Hi, today we are back with advantages and disadvantages of hydroseeding. Hydroseeding involves adding a mixture of grass seed, fertilizer, mulch and soil additives to a tank, then applying it to the soil by a high-pressure distribution system that combines all the ingredients to form a slurry and sprays it on the soil with a hose. The slurry includes an organic “tackifier” that helps the seed stay in contact with the grass. Carefully applying grass seed by hand, wind and rain can cause it to migrate. Though, the tackifier additive used for Hydroseeding minimizes that issue. It is the common term for hydraulic mulch seeding. In simple terms, it is when you use a hose to spray a mixture of mulch, seeds, and other goodies onto a bare lawn to obtain grass to grow pretty quickly. What are we waiting for? Let’s get into advantages and disadvantages of hydroseeding.
A guide to advantages and disadvantages of Hydroseeding
The mixture you spray generally contains a lot of things including mulch, seeds, water, fertilizer, and various stimulants and treatments that will benefit the soil. Many people like doing this simply to have a beautiful yard with lush even grass, and not patches of several types of grass. It is commonly used commercially for the same reason, to have nice landscapes for businesses. This spray-on grass seed method is used a lot on golf courses and football fields where you need a lot of green grass that is uniform.
Hydroseeding is preferred for slopes where drilling is not feasible and is accessible to the area by trucks. A ready source of water and a rapid method of filling the tank are essential to achieve efficiency in operation. It is best to apply the seed and slow-release fertilizer in one operation, followed by the fiber mulch in the second process. When seed and mulch both are applied together, much of the seed is hung up on the mulch where it cannot come in direct contact with the soil.
Hydroseeding is the fastest, cost-effective and highest quality method of seeding lawn, landscape and erosion control practices. The Hydroseeding slurry is applied with pressure by hose or tower onto the soil to create the ideal environment for seed germination and turf development. Grass should start to produce within 7 days, and the new lawn will be well established within 3 to 4 weeks. If you would like to control the soil erosion, you must be aware of advantages and disadvantages of Hydroseeding.
Hydroseeding growing time
You will begin to see blades of grass emerge from the soil in 7 – 10 days. At the 4 to the 5-week stage, the grass is 3 to 4 inches tall and ready for its first mowing time. The blades of grass are then to be mowed each week thereafter. At 7 to 8 weeks the grass is completely established and ready for any kind of activity.
You should not miss the Growing Leafy Vegetables in Pots.
Advantages of Hydroseeding
Please keep reading till bottom to know more about advantAges and disadvantages of Hydroseeding.
Hydroseeding helps conserve water
During the germination method, Hydroseeding requires an abundant water supply. Eventually, the grass that sprouts is quite drought-resistant. Some hydro seeded grasses could hold up to 10 times their weight in water. Mulch and tackifiers aid in water retention and gradually release moisture and nutrients to the root system. Also, the root system forms deep into the soil where the water level is particularly high.
Hydroseeding can reduce the growth of weeds
Many people merely view weeds as pesky problems that create their lawns look worse, not realizing that weeds also adversely affect environmental sustainability. For example, they can make soil erosion worse, mainly when they overtake perennial grasses that naturally protect against erosion. Also, weeds can limit biodiversity once they compete with native grasses and eventually dominate them. However, Hydroseeding can limit weed growth, particularly when it’s done in the spring or summer. Most Hydroseed mixtures are virtually free from weed seeds.
Cost-effective
Hydroseeding costs 50 to 80% less than the price of sod and with the savings in material costs and installation and labor expenses. The average hand-sewn lawn takes about half the day, and the same area can be Hydroseeded to completion in about an hour to an hour and a half. Maintaining even more beautiful results, a healthier lawn costs savings and faster germination, it is truly the cost-effective choice.
Quality
A Hydroseeded lawn is much healthier, and longer-lasting than sodding or hand seeding applications. The root establishment is developed deeper into the soil and avoids the shock of being transplanted into foreign soils. It yields superior results the first time it is installed and seeds are more resistant to external problems. The soil holds moisture better than sod or hand seeded kinds, and the seeds can germinate quicker. Hydroseeding contains fewer weed seeds, no layering of soils, and incorporates a tackifier coagulant that will not experience wash out. It is possible to customize the application of several grass seed preferences.
Speed
Hydroseeding is faster and easier to install than sod, and rapid application is managed without the downfall of outstanding labor expenditures. An accurately Hydroseeded and watered lawn will start to produce in 7 days, and under normal conditions, it will be fully established and ready to mow in 3 to 4 weeks. In comparison to other methods of seeding, seed-applied in a Hydroseeding mix will normally show growth and develop turf faster than if it was applied in a broadcast fashion.
Safety
Hydroseeding is a completely safe and non-toxic process of growing grass that is harmless to kids, pets and the environment.
You may also like Uses of Rotavator in Agriculture.
Limitations of Hydroseeding
The availability of Hydroseeding equipment can be limited just before the rainy season and before storms due to high demand.
The hydraulic seed must be applied with hydraulic mulch or a stand-alone hydroseed application should be followed by one of the following;
- Straw mulch
- Rolled erosion control products
- Application of Compost Blanket
Hydraulic seed without mulch does not give immediate erosion control. Temporary seeding may not be suitable for steep slopes (i.e., slopes readily prone to rill erosion or without sufficient topsoil). Temporary seeding cannot be appropriate in dry periods without supplemental irrigation. Temporary vegetation could have to be removed before permanent vegetation is applied. Temporary vegetation may not be suitable for short term inactivity (i.e. less than 3-6 months).
