Various forms of hydroseeding were first experimented with in the 1940’s by sod farms looking for a better/faster method to grow seed and harvest sod. During the construction of our interstate highway system in the 1950’s, a better and faster way to apply grass seed was needed and a manufacturer designed and built the first reliable machine that could effectively and quickly apply the newly invented hydroseed slurry. Thus began the hydroseeding industry.
Hydroseeding (or hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro–mulching, hydraseeding) is a planting process which utilizes a slurry of water, seed, mulch and nutrients. The slurry is transported in a tank, either truck or trailer mounted, and pressure sprayed over prepared ground in a uniform layer. Hydroseeding is an alternative to the traditional process of broadcasting – sowing – dry seed and covering it with straw. As opposed to straw, hydroseeding promotes quick seed germination and inhibits soil erosion.
Hydroseeding is used to seed grass on commercial sites such as highways, golf courses, warehouse lawns and other areas too large, inaccessible or unsuitable for more conventional methods of lawn establishment. Starting a lawn by hydroseeding is considerably cheaper than laying sod/turf and quicker than using seed and straw. It is also used to spread mixtures of wildflower and tree/shrub seeds or turf grasses for erosion control. This process is called sprigging (or hydro–sprigging) when the slurry contains stolons or rhizomes instead of grass seed.
The mulch in the hydroseed mixture helps maintain the moisture level of the seed and seedlings. The slurry often has other ingredients including fertilizer, tackifying agents, dyes and other additives. The hydroseeding slurry retains up to 10 times its weight in water and has proven to be a superior method for fast and healthy seed germination, high plant survival and protection of seeds with an eco-friendly moisture sealant.
Classic Lawn & Tree has hydroseeded new construction sites in industrial parks, for church soccer and/or softball fields as well as establishing pastures for horses and other grazing animals. We are a fully insured and licensed Tennessee based C-Corporation. Call or email for a free on-site evaluation of your commercial lawn or erosion control needs.