Hydroseeding is an effective method for establishing a new Bermuda grass lawn. This process uses a specialized machine to spray a slurry mixture directly onto prepared soil. The mixture typically consists of grass seed, water, fertilizer, and a fibrous mulch material, often marked with a temporary green dye. This application ensures the seed is evenly distributed and immediately surrounded by the nutrients and moisture needed for germination. The technique bypasses many challenges of traditional dry seeding, providing a protective layer and superior seed-to-soil contact.
Why Hydroseeding Works Well for Bermuda Grass
Hydroseeding is well-suited for Bermuda grass due to the turf’s biological characteristics and rapid growth habit. Bermuda grass is a warm-season variety that spreads aggressively once established, making it an ideal candidate for an accelerated planting method. The hydroseeding slurry creates a superior micro-environment for germination compared to broadcasting dry seed.
The protective mulch blanket shields the seeds from erosion, wind, and pests, which is an advantage, especially on sloped terrain. This protective layer retains moisture up to ten times its weight, ensuring a consistently damp environment that speeds up germination. Bermuda grass seeds can sprout in as little as three to seven days under ideal conditions, significantly faster than traditional dry seeding. This accelerated establishment aligns perfectly with the naturally fast-growing nature of the turf.
Essential Soil Preparation Before Application
Successful hydroseeding relies heavily on thorough soil preparation before the slurry is applied. The first step involves a soil test to determine the existing pH and nutrient profile of the ground. Bermuda grass thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
If the soil test indicates a low pH, agricultural lime should be incorporated into the soil. It is also crucial to eliminate all existing weeds and undesirable plants, often requiring a non-selective herbicide application weeks in advance. The area must then be rough-graded and leveled to ensure proper water drainage. Finally, the surface should be lightly scarified or tilled to a depth of two to four inches. This creates a loose seedbed that allows the slurry to bind firmly to the soil particles, preventing wash-out and promoting strong root development.
Specifics of the Bermuda Grass Slurry Mix
The composition of the slurry mix must be carefully calibrated for Bermuda grass establishment. A common approach is to use hulled Bermuda grass seed, which has had the outer seed coat removed to speed up water absorption and accelerate germination. While hulled seed germinates faster, a mix of hulled and unhulled seeds is sometimes used to extend the germination window, ensuring greater success if weather conditions are variable.
The recommended seeding rate for new Bermuda turf is typically two to three pounds of coated seed per 1,000 square feet. The slurry should also contain a starter fertilizer with a high phosphorus content (such as a 19-19-19 blend) to stimulate early root growth. Wood fiber mulch is preferred over paper mulch, applied at a rate that provides a thick, protective blanket without suffocating the seedlings. The final component is a tackifier, a binding agent that helps the mixture adhere to the soil, which is important on sloped areas to prevent erosion. Bermuda grass must be planted when soil temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, generally meaning late spring through mid-summer.
Initial Watering and Establishment Care
Immediate care after hydroseeding is the most important factor in successful establishment. The first phase requires frequent, light watering to keep the mulch layer constantly moist, similar to a damp sponge. This typically means watering two to four times daily for short durations (10 to 20 minutes each), ensuring the top half-inch of soil never completely dries out.
Germination usually begins within one to two weeks, at which point the watering schedule transitions to promote deeper root growth. Once the seedlings are about one to two inches tall, the frequency of watering should be reduced, while the duration is increased to saturate the soil more deeply. The first mowing can occur when the turf reaches a height of about three to five inches, usually around four to five weeks after application, removing no more than one-third of the blade height. A follow-up starter fertilizer application is recommended approximately four to six weeks after germination to continue supporting the rapid growth of the young Bermuda grass.