Hydroseeding Insights: What Homeowners Need to know

Before hydroseeding begins, the area should be cleared of construction debris, large rocks, roots, and old vegetation. The ground should be graded to ensure proper drainage and to prevent water pooling, which can wash away seed or cause uneven growth.

On Vancouver Island, drainage is especially important due to seasonal rainfall. A properly graded surface helps protect your investment and encourages even germination. 

Grass seed needs good soil-to-seed contact to germinate. Ideally, the top 2–4 inches of soil should be loose, free of compaction, and rich in organic matter. In many new construction sites, native soils are low in nutrients or heavily compacted by equipment.

We recommend incorporating quality topsoil or soil amendments where needed. In some cases, light tilling or raking before hydroseeding can dramatically improve results.

Compaction plays a critical role in seed germination and long-term lawn health. Ideally, the soil should be firm enough to walk on, but still loose enough to allow roots to penetrate.

Our target compaction rate is achieved when a boot print of approximately 1/4 inch is left when walking across the soil:

• No visible boot print: The soil is too compact and should be loosened through raking or tilling.
• Sinking more than 1/2 inch with every step: The soil is too loose and should be lightly rolled to firm it up before hydroseeding.

This balance ensures proper seed-to-soil contact without restricting root growth.

Just before application, the site should be:

• Lightly raked smooth
• Free of footprints deeper than 1/4 inch and tire tracks
• Moistened if conditions are very dry
•  Properly compacted to the correct firmness 

Taking the time to prepare the site properly ensures faster germination, stronger root development, and a more uniform lawn.

Weed control is a common concern for property owners, especially on new lawns. Understanding how weeds develop—and how hydroseeding fits into weed management—helps set realistic expectations.

Most weeds originate from existing seeds already present in the soil, not from the hydroseeding mixture. Disturbed soil from construction often brings dormant weed seeds to the surface, where they can germinate alongside grass seed.

A properly applied hydroseeding layer creates quick ground coverage, which helps reduce weed pressure by limiting sunlight exposure to weed seeds. Faster grass establishment means fewer opportunities for weeds to take hold.

We do not recommend applying herbicides until the grass has been established and mowed several times. Early chemical application can damage young grass and slow lawn development.

Best practices include:

• Regular watering to encourage strong grass growth
• Mowing at the correct height once grass is established
• Spot-treating weeds only after the lawn is mature

A healthy, dense lawn is the best long-term weed control strategy.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long until I see grass?” While results can vary, hydroseeding typically delivers faster and more even germination compared to traditional seeding methods.

Under ideal conditions:

• 5–7 days: Initial germination begins
• 10–14 days: Noticeable green coverage
• 3–4 weeks: Lawn starts to fill in
• Around week 4: Lawn is typically ready for its first mow
• 6–8 weeks: Grass becomes established and ready for regular use

Your lawn may be ready for mowing sooner if the grass reaches approximately 3 inches in height. We recommend following the 1/3 rule of mowing—never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. This means mowing down to about 2 inches on the first cut.

Mowing too early or cutting too short can stress young grass and slow establishment. Always ensure the soil is firm enough to walk on without leaving deep footprints before mowing.

Cooler temperatures, heavy rain, drought, or poor soil conditions can extend this timeline.

Our coastal climate is well-suited for hydroseeding, but timing matters. Spring and fall typically provide the best conditions due to moderate temperatures and consistent moisture. Summer applications are still successful but require diligent watering.

Consistent moisture is critical during the first few weeks. The soil surface should remain damp—not flooded—until the grass is well established. Skipping watering cycles is one of the most common reasons for uneven growth. We will send you a custom aftercare sheet for your newly hydroseeded lawn tailored for site conditions and time of year.

All of our grass seed is sourced from Premier Pacific Seeds, a trusted supplier known for high-quality, regionally appropriate seed. Using a reputable seed supplier ensures strong germination, consistent performance, and grass varieties that are well-suited to Vancouver Island conditions.

Our seed selections are specifically chosen to perform well in Vancouver Island and British Columbia conditions, accounting for local climate, rainfall patterns, soil types, and intended use.

Using regionally appropriate seed helps ensure strong establishment, improved durability, and long-term lawn performance across residential, commercial, and industrial applications throughout BC.

To support healthy root development, we incorporate proven biotic soil amendments when required. Depending on site conditions, we use:

• Proganics® Biotic Soil Media
• Verdyol® Biotic Black Earth

These products improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and promote beneficial biological activity—especially important on disturbed or nutrient-poor construction soils.

We carry a wide range of mulch products to match the demands of each application. Mulch selection is critical for moisture retention, erosion control, and seed protection.

Our mulch options include:

• Profile® Flexterra® for high-performance erosion control and challenging slopes
• BFM (Bonded Fiber Matrix) for enhanced soil stabilization
• 100% Rainier Wood Fibre Mulch for standard lawn applications and environmentally conscious projects

Selecting the correct mulch ensures the seed remains in place, retains moisture, and establishes evenly—whether on flat residential lawns or steep, exposed slopes.

Using commercial-grade hydroseeding equipment allows us to apply materials evenly and efficiently across residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Proper mixing and application ensure consistent coverage and dependable results.