Let Us Hydro Seed Your Property for a Beautiful Green Lawn
For hydroseeding services in Western North Carolina, contact Gravely Hydroseeding & Excavating at 828-388-1601. We offer free estimate.
What is Hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding (or hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro-mulching, hydraseeding) is a planting process that uses a slurry of seed and mulch. It is often used as an erosion control technique on construction sites, as an alternative to the traditional process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed.
Hydroseeding Process
The hydroseeding slurry is transported in a tank, either truck-mounted or trailer-mounted, and sprayed over prepared ground. Helicopters have been used to cover larger areas. Hydroseeding is an alternative to the traditional process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed. A study conducted in the United States found that hydroseeding could be used to restore vegetation in cleared land. The slurry often has other ingredients, including fertilizer, tackifying agents, fiber mulch, and green dye
Hydroseeding History
Originating back to the USA in the 1940s, Maurice Mandell from the Connecticut Highway Department discovered that by mixing seed and water together, the resulting mulch could be spread and sprayed over the steep and otherwise inaccessible slopes of the Connecticut expressways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydroseeding and how does it work?
Hydroseeding is a lawn and erosion control process that sprays a slurry mixture of grass seed, mulch (also called hydromulch), fertilizer, and water directly onto the ground using a specialized pump truck. The mulch holds moisture and protects the seed while it germinates, resulting in faster, more even grass growth than traditional hand seeding. Hydroseeding is especially effective on slopes, large areas, and disturbed soils such as new construction sites.
Is hydroseeding better than regular seeding or sod?
Hydroseeding is generally faster and more cost-effective than hand seeding, and significantly less expensive than sod. It germinates more evenly than broadcast seeding because the seed and mulch are applied together in a single pass. Compared to sod, hydroseeding costs a fraction of the price while producing comparable results within a few weeks. It is the preferred method for slopes, hillsides, and large areas where sod installation would be impractical or prohibitively expensive.
How long does it take for hydro-seeded grass to grow?
Most hydro-seeded