Hydroseeding 101 — Part 1: About Hydroseeding
The popularity of hydro seeding is skyrocketing. Customers notice that you spray it on, and before you know it a beautiful lush lawn is growing. Landscapers find that their customers love it, and it helps solve many of the problems they face.
There are reasons hydro seeding works so well. The seed is suspended in a nutrient-rich slurry. The contact of the seed with the water in the machine triggers the germination cycle. The mulch layer seals in the moisture and holds the soil in place. The seed is at an ideal depth for good results. The conditions are right to produce a lush green lawn in very short time.
Hydro seeding is a one-step application. One person can easily hydro seed using a HSM System. Mulch, seed and fertilizer are evenly distributed in the sprayed material. It is fast and easy to do. Irregular areas are a breeze. Hillsides, banks and other areas that can be a problem with other seeding methods are easy to do with a HSM Hydro Seeding system. It is an ideal system for landscape contractors and anyone with seeding to do. Hydroseeding is cost effective. The cost to hydroseed is 60–80% less than the cost of sod and a lawn can be hydroseeded in 1/3 the time it takes to dry seed meaning labor costs are reduced without increasing the cost of materials.
HSM Hydro Seeding systems can greatly lower labor costs. One person can operate a HSM Hydro Seeding System simultaneously applying hydroseeding mulch, seed, fertilizer, tackifier and water. The use of straw is eliminated. Hydro mulch is easier to store and transport than straw. It does not produce dust during application. It will not blow off and does not need to be removed. Hydro seeding mulch does not contain weed seed as straw does. It won't cause a loss of nitrogen as it decomposes as straw does. Hydro seeding has a neat green appearance that is far more attractive than straw. It is easy to understand why hydro seeding is becoming the method of choice of consumers and professionals alike.
Hydroseeding vs. Sod
- The cost to hydroseed is a fraction of the cost to lay sod.
- A hydroseeded lawn requires less water than a sodded lawn.
- When sod is harvested the roots are cut short and sometimes a sod job can fail.
- The labor involved with hydroseeding is far less.
- Sod needs to be installed properly. Poorly done sod can fail.
Hydroseeding vs. Dry Seeding
- Hydroseeding is a one-step process that reduces labor costs.
- Straw has weed seed in it and hydroseed does not.
- Straw can blow off or clump and needs to be raked off once the lawn is established.
- Hydroseeding is considered a premium way to seed but costs less than dry seeding.
Why choose hydroseeding
- Fast one-step lawn seeding
- Faster germination and fewer weeds
- Great ability to trim around landscape features and walks
- The easiest way to do hillsides and steep slopes
- Hydroseeding is a premium service that homeowners will pay more for yet it costs you less to hydroseed a lawn.
- Even seed disbursement and more uniform germination
- The seed's placement in the nutrient-rich solution jump-starts germination.
- A hydroseeded lawn has a better appearance than a dry seeded lawn. Customers love the look of a newly hydroseeded lawn.
Part 2: Hydroseeding Materials
Part two of Hydro Seeding 101 covers the materials that are used in hydroseeding — both a standard mix and some of the high-performance products that can be used in a hydroseeder.