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Articles, Technical Information, & Feedback
Hydro-Seeding & Hydro-Mulching: Definitions and Application Rates |
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Mulches for Hydro-Seeding or Hydro-Mulching: Simple "hydro-seeding" utilizes a small amount of mulch, primarily to show the applicator where material has been applied. Such mulch applications provide very little "mulching" benefit. The true definition of "hydro-mulching" means to use enough mulch to provide some level of moisture retention, and some level of erosion control. The quality and the quantity of mulch used on any site plays a major role in determining the probability of achieving the desired results. The desired end result needs to be considered when determining what type of mulch to use, and the amount. If a perfect stand of grass is needed, a wood based bonded fiber matrix will certainly be the best choice. If only 60%-75% coverage of grass is good enough, then a lesser performing mulch application is more cost effective. Generally speaking, the better the mulch, the more it costs. Secondly, using more mulch requires more application time. More application time increases machine costs, labor costs and overhead burden. Better mulch applications always yield more consistent results. Sod quality results can be achieved 99% of the time by using a strong application of good wood mulch, along with premium additives. Compared to the price of sod, the expense of premium hydro-mulching is a bargain. Application Rates: Paper Mulch is frequently applied at 1,200-1,500 pounds per acre (approximately 25lbs.-35 lbs. per 1,000 square feet). With a polyacrylamide additive, such as Slicky Sticky®, such rates can be effective. Many contractors avoid using more than 2,000-2,500 lbs per acre of paper mulch, because too much paper mulch tends to crust, and can inhibit germination. Paper mulch can be used on landscaping jobs, along with Slicky Sticky®. Such a combination, along with good irrigation, can provide good results. Wood Mulch is most effective at rates beginning at 2,000 lbs per acre (about 45 lbs. per 1,000 square feet). In very hot conditions, 3,000 lbs (about 70 lbs. per 1,000 square feet) per acre will provide more moisture retention, and will therefore improve the probability of success significantly. A guar based tackifier or Slicky Sticky® is also highly recommended to improve the probability of yielding an excellent grass stand. Bonded Fiber Matrix rates start at about 3,000 lbs per acre. At 4,000 lbs. per acre (about 90 lbs. per 1,000 square feet), most wood based Bonded Fiber Matrix products provide an excellent probability of achieving total coverage of grass, even when pounded with destructive rains or in very hot conditions. Regardless of the quality of the mulch protection, rainfall or irrigation is always necessary to produce a stand of grass. Tackifiers, Mulch Enhancements, and Soil Conditioners: Guar tackifier can be used at 25-150 lbs per acre. The standard recommend application rate is 1½ lbs per 1,000 Sq. ft. or about 60 lbs per acre. This product has been the mainstay as a glue additive for hydro-mulching for many years. Slicky Sticky®, a special fomula polyacrylamide, also provides erosion control protection. Additionally, this product is a soil conditioner that improves water effectiveness and enhances seed germination. Seed Rates for Hydro-Seeding or Hydro-Mulching: Seed rates need to be adjusted for numerous reasons and conditions. When attempting to establish sod quality turf, premium varieties and premium blends are almost always the best choice. Seed should always be purchased from a reputable wholesaler or seed vendor. These companies usually have staff personnel that can advise an appropriate seeding rate. Further, when all costs are considered, the actual costs of even the most expensive seed is usually only a small percentage of the overall costs of application. It is risky business to purchase seed from chain stores or home improvement centers. Fertilizer used for Hydro-Seeding or Hydro-Mulching: On almost every construction site, the soil can be highly varied. Soil tests may not provide the best guidance as to what fertilizer to use. Therefore, the best bet is to use a balanced fertilizer. Examples of balanced fertilizer: 13-13-13, 15-15-15, 10-20-10, 12-18-6. Once the grass is established, a standard maintenance fertilizer can be used. Never use weed killer fertilizer during initial planting. Further, do not use weed killer fertilizer until the grass has been growing for more than 13 months. On non-irrigated job sites, do not exceed about 300 lbs per acre. On irrigated sites, a minimum amount of fertilizer to be used during initial seeding operations is 600 lbs per acre. On irrigated sites with Bermudagrass, where attentive and intensive irrigation is provided, and very fast emergence is demanded, up to 1.000 lbs per acre can be used with the initial hydro-mulching application |
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| [Hydro-Seeding & Hydro-Mulching Products: Definitions and Application Rates] |