Hydroseeding

The modern alternative

Outside of the specialist aspects of Hydroflex’s work we carry out general Hydroseeding under the following three headings where we can tailor the seed mix, fertilizer and application rates to the clients expectations:

• Commercial applications
• Domestic applications
• Wildflower/ living wall.

Hydroseeding (or hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro–mulching, hydraseeding) is a planting process which utilizes a slurry of 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 or sowing dry seed. It promotes quick germination and inhibits soil erosion.

Hydroseeding is used to seed grass on commercial sites (highways/motorways etc.), golf courses, lawns and areas too large, inaccessible or unsuitable for cost-effective conventional methods. Starting a lawn by hydroseeding is considerably cheaper than laying sod/turf and quicker than using seed. 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 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, green dye 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, healthy germination, high plant survival and provides protection.