A hydroseeder mixes a special mulch, fertilizer, water and tackifier, often with seeds incorporated into the mix. The mulch is typically made from ground up paper or wood and is what keeps the seeds safe and moist while they begin to germinate. Tackifier is added to the mix to help the mulch stick together and create a semi-firm yet breathable mat, which protects the seeds and helps the mulch remain in place on steeper slopes. Soil amendments and fertilizer can be mixed in as well. Technically, the approach we usually take to using this equipment is called “hydro mulching” – we like to broadcast seed or drill seed it first, then spray the hydro mulch slurry over the top once seeds have been worked into the soil. This ensures all seeds have good soil/seed contact, instead of some seeds being suspended in the hydro mulch as it dries on the soil surface.
Hydro mulching is great for sites with limited moisture, as the mulch will help to retain moisture for seedlings, but this method of seeding is one we typically use for irrigated sites where we’re looking for grass stands with the density of turf. Hydroseeding is well suited for lawns, steeper sites where other seeding methods aren’t feasible, areas with high erosion potential, and areas where you want to plant something that isn’t available in a sod roll. We can apply a seed mix of our recommendation or to your specifications, ideally on a prepared soil seed bed.
