HydroSeeding

What is HydroSeeding?

HydroSeeding which is sometimes also called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro-mulching, or hydraseeding) is a planting process in which a slurry containing seed, hydro seeding mulch, fertilizer and a tackifier (bonding agent) is sprayed onto the ground. The slurry is transported in a truck or trailer mounted tank to the job site and sprayed over prepared ground in a uniform layer. In remote areas hydro seeding is sometimes also done using a helicopter. HydroSeeding offers many advantages to the traditional process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed. It promotes quick germination and inhibits soil erosion. It is also a very cost effective alternative to sod and offers a significant cost savings as well as many other benefits.

How HydroSeeding Works

Virtually any grass or erosion control seed that can be planted by seed can be HydroSeeded. This includes any sun or shade lawn seed, athletic field mixes, pasture mixes, native grasses, wildflowers, roadside mixes and erosion control mixes. The nutrient rich slurry helps promote fast germination. The HydroSeeding mulch helps keep the soil moist to enable the seed to germinate quickly and unlike straw or hay contains no weed seed. The tackifer in the mix acts like a glue to hold the mulch in place and to help prevent washout in the case of heavy rains.

Watering and Maintenance after HydroSeeding Instructions

Advantages Of HydroSeeding Over Broadcast (Dry) Seeding

• Quicker Germination
• Better moisture retention
• Better seed to soil contact
• HydroSeeding mulch contains no weed seed unlike straw or hay
• Better results at a lower cost
• Areas such as hillsides and narrow areas that are difficult or impossible to dry seed can be done easily
• No straw or netting to remove
• One step and very uniform application
• Holds soil in place better than dry seeding

Advantages Of HydroSeeding Over Sod

Sod provides instant gratification but there are advantages to HydroSeeding over sod. As someone once commented, HydroSeeding is a lot like sod but you eliminate the middle man.

The advantages of HydroSeeding over sod are:

• You can have a sod quality lawn in a few weeks for less than 1/3 the cost of sod
• Both HydroSeeding and sod require watering but the watering requirements for HydroSeeding are less
• HydroSeeding grows the lawn on your soil and is not a different soil that is transplanted
• The problem of sod not "taking" is eliminated
• With sod the roots are cut very short and the sod goes through some shock during shipment and installation

HydroSeeding In Place Of Erosion Control Blankets

With some of the newer HydroSeeding materials that have come on the market it is now possible to save time and money by seeding difficult areas that formerly required labor intensive erosion control blankets.

Products such as BFM (Bonded Fiber Matrix) and FGM (Flexible Growth Media) will provide superior erosion control and fast turf establishment with up to 8 times less labor than erosion control blankets. Unlike blankets these erosion control products bond directly to the soil surface and both hold better and require less surface preparation. On less demanding applications standard hydro seeding materials do an excellent job.

HydroSeeding as a Business

HydroSeeding has grown rapidly in popularity. It offers a number of advantages as a method of planting a lawn, seeding erosion control projects or any seeding application. There are advantages to HydroSeeding over other methods of seeding. Everything is done with one machine.

You can seed areas that are difficult to seed with other methods such as steep banks, and narrow areas between walks and mulch beds or between a sidewalk and a curb. You can quickly and easily give customers the best new lawn at affordable prices.