Hydroseeding: everything you need to know

We’re delighted to share that we’ve recently launched Hydroseeding as a new service we can offer our clients across the South West and beyond.

 

“We’re always looking for new ways to deliver on the needs of our customers, and the addition of Hydroseeding to our service offering is no exception. We’re proud to be one of very few businesses in the region that are equipped to provide this innovative, cost-effective service for our clients and we’re very excited to speak to potential new clients who are keen to find out more about the benefits of Hydroseeding for their projects.”

Sam Hooper, Managing Director

 

Check out our blog below for more information about this innovative technology, and get in touch today if you’d like to speak to our team about how we can help to grow your plans for beautiful, practical outdoor spaces.

 

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What is Hydroseeding?

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Hydroseeding (also called hydraulic mulch seeding,hydro-mulching or hydraseeding) is a planting process that utilises innovative technology, including a mix of seed, mulch and fertiliser along with a tackifying agent which is then sprayed onto the ground using specialised equipment, including a high-pressure spray system.

 

What are the alternatives to Hydroseeding?

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Alternatives to Hydroseeding include Turfing, which provides instant results but is notably very costly, particularly for areas that need a large amount of coverage or traditional seeding which takes significantly longer to see results from and can provide a less uniform finish compared to Hydroseeding.

 

What is a Tackifier?

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Takifiers are a vital part of the Hydroseeding process that help the mixture to stick together, bind to the soil surface, promote the longevity of the Hydroseed mulch and help to prevent weather erosion. One of the key ways in which Hydroseeding is effective is the ability for the mulch to stick to the soil surface and prevent movement of the seeds in order to deliver uniform final results – and this is why a tackifier is needed.

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There are a variety of non-toxic, high-quality and biodegradable tackifiers available to use with Hydroseeding, including both plant-based and synthetic solutions.

 

How can I benefit from Hydroseeding instead of turfing or traditional seeding?

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Benefits of Hydroseeding include:

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-         Fast coverage – large areas can be seeded quickly compared to hand-spreading seed.

-         Erosion control – the mulch protects against wind and water erosion, especially useful on slopes or construction sites.

-         Moisture retention – mulch holds water around the seeds, increasing germination rates.

-         Uniform growth – slurry spreads seed more evenly than traditional broadcast seeding.

-         Cost effective – cheaper than turf installation, especially in larger areas.

 

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How long does Hydroseeding take?

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Our team can complete the spraying process very quickly and efficiently whilst on-site, and once the spraying has been completed you can expect to see seeds beginning to sprout within 1-3 weeks, depending on the climate and seed mix.

 

Which areas is Hydroseeding best for?

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There are no real limitations on where Hydroseeding can be used, but we think it’s best suited to large lawn areas, highway and roadside vegetation, large construction sites, land reclamation projects, sports fields and parks as well as areas with hills and banks.

 

Is Hydroseeding exclusively used for grass seeds?

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No – we can utilise Hydroseeding as an effective method for seeding of all varieties, so whether it’s grass, wildflowers or a mix of all the above, we’ve got you covered.

 

Is there any specific preparation and aftercare needed before and after Hydroseeding?

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The soil must be graded and free of debris before spraying and once sprayed, watering is essential to ensure healthy growth.

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Our Hydroseeding mulch does help to retain as much moisture as possible around the seeds, but lack of irrigation after spraying can impact the success rate – especially in warm, dry conditions.

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We offer a full maintenance programme for all the work we complete, to give your outdoor space the best chance to thrive. Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.

 

How do I know which seeding method is right for my project?

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The Hooper services team are able to work with you on the best solution to meet your project goals, timeline and budget – so if you’re not sure which solution is right for you, get in touch today and let us take the complexity out of planning your outdoor spaces. We even offer a full design service for our clients to help show you how you can really make the most of the spaces you have.

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