Growth
Rake thoroughly to remove leaves, stones, roots and vegetation that can hinder germination and seedling growth.
Level Bumpy Areas or Terrain
Use a lawn leveling rake and topsoil to fill low spots and smooth uneven ground for a consistent setting.
Loosen Compacted Soil
Aerating loosens hard ground and allows air, water and nutrients to easily reach grass roots. Rent an aerator or use a manual lawn aerator.
Applying Liquid Grass Seed
Once your yard is prepped, it's time to spray. Follow these tips for maximum seed-to-soil contact and even application:
Properly Calibrate Sprayer
Consult directions to adjust nozzle and dial in the right flow rate for optimal coverage before mixing up liquid grass seed.
Apply in Multi-Directional Layers
Mist back and forth horizontally across the lawn, then repeat vertically for uniform adhesion and avoiding puddles.
Lightly Water Seeded Areas
A gentle spray washes seeds into good soil contact while the tackifier is still moist then dries to hold them in place.
Place Protective Covering
Shield freshly misted areas with burlap or special erosion cloth to protect seeds from sun, rain splash and birds.
Caring for Newly Seeded Grass
The right care after spraying will mean the difference between sparse sprouts and a flawless grass carpet. Here are key tips for tending to newly seeded lawns:
Water Lightly and Often
Check soil moisture daily and mist with a sprayer often to keep seeds damp for germination without puddling or washing them away.
Allow Some Sunlight
Remove covers once grass sprouts to prevent spindly growth yet provide shade cloths to protect tender blades.
Mow When 3 Inches Tall
Wait until new grass reaches at least 3 inches then cut no more than 1/3 of the blade height when mowing to encourage thick turf.
Apply Starter Fertilizer
Look for products labeled as "starter fertilizers" specially formulated to aid seedling root growth without excess nitrogen.
Troubleshooting Spray on Grass Issues
While liquid grass seed simplifies planting, you may encounter some common problems. Here's how to troubleshoot the issues:
Seeds Fail to Germinate
Ensure correct watering, sufficient sunlight and starter fertilizer for germination. Reseed bare areas.