Summer Hydroseeding in Iowa: Tips for Success in Hot Weather

Many people think spring and fall are the only times to hydroseed a lawn. But summer hydroseeding can be highly successful—if done right. With the right approach and a little extra care, you can get great results, even in the heat.

At Eastern Iowa Hydroseed, we perform hydroseeding throughout the summer in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding areas. Whether you're finishing up new construction or just missed the spring window, here’s how to set your summer lawn up for success.

Is It Too Hot to Hydroseed?

Not at all! While spring and fall offer ideal growing conditions, summer hydroseeding is still effective with the proper watering and care. The key is adjusting your maintenance to account for:

• ☀️ Higher temperatures

• 💧 Faster evaporation

• 🌱 Rapid weed competition

With a little extra attention, your grass will grow strong—even in July or August.

5 Summer Hydroseeding Tips

1. Water, Water, Water

Summer heat dries out the hydroseed mulch quickly. Keep the surface consistently moist:

• Water 2–4 times per day (early morning, midday, late afternoon, and evening if needed)

• Light, frequent watering is best during germination

• Avoid deep puddling—too much water can cause erosion

💡 A timer and sprinkler system can make this much easier during the hotter weeks.

2. Use a High-Quality Starter Fertilizer

Our hydroseed mix always includes a professional-grade starter fertilizer, which is essential in summer when soil nutrients can be quickly depleted by heat and watering.

Want a boost? You can apply a second round of fertilizer at 4–6 weeks to promote stronger root growth.

3. Mow at the Right Time

Don’t mow too early! Wait until the grass is 3–4 inches tall, and never cut more than ⅓ of the height at once.

✅ Use sharp blades

✅ Mow during cooler parts of the day

✅ Let clippings stay on the lawn to retain moisture

4. Control Weeds Without Hurting New Grass

Summer = peak weed season. It’s normal to see some weeds pop up in a freshly seeded lawn.

🚫 Avoid herbicides for at least 6–8 weeks✅ Mow frequently to control weeds naturally✅ Once the grass is established, we can help you plan a safe weed treatment schedule

5. Don’t Stress About Uneven Growth

Some areas will grow faster than others. That’s especially true in sunny vs. shady spots during the summer. If needed, we can help spot-seed or touch up thinner patches later in the season or during fall.

Best Grass Types for Summer Seeding

We use blends specially chosen for Iowa’s climate. These grasses handle heat better than others:

• Turf-type tall fescue – Excellent heat and drought tolerance

• Perennial ryegrass – Quick germination, great for patchy repairs

• Kentucky bluegrass – Beautiful, but slower to germinate (good in blends)

We’ll customize the mix for your site’s sun exposure, usage, and soil.

Hydroseed Now, Enjoy a Green Lawn Later

If you missed spring or have a project wrapping up in summer, don’t wait! With the right strategy, summer hydroseeding can give you lush, lasting results—and by fall, your lawn will be the envy of the block.

📞 Call or Text: (319) 238-9472

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📍 Serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding Eastern Iowa communities