A Spectacular Spring

To Seed Or Not To Seed During The Summer

2 May 2017 by Terri Holmes

Hydroseeding can be a quick and cost-effective way of getting the lush, rich lawn your yard deserves. Traditionally, the best time to hydroseed your yard is during the early fall and late spring, when cooler temperatures and lower weed activity give your seed the best chance of succeeding. Hydroseeding can also be done during the summer, but there's plenty you should know before you make your decision.

The Summer Heat Could Mean Faster Germination

Grasses that have a relatively high tolerance of heat and moisture may germinate faster when planted under summertime conditions. These grasses include varieties of Bermuda, St. Augustine and Bahia grass. The Argentine variety of Bahia grass, for example, is well known for its resistance to drought and ability to prevent soil erosion.

Northern grass seeds like bluegrass, rye or fescue, on the other hand, may not fare as well under hot, wet and humid weather conditions that are common throughout the summer in northern climates. When hydroseeding during the summer, it's important to consider the type of seed being used as well as the conditions under which seeding occurs.

Seedlings Could Be More Vulnerable to Blight

Hydroseeding during the summer can make your seedlings vulnerable to damping-off diseases. The average soil contains a wide variety of fungi that can attack and severely damage both seeds and seedlings under wet and exceptionally warm conditions. This often results in seedlings becoming blighted and rotten, forming tell-tale wet and slimy patches in the affected areas. In addition to a combination of high temperatures and excess humidity, damping-off diseases can also be triggered by waterlogged soil, excessive fertilizer use and even an excessive seeding rate.

The best way to avoid damping-off diseases is simply by seeding during the spring or fall, when the weather conditions are not so favorable for fungi. If you have no choice but to seed during the summer, it's best to use fungicide seed treatment before starting the hydroseeding process. You can also put down a layer of fungicide spray once young seedlings begin to appear.

Irrigation is Crucial

The importance of proper irrigation can't be stressed enough when hydroseeding during the summer, especially during the hottest portions of the season. After allowing a day for the hydroseeding application to dry, you should irrigate your lawn until the soil is moist to at least an inch below the surface. Ideally, the soil should remain moist 4 to 6 inches below the surface to ensure the best rate of survival for your seedlings. If your area is currently under drought conditions, you may want to hold off on hydroseeding until the fall or upcoming spring. 

For assistance, talk to a professional like Hydrograss Technologies.

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