Suitable applications of Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is appropriate for a disturbed area requiring temporary protection until permanent stabilization is established. Hydroseeding without mulch or other cover is not a stand-alone erosion control and should be combined with additional measures until vegetation establishment.
Typical applications for Hydroseeding contain;
- Disturbed soil or graded areas where permanent stabilization or continued earthwork is not anticipated before seed germination.
- Cleared and graded areas exposed to seasonal rains or temporary irrigation system.
- Areas are not subject to heavy wear by construction apparatus or high traffic.
Hydroseeding Promotes the use of various native grasses
One of the clear advantages of Hydroseeding is that almost any variety of grass that grows from seed is a good candidate for this process. For example, a type of grass that naturally thrives in shady areas can be used in an area that has many large and well-established trees. If a client does not want to cut down trees to facilitate grass growth, a Hydroseeding professional can simply recommend using a type of seed that works well for shaded sections of land. And, within the sustainable agriculture movement, there is a significant push toward using native grasses. For example, native grasses may not need such heavy pesticide usage as grass that’s not naturally from the region. Also, the grasses give sustenance for bees that are common to the area.
Some grasses that are native to an area naturally promote water conservation, too. As they have already adapted to the climate over time, they’re not overly thirsty. Due to that perk, landscapers often use them in places where the irrigation system is difficult to manage, such as along the side of a road or in sections of land that are prone to drought.
Native grasses typically have deep root systems, too, which make them suitable for creating grass-covered slopes. Also, the practice of Hydroseeding itself fosters a deep root system. The first mowing of a hydroseeded lawn, which must happen once the grasses are 3 to 4 inches long, promotes greater root production following the germination process.
Unlike sodding, which leaves the roots exposed to diseases, Hydroseeding promotes an on-site root system as the grass is not cut during the germination. Some native grasses have roots that go as many as 5 feet down into the soil, which makes the grasses able to easily obtain nutrients.
Hydroseeding can improve the quality of existing soil
Hydroseeding is also often relied upon for sites where the soil quality is poor. For example, a section of land that’s undergoing construction could have been stripped of topsoil and the microflora and fauna that naturally stimulate plant growth.
Incase if you miss this: How find Soil Health, Soil Health Indicators.
In that case, a Hydroseeding professional can add natural or manufactured soil conditioners. They help seeds become established and encourage them to produce by altering the physical or chemical characteristics of the soil. Both inorganic and organic soil conditioners provide nutrients to the surrounding plants, plus they improve the soil’s aeration and drainage.
Also, Hydroseeding occurs through an application from a sprayer, this method of aiding unhealthy soil is quick and cost-effective so than mixing the additives into the soil through other techniques. When using some types of soil additives, it’s possible to cut the application time in half compared to treating the area with topsoil.
Also, these soil treatments offer a sustainable alternative to peat. Peat-rich landscapes can take years to recover from disturbances caused by harvesting and are already under threat from agricultural and urban development.
Disadvantages of Hydroseeding
- Hydroseeding can be used alone only when there is sufficient time in the season to ensure adequate vegetation establishment and erosion control. Otherwise, Hydroseeding should be used in conjunction with a soil binder or mulching.
- While Hydroseeding is much more cost-effective for large areas, it is not always the best option for small places.
- Hydroseeding can be inappropriate in dry periods without supplemental irrigation.
- Wood fiber hydraulic mulches are normally short-lived (only last a part of a growing season) and need 24 hours to dry before rainfall occurs to be effective.
- May not be able to access remote areas by using Hydroseeder.
Hydroseed installation process
- Begin by adding a sprinkler system, since you’ll need to trench through the lawn area to lay the pipe.
- Smooth out the soil and remove debris for example stones or construction waste. This initial grade should be about 2 1/2 inches below the desired finished grade, such as the level of your patio.
- Install the edging material of your choice, if you are planning on using it. Installing edging will mess up the smooth surface of your finished grade, so this must be done before installing the lawn.
- Apply a two-inch layer of blended topsoil and compost. This provides the nutrients lawn will want to get off to a healthy start. Regrade the soil to get a perfectly smooth surface.
- Treat the soil with lime, which makes the soil pH level more alkaline and will help your new lawn thrive.
- Add the seeds, papery mulch, water, and fertilizer to the tank of the hydroseed and turn on the agitator to mix thoroughly. Spray the hydroseed over your prepared soil surface, being careful to minimize overspray into garden beds.
- Keep your new seeds evenly moist for the first 2 months, and don’t let children or pets walk on the lawn during this time.
- Mow your newly hydroseeded lawn for the first time after 4 weeks, and then begin mowing as needed after that.
Best time of year to Hydroseeding
After knowing the advantages and disadvantages of Hydroseeding, now find out which time of the year is best for hydroseeding. Anytime is a good time to plant a lawn. Different seasons offer different benefits. Hydroseeding in the spring and fall wants less water than in the summer months. Though, in the heat of the summer, the grass will germinate and grow faster. The ideal temperature for Hydroseeding is 75 to 85 degrees for the first 5 to 6 weeks.
That’a all folks about advantages and disadvantages of Hydroseeding. You may be interested in How to Protect your Garden from Rats.