Why are you hydroseeding a small yard? It seems to me like an unnecessary expense. You have to prepare the soil the same for just putting the seed down yourself as you would for hydroseeding.

Hi Carol,
You don't really want any green matter mixed in there because this is not a compost pile. Compost gets mixed and aerated, but not so in a lawn with grass.
Instead you would want the already composted results, like the nitrogen in your manures and topsoil. I think you're doing fine. The chips can be nitrogen suckers under a lawn, but it sounds like you are adding a little high-nitrogen soil, so you're going in the right direction.
- Tom

Our area is 25" by 60" and we have about 6" of old cedar chips from the dogs. We have mixed in 10yds of 5way topsoil. They told us that there is the steer manure and chicken manure mixed as 2 parts of the 5way. Would it benefit us to order 10yds of composted steer manure to mix into that or do you think we are good with what we have done?

Obviously in my previous post it should read 25' x 60'

personally, i think you have prepared enough. not sure what goal you have in mind for you grass, but you have done more than what the majority of people do for prep.

your hydroseeding folks probably throw a bunch of fertilizer in "the mix" anyway. so don't go nuts!

do you know what seed they are applying?

are you trying for a turf type hard impact lawn?

are you looking for low maintenance?

This is just an ordinary private family backyard where the toddlers will play. Because we are planting a Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree (my favorite) we are planning to choose the seed for shade/sun. We hydroseeded a large yard at our other house and we were very pleased with the results. I'm hoping for the same here.

Well, for those of you who do not have a backyard or alot of money to build a dog potty. I decided to buy this amazing easy to clean petapotty box. Will probably save you lots of time and money, let alone keep you from having a smelly backyard. Check them out at: www.dogpottyoutlet.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Dog Potty Outlet for PetAPotty and The Pet Loo