• HydroSeeding

  • Hydroseeding is the process of combining seed, mulch, healthy soil amendments and fertilizers, with water, to form a thick slurry. This slurry is sprayed over the ground surface in a uniform layer to establish vegetation for erosion control.

    The hydroseeding slurry is designed to provide even ground coverage. As it forms a barrier to keep everything in place, it will stabilize the seed to allow it to uptake the moisture, fertilizer and amendments it needs to grow quickly. The mulch fiber will help reduce erosion from wind and water and it will insulate the soil from temperature fluctuation. Eventually the mulch will break down and provide the soil with extra nutrients and organic matter.

    A major advantage of hydroseeding is its ability to cover large areas which would be a challenge to access by traditional means. A typical day can yield 10 acres (4 hectares) of ground cover.  This seeding process has the ability to retain up to 10 times its weight in water making it ideal for areas where watering would be difficult.

    Due to the effectiveness of hydroseeding, costs are typically reduced compared to the price of sod. The favourable growth results that are achieved, coupled with the extreme cost savings makes hydroseeding a process of choice for many contractors and homeowners. 

  • We offer a broad range of hydroseeding solutions and will customize to each sites unique requirements and characteristics. A sample of some solutions we offer are:

    • Wood Fibre Mulch Plus Tackifier - Non-toxic and environmentally safe, this economical hydro-mulch is designed to aid in vegetation establishment and control erosion in bare soil conditions.
    • Engineered Soil Media – designed for sites with low organic matter, low nutrient levels and limited biological activity. Engineered Soil Media (ESM) will help build soils to the fullest potential for vegetative establishment. Often ESM is covered with a hydraulic mulch for best erosion control.
    • Engineered Fibre Matrix and Flexible Growth Mediums – designed for sites requiring extended longevity or the most demanding erosion control measures. For outstanding erosion control and vegetative establishment to meet a broad range of site conditions and budget needs. 

    Additionally, we can offer a variety of seed blends, or can customize for your unique needs.

     

  • Hydroseeding Services

  • Frequently asked Hydroseeding Questions

  • How do I prepare my lawn for hydroseeding?

  • Similar to if you were installing sod. Grade and smooth the surface to the desired finish, ensuring a minimum 4 inches of good quality loam. Lightly compact the area and remove any debris. If weeds are present, remove mechanically, or if using chemicals ensure this is completed well in advance of seeding.

  • When is a good time to hydroseed?

  • Any time after the spring thaw. Spring time is normally the best to take advantage of natural irrigation (rain) and a full growing season. Seeding can take place in the summer, but be prepared to irrigate more frequently due to hot dry weather. Fall seeding is good with cooler temperatures less water is required, but the lawn will be a little thin until the next growing season. Late fall, or dormant seeding, can still be a good time to seed. We recommend using a hydro mulch with an extended longevity to protect from erosion. The seed and hydro mulch is laid down and freezes protecting your soil and taking advantage of the moisture from snow cover and spring rains.

  • How do I care for my newly hydroseeded lawn?

  • Allow the hydro-mulch to dry for 24 hrs, this allows the tackifier, glue, to adhere to the soil.

    Lightly watering multiple times per day is recommended. Avoid watering too heavy causing pooling or run off. The key is to keep the mulch “moist”. If the mulch turns from green to brown it is drying out. The number of watering’s will vary with different weather conditions.

    After the grass has started to germinate, reduce the watering frequency but plan to water heavier (still avoiding pooling or run off). This will encourage the roots to drive deeper in the soil.

    Mow your new lawn, without the bagger attachment, as soon as the grass blades are 3-4 inches tall. When mowing, never remove more than the top 1/3 of the grass blade. Mow often as mowing causes tillers (side shoots) at the base of the plant. Tillering will help the lawn “fill in” faster and choke out any weeds.

    Weeds may appear in your new lawn due to existing seeds in the soil activated by raking or tiling. In the first growing season, control the weeds through frequent mowing. Do not use chemical weed killer on a new lawn.

    It is important to fertilize your newly hydroseeded lawn to encourage healthy establishment of juvenile grass plants.  In 3 to 4 weeks or when the grass is at least 2 inch high, use a broadcast spreader and apply a balanced, granular fertilizer.  Use either a 16-16-16 or 18-10-10 at an application rate of 4.5 kg/100ft².   Once the lawn is established you should fertilize 4 to 5 times per year and use a 21-7-14 blend.

  • How much does it cost?

  • There is no fixed price for hydro-seeding as there are a number of factors to consider. These factors include size of the area, location and travel time for the truck, site characteristics and type of hydro-mulch required, seed mixes. Often hydroseeding can be more economical than laying sod, (and less labour intensive), although more costly than broadcast seeding. However with proper care and maintenance you can anticipate better results.