HYDROSEEDING

Hydroseeding: A planting method that involves spraying a mixture of water, seeds, mulch, and sometimes other additives onto bare or disturbed soil to promote vegetation growth and prevent soil erosion. If you hear people talking about Spray On Grass, that's what they're talking about!

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Slurry: The mixture used in hydroseeding, typically consisting of water, grass seed, mulch, and often other additives like fertilizers and tackifiers (substances that help the mixture stick to the soil).

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Mulch: A material spread over or mixed into soil in hydroseeding to help retain moisture, protect seeds from erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth. Common types include wood fiber, paper, or straw.

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Seed Mixture: The specific blend of seed used in a hydroseeding application, chosen based on the soil type, climate, and intended use of the land. This can include various types of grasses, wildflowers, or other vegetation.

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Tackifiers: Chemicals or organic compounds added to the hydroseeding slurry to increase the adhesiveness of the mixture, helping it bond more effectively to the soil surface. This helps prevent the seeds and mulch from being washed away by rain or blown away by wind.

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Hydroseeding Machine: Equipment used to mix and spray the hydroseeding slurry. It typically includes a tank to hold the mixture, a pump to transport the slurry, and a hose or cannon for application. An experience grass master can cover a lot of ground with this method.

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Erosion Control: The practice of preventing water or wind from removing soil from a landscape. Hydroseeding is often used as an erosion control technique because it quickly establishes vegetation cover.

Germination Rate: The percentage of seeds that sprout and begin to grow after hydroseeding. Factors influencing germination rate include seed quality, slurry composition, application techniques, and environmental conditions.

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Cover Crop: A crop planted primarily to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and wildlife in an agroecosystem. In hydroseeding, certain fast-growing grasses or legumes might be used as cover crops.

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Biotic Soil Amendments: Organic compounds included in the hydroseeding slurry that enhance soil properties and support seed growth. These can include microbial inoculants or organic fertilizers.

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Hydraulic Mulch: A type of mulch specifically processed for use in hydroseeding. It forms a protective layer over the seedbed, retains moisture, and degrades over time to provide organic nutrients to the emerging plants.

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Blanket Application: A term used in hydroseeding to describe the even application of slurry across a large area to ensure uniform seed distribution and coverage.

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Reclamation Projects: Large-scale projects aimed at restoring disturbed or damaged lands to their natural state or to a specific condition for human use, often using techniques like hydroseeding to quickly establish vegetation. See our reclamation service.

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Soil Testing: The process of analyzing soil composition before hydroseeding to determine the pH, nutrient levels, and texture. This helps in selecting the appropriate seed mix and any necessary soil amendments to ensure successful vegetation growth.

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Soil Preparation: The steps taken prior to hydroseeding, such as clearing the area of debris, tilling the soil, and leveling the surface. Proper soil preparation is crucial for effective seed germination and establishment.

Post-Hydroseeding Care: The maintenance practices that follow hydroseeding, including watering, weed control, and fertilization, to support healthy growth and development of the seeded area. See our site preparation service.

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Growth Enhancers: Additives in the hydroseeding slurry that promote quicker and healthier plant growth. These can include bio-stimulants, mycorrhizal fungi, and other organic or inorganic growth aids.

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HydroMulching: A term sometimes used interchangeably with hydroseeding, but specifically refers to the process of spraying mulch with tackifiers and without seed. This is often used for erosion control purposes where immediate vegetation is not the primary concern.

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Fertilizers: Chemical or organic substances added to the hydroseeding slurry to provide essential nutrients to the seeds and emerging seedlings. Fertilizers typically contain a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), which are critical for healthy plant growth.

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Application Rate: The amount of hydroseeding slurry applied to a specific area, usually measured in gallons per square yard or liters per square meter. This rate is crucial for ensuring optimal seed germination and growth by providing adequate coverage without over-saturation or under-application.

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Sediment Control: Practices aimed at preventing soil particles from being washed away and deposited into bodies of water or onto adjacent lands. In the context of hydroseeding, sediment control measures may include the use of erosion control blankets, silt fences, or the strategic placement of mulch and tackifiers within the hydroseeding slurry to stabilize the soil surface.​