WHAT IS
HYDROSEEDING?
Hydroseeding is the process of applying grass seed, fertilizer, mulch and water in a liquefied application. Soil amendments and stabilizers may also be entrained based on the needs of the project needs or conditions.
WHAT IS IN THE MIX?
PRIMARY HYDROSEEDING INGREDIENTS
Fertilizer
A high quality ‘starter’ fertilizer is blended and applied in the hydroseeding process to help the new seedlings establish rapidly.
Seed
Perennial uses only the highest quality seed sourced from one of Ontario’s premier producers
Obtained from a nearby surface water source or municipal hydrant
Water
These are premium products that can be used to supplement hydroseeding applications. They can include, but are not limited to: polymers and synthetic fibers to assist in moisture retention and further limit erosion, pH adjusters and germination stimulants.
Soil
Amendments
Paper or Wood Based medium that prevents erosion on sloped sites, conserves moisture to promote germination and reduces seed loss
from wind, birds
and washing.
Organic and
environmentally friendly product that assists in adhering hydroseed slurry to adhere to slopes, lubricates equipment during
application and creates
a more consistent application.
Tackifier
ADVANTAGES?
HYDROSEEDING BENIFITS
Value for Money
Without any question, Hydroseeding has the best value for money when compared to other vegetation practices. Typically Hydroseeding application costs average 50% less than that of sod.
Erosion Control
Probably the most recognized geotechnical advantage of Hydroseeding is its erosion control properties. This advantage can be attributed to three factors: Hydroseeding holds moisture in the soil surface, which increases surface integrity. Secondly, water velocity is reduced by the irregular surface created by the solidified hydro mulch. Thirdly, the cohesive properties of tackifiers present in the slurry assist in adhering the hydroseed to the soil surface.
Water Conservation
Industry producers boast that hydro mulch has the capability of retaining 10 times its mass in water. This ensures that the highest percentage of water applied is ultimately used to promote seed germination. Experts suggest hydroseeding requires approximately 50% less water than conventional seeding.
Root Integrity
Unlike sod, where the fully developed turf mat is required to establish roots into its new soil environment, hydroseeding promotes healthy root establishment from the point of germination. This results in an increased initial plant survival rate, better coverage and a more disease and draught resistant lawn.
Species Diversity
Hydroseeding blends contain a diverse blend of grass species that each possess their own individual tolerances for water and sunlight.
In the long term, this allows the most environmentally tolerant grasses to flourish and create lush coverage. In comparison, most farmed sod typically contains one or two grass species that exhibit strong commercial growth properties.
All to suggest, that success of sod relies on the survival of only one or two species.