What is hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding is the quickest and most effective way to establish a new lawn from seed. The process is fast, efficient, and economical. This grass planting process is usually more effective than conventional seeding and certainly more economical than conventional sodding. The hydroseeding process is also efficient in repairing and over-seeding lawns, preventing erosion on slopes, and seeding hard to access areas.
Hydro-mulch, seed, fertilizer, and water are mixed in the tank of a hydroseeding machine to create a slurry. The mixed material is then pumped from the tank and sprayed onto the ground in one operation. Once applied to the soil, the material enhances initial growth by providing a micro-environment beneficial to seed germination.
If the area being planted is smooth and manicured, the resulting grass surface will be smooth and manicured. Golf greens are frequently planted with hydroseeding resulting in a smooth surface.
Hydroseeding materials are weed free. However, weed seed is almost always present in the soil, and when the soil gets the moisture and fertilizer from the planting process, weeds usually appear. If weeds are allowed to grow uncontrolled they can overgrow and damage your new lawn.
The Mulch
Mulch products are usually produced from wood or re-cycled paper. The wood raw material is processed into fibrous material. The mulch fiber is dyed green for aesthetics, but the color is also important so that the thickness of application can be monitored.
Mulch applied to the soil reduces moisture evaporation from the soil. Grass seed needs soil moisture to germinate and grow. Moisture must initially come from either irrigation or rainfall. Once the soil has moisture, mulch helps the seed get the most benefit from that moisture. Poor growth is almost always due to the seed and or the seedlings not getting enough moisture during certain critical times. Soil moisture is always important.
A good mulch application also provides erosion resistance. Soil erosion caused by wind and flowing water is always a factor. Mulch helps hold soil in place and reduces the possibility that the seeds will be blown or washed away, providing a better chance for establishing a more uniform coverage of grass.
The Results
Warm and moist conditions promote faster seed germination. Seed bed conditions determine growth rates after germination. When all the conditions are favorable, grass may require mowing and have excellent coverage in three to four weeks. It may be possible, under the most ideal conditions, to produce a turf suitable for a football field which can be ready for play in 90 days. During less favorable circumstances, a good stand of grass can take many months, or even up to a year, to become established.
Contact us for a Free Evaluation of your site’s Hydroseeding needs.