Hydro seeding was invented in the 1940s, while the first hydro seeder was invented in 1953. The hydro seeding process has been steadily growing in popularity over the years, and is now rated the number one option for erosion control methods. The purpose of hydro seeding is to control erosion, and increase vegetation growth. Of course, there’s other ways to get this done, such as; sodding, broadcast seeding, sowing dry seed, etc. but none are quite comparable and don’t come close to reaching it’s intended purpose like hydro seeding does. The ability to mix the material with water, and spray the product out all in one shot, makes this process the best and most efficient option for all of your erosion control and vegetation needs.
How hydro seeding works is fairly simple, but can be quite interesting. The process is a mixture of several elements combined with water, and of course it being done in a piece of equipment, like the hydro seeder itself. The ingredients vary depending on the type of desired result, but generally include a mixture of grass seeds, a fibrous mulch material, and sometimes fertilizer and/or a binding tackifier. The mulch acts as a blanket, that maintains the moister content, allowing the seed to stay moist and grow quicker. Fertilizer will promote seed germination, which can easily be mixed in with the ingredients, but it’s not always used. Tackifier will also be added at times, with the purpose to help bind the slurry mixture to the soil; slurry is what you call when several elements are mixed together with water. The tackifier is typically used in area where erosion could be a concern, such as slopes or areas that may experience wind or water erosion. Basic applications will include water, seed and mulch only, and is most common in residential and basic commercial applications.
Hydro seeding is quite unique, as the sky is literally the limit. As previously mentioned, hydro seeding slurry is generally transported in a tank, either trunk-mounted or trailer-mounted, but that’s not the only option. In some cases, areas are so large that helicopters have been used to displace the slurry. In cases like this, imagine having to use the traditional methods, how would that work? Depending on the size of the job, it would be virtually impossible to complete in a respectable time. Time is money in this industry, and with hydro seeding, no job is too big or too difficult to tackle, which makes time no issue.
Make the transition now – buy yourself a hydro seeder, and get the job done the most efficient way.