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For the entrepreneur, seeding with organic matter generates more profit for their businesses than laying sod. In addition, seeding and top dressing is less costly for the clients, while being more ecologically responsible and durable than sod.

More Profit for the Business Owner :

The cost price when seeding and top dressing with organic matter is three to four times less than the price of laying sod.

Less Costly for the Client :

The price charged to the client when seeding and top dressing with organic matter is usually half the price of the cost for laying sod.
 

Extended Durability :

Seeding and top dressing with organic result in a more durable lawn than laying sod because top dressing over seeds allows the landscaper to take into account the following variables : rusticity of the soil, the intensity of sunlight on the site, and the nature and texture of the soil.
 

More Ecological :

Seeding with organic matter is more ecological because the seeds require less fertilizer. In addition, no synthetic fertilizer is used when seeding with organic matter.
 

EXAMPLE
The following table compares seeding with organic matter to laying of sod on a 10,000-sq ft. surface.
 

Preparation for seeding with organic matter

Seeding the lawn and then top dressing with organic matter give spectacular results. (For additional methods of seeding, including spreading a seed/compost mix—usually done with two passes of seed/compost mix, followed by two passes of compost alone—rather than first seeding and then top dressing, please contact Ecolawn.)  Indeed, covering the seed with a compost mixture allows a sprouting rate of close to 100 percent.

This sprouting rate is higher than hydro-seeding since the seeding is better protected against weather hazards, such as the wind, the sun, and temperature variations.

Covering the dressing also allows for better water retention while maintaining the necessary levels of humidity that are essential for the sprouting of seeds. Compost has an excellent water retention rate of 20 times its water weight.

It is also worth mentioning that compost not only contains all the nutrients required for the growth of grass, it also acts as a buffer by producing a neutralizing effect on the pH of the soil on which the seeds lay.

Steps for seeding organic matter 

1) Identification of the Five Variables (Elements):

• 

  Hardiness zone of the site;
• Intensity of sunlight of the site;
• Moisture levels of the soil;
• Nature and texture of the soil;
• Use and classification of the grass.

2) Selecting the Mixture

Select a mixture of seeds according to the ecological niches related to the seeding site, as well as the use and classification of the desired grass.

3) Preparing the Site

After adequately leveling the soil, you can use the Ecolawn Top Dresser/Compost Spreader filled with organic matter to "roll" the land to ensure that it will keep its final shape.

4) Seeding

Use a seeder to evenly spread the seed mixture. (If mixing seed directly with organic matter, you can use the Ecolawn Top Dresser/Compost Spreader to spread the seed/compost mixture.  Do not use the Ecolawn Applicator for seed alone.)  Distribute the seed in both directions of the land. Apply at 80 percent of the sowing rate recommended by the supplier. The 20 percent difference will be applied when doing future inspections. Beware of wind gusts. Indeed, if the seeds will not be top dressed with organic matter, the wind may take them away, jeopardizing the density and uniformity of the grass.

5) Choosing Organic Matter

To successfully complete your seeding, it is preferable to top dress with organic matter containing a high portion of compost, between 50 percent and 80 percent. The remainder of the mix will consist of peat moss and sand. Please note that compost alone may over-fertilize the soil in addition to causing damage, especially when using seed mixes that require very little fertilizing.

6) Top Dressing

Using the Ecolawn Top Dresser/Compost Spreader filled with organic matter, cover all zones of the land that has been seeded. The required quantity of organic matter is 750 liters per 100 square meters, or 1 cubic yard per 1000 square feet. Ensure that all the seed has been top dressed with the organic matter and is adequately covered.

7) Preventive Measures

Remember that the zones of land exposed to sunlight will become dehydrated faster than shadowed zones. Check areas that are overexposed to sunlight, such as embankments and areas close to cement or stones. Once top dressing is completed, lightly cover all areas with straw. Be careful as some types of straw may contain undesirable grass seeds.

8) Mowing the Lawn for the First Time

Before mowing the lawn for the first time, you must ensure that the grass has reached 10 centimeters, or 4 inches, in height. When mowing for the first time, leave at least 8 centimeters, or 3 inches in height. Be careful when mowing for the first time because grass roots are tiny and very fragile. Use a well-sharpened blade in order to obtain an optimum cut and avoid pulling out the new grass.

9) Following Up

The purpose of following up is to ensure that your clients are happy with the work that you completed, and also to ensure that the seeds have enough water for sprouting to occur. Also, following up represents an opportunity to re-seed spots where predetermined results have not been reached.

Don't forget that your worst enemy is scarcity of water. Therefore, while proceeding in your inspections, always carefully check the zones that are exposed to sunlight.

Guarantee for a Dense and a Uniform Lawn

You can guarantee the results of your seeding at all times. What you are guaranteeing is the establishment of a dense and uniform lawn. Please note that this does not take away your clients' responsibility for keeping the grass seed watered for a period of at least 21 days after seeding.

The guarantee also provides an opportunity to reassure clients who may be doubtful of the results or who have had negative experiences in the past with seeding. Explain that your method is unique and proven to be successful, in addition to being thoroughly ecological. The guarantee also justifies the price of seeding, while giving credibility to your business.