Hydroseeding is a seeding process in which seed and hydromulch are mixed into a slurry and applied to an area with water. It usually consists of a blend of seed, fertilizer, mulch, and a tackifing agent that is mixed with water to be sprayed from a specialised machine. This slurry becomes the seedbed and aids in the germination of the desired vegetation. The mulch not only aids in the delivery of the seed, but also helps retain moisture and protect the seedlings during the germination period.
The benefits of hydroseeding are many including efficiency of placement, difficult terrain applications, less equipment to operate vs. traditional methods, and reduced labor. It can be very effective for hillsides, inaccessible terrain, and sloping lawns to help with erosion control and quick planting. Hydroseeding will typically cost less than planting with sod, but more than broadcast seeding. Vegetation results are often quicker with high germination rates producing grass growth earlier than drilled or broadcasted applications.
Hydromulching is basically the same process as hydroseeding but usually without the seed or fertilizer. This is typically done to a site that has had some form of dry seeding done, or used as a stand alone mulch application for dust control or soil moisture retention. Hydromulching uses the same equipment as the hydroseeding process.
Hydromulching is the application of water, seed and fertiliser in combination with a growth medium (e.g. wood fibre which we use).
It is common to introduce a binding agent into the slurry before application to help stabilise the mulch and retain moisture.
The addition of a linear polymer to the blend acts as a binder that helps the mulch bind together and stay in place while the seeds germinate. Hydromulching is quick and cost effective method compared to the traditional methods.
This treatment creates a protective barrier, minimising soil loss from rain and wind erosion and is ideal for lawns, sports and recreation fields, parks, steep embankments, quarries and mines.