1)
IS HYDROSEEDING A NEW TECHNOLOGY OF THE 1990'S?
No! Hydroseeding has been around for over 40
years. Its recent popularity is due to the production of smaller, less
expensive equipment.
2) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HYDROSEEDING AND HYDROMULCHING?
Hydroseeding is the generic term used to describe
the application of slurry, which is a mixture of water, grass seed,
fertilizer, and fiber mulch to a site where turf is desired.
Hydromulching is the same process, except it denotes using heavier
slurry, which only mechanical agitation machines can achieve.
Hydroseeding generally refers to recirculation type machines.
3) IS HYDROSEEDING A SUPERIOR
METHOD OF PLANTING GRASS AS COMPARED TO STRAW MULCHING OR SOD?
There are many variations to consider when
determining how turf should be established on a site. There are
advantages and disadvantages to each method.
STRAW: Blown straw is far superior to hand
shaken straw. Blowing straw is usually faster and cheaper, but more
labor intensive than Hydromulching. Straw also includes weed seed, which
is not present in hydromulch. After grass germinates, hand shaken straw
must always be raked up so that it does not smother the grass or impede
its growth. Straw that is blown will usually decompose in less than a
year. Blown straw saves 20% over hand shaken straw. Straw is generally
considered better when hot weather and lack of water are factors.
HYDROMULCHING: Seed, fertilizer, and mulch
are applied in one step. No weed seeds are in the mulch, and you get
better erosion control (especially on slopes). The major factor to
consider when hydromulching is water. Availability of water, travel
distance, water pressure and flow need to be considered when pricing a
job. The faster you can cycle a load, the faster you can do the job.
Overseeding, watering, and tacking straw are additional uses for a
hydromulching machine.
SOD: Immediate grass. Sod is expensive to
buy, very labor intensive to install, and it requires extensive watering
to become established.
4) WHICH IS BETTER..... WOOD
FIBER OR PAPER FIBER?
Wood fiber is superior to paper
because it allows the seed to breathe. Paper, when applied at heavier
rate, forms a crust that can smother seed. Many people use a blended
mulch of wood and paper fibers.
5) IS HYDROMULCHING EXPENSIVE?
Not really! The hydroseeding
application costs about $0.02 per square foot (seed, fertilizer, and
mulch).
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