Maui Hydroseeding
MauiScapes Hydroseeding
Hydro-seeding:
Simply, it’s an efficient, high quality, and inexpensive method of seeding a lawn. Technically, it’s the process of combining a mixture called a “slurry” (seed, mulch, fertilizer, soil amendments, and water) in a Hydroseeder tank, and then applying that mixture to the intended surface using high pressure. The hydroseeder keeps the slurry evenly mixed for consistent coverage when applied to your lawn area. Sometimes referred to as “Aqua Seeding”.
Does Hydro-seeding work?
There are reasons hydro seeding works so well. The seed is suspended in a nutrient rich slurry. The contact of the seed with the water in the machine triggers the germination cycle. The mulch layer seals in the moisture, and holds the soil in place.
The seed is protected in the mulch layer from hungry birds as well as the hot scorching sun, this will greatly increase the germination success rate.
Is hydro-seeding faster than direct seeding?
Hydroseed will take less time then Grass Seed because it has a blanket with a fertilizer mix that holds the seed in place. The mulch layer will also prevent the seed from blowing away in the wind or washing away in rain.
Hydro seeding causes speedy seed germination and stops erosion in its tracks! In the best scenarios, a new lawn will start to sprout in only a week, but in most cases, it will take 2-3 weeks to germinate. You will typically see sprouting in 1 to 2 weeks, versus 2-4 weeks with direct seeding and a much lower germination rate.
Hydro-Seeding Process
First:
The future lawn area or the lawn repair needs to be prepped. The ground must be cleared of all weeds and previous unwanted grass. The top 2-4 inches of the soil should be loosened or rough raked for ideal seeding conditions. It is possible to hydro seed over existing lawns in order to make lawn repairs and fill-in area’s.
Second:
It is time to Hydro-Seed your lawn. All area’s under 10,000 sq.ft. can be seeded in less than a day. We custom make every seed batch to contain enhanced fertilizers to promote vigorous growth.
The hydro-seeded area’s must be kept free of all foot and vehicle traffic for a minimum of 2-3 weeks! The newly seeded area MUST be watered during the growth period 4-6 times a day for 6-12 minutes (depending on site needs.)
MauiScapes can offer irrigation solutions to provide ideal watering for your new lawn.
Finally:
After the initial seed germination period is over proper maintenance is required to ensure that a healthy lawn fills in. In 2-3 months your new lawn will be grown in, with the proper care.
Mauiscapes LLC. offers maintenance packages that provide the highest level of landscape quality at an affordable price.
Grass Notes
| Zoysia El Toro | Overall best lawn, grows in all climates, only available in stolons. Low water needs, low maintenance, nice thick lawn that is enjoyable to walk on. Drought tolerant, slow grower, handles sun and partial shade, sometimes susceptible to fungal issues. |
| Seashore Paspalum | Common along coastlines, high salt tolerance, can form a dense turf when mowed low and frequently, does not grow well in shade, susceptible to sod/web worms and millipedes. |
| Kikuyu | Common upcountry, hardy lawn that grows well on all soil types, drought tolerant, low maintenance. Does not grow in lower elevations. |
| Bermuda – Common and hybrid varieties available | Affordable options for lawns on a budget, fast growing, soft grass blades, higher maintenance requirements (fertilizer & water). |
| St Augustine | Works well with haiku grass (looks very similar), high salt tolerance, high traffic tolerance, grows well in shade, susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal issues. |
| Fescue/Rye | Least Expensive option for quick lawns & overseeding, good for short term erosion control, seasonal grass that will die back over time. |
| Stolon Varieties Available (fastest lawn method) | I.E. Buffel grass, Centipede grass and other zoysia and bermuda varieties and more! Call for details!!! |
Grass Selection Guide (For View on Desktops Only)
| Grass Selection Guide – Maui | Blade size & texture | Growth Zone | Growth Rate | Water Needs | Fert Needs | Thatch* | Shade Tolerance | Traffic Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoysia El Toro* | Medium / firm | Island wide | slow | low | medium | high | good | high |
| Seashore Paspalum | Fine / soft | Coastal & below 1,500 feet elevation | medium | high | high | low | low | medium |
| Bermuda Sahara | Fine / soft | Below 2,000’ elevation | fast | medium | medium | medium | fair | high |
| Kikuyu | Medium / firm | 1,500’ and higher in elevation | slow | low | medium | low | fair | fair |
| Fescue / Rye * | Fine / soft | Island wide | fast | medium | low | low | good | low |
| St Augustine* | Wide / firm | Coastal & below 1,500 feet elevation | slow | medium | medium | low | Very good | medium |
- * Thatch is the build up layer of dead grass leaves and debris that builds up between the soil and root zone. If the layer accumulates over ½’’ it is not good for your lawn and affect its look. Overly thatched lawns over time can cause issues with fungus and bugs. Thatch can be reduced by bagging your lawn when mowing or removed with a dethatching machine (another service provided by MauiScapes).
- * Costs vary depending on numerous factors; total lawn size (price breaks available for larger areas), seed/stolon availability (prices vary season to season and seasonal supply fluctuates)
- * Zoysia El toro & St Augustine available in stolons only (sod sprigs).
- * Fescue / Rye seed is seasonal and does not establish itself as a long term lawn option. It is ideal for erosion control and quick seeding for areas where the existing lawn will take over (I.E. haiku/hilo grass).
