Method

 

Grass seed is mixed in a tank with water, a green-dyed fiber mulch (usually wood or paper based), fertilizer, and tackifying agents to inhibit wind and water erosion.

 

Once completely mixed the ingredients in this slurry have the consistency of wet paper-mâché.  The slurry is then pumped from the tank through a hose or tower and sprayed on the surface of the soil.

 

The “spray-on lawn” looks like a mat of green carpet due to the tracing dye in the mulch.  This green color fades to a straw yellow color within a few days and soon thereafter – with ideal growing conditions – the grass seed begins to germinate.

 

The seed blend will usually have a variety of grass species each with different growth characteristics and germination times.  The earliest of the varieties germinate within 4 to 7 days (Perennial Ryegrass); some varieties require up to 21 days before germination begins (Kentucky Bluegrass).  Because of this it is normal for a newly hydroseeded lawn to seem patchy.  It often takes a full growing for a grass plant and lawn to become mature.