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Get More Green For Less Green With Tacoma Hydroseeding
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Soil Preperation
Here you will find some general information for preparing for a lawn. I want to emphasize that creating a beautiful lawn is much like laying the foundation for the house. Without a good base to start with, the top will not be pretty. Consider what it is that you are looking to get out of the lawn area, and this will help you start making the right decisions for some of your prep work. Remember, the more you put into the preparation to begin with, the better overall returns you’ll realize in the end.
Starting
Spray any weeds with a broad spectrum weed control. Make sure that this does not have any residual effect on the soil (more than 2 to 7 days). Generally, there is no reason to remove the sod or weed as long as they are dead. They will decay and add to the organic matter in your soils.
Tilling
If new topsoil is bought put down at least 4 inches. If you are not bringing in new top soil then prepare the soil by roto-tilling to a depth of 4-6 inches. If your soils are low in organic matter (almost all soils are), consider tilling in some quality compost materials. Consider this compost as a way to feed your soil. The microbiology will love the grocery store effect that the compost provides! This is a good time to work in some limestone, additional nutrients, organic matter and so forth indicated from soil tests.
Grading
Establish your rough grade by raking and leveling the soil. To eliminate drainage problems, slope soil away from foundations, etc. Grade edges to approximately ¼” below sidewalks, driveways and patios to provide a smooth transition onto the new lawn. Use a lawn roller if necessary to firm grade. This is the point that you will want to install you automated irrigation system if planned. Finish grade for smooth transitions.
What Next?
Hurry up and wait… well this is hard for some people. The truth is that when you disturbed your soils by raking, tilling and so forth, you also brought up hidden seeds in the landscape! The soils contain a native seed bank, and when you disturb the soils, you can bring these seeds to the surface. Many of these seeds can lay dormant in the soils for years until getting just the right conditions to germinate. Let them. Allow time for these seeds to germinate and show themselves… then treat them with a systemic herbicide (see above). Once you have treated them once or twice (use your best judgment), then you can move on to the next part… hydroseeding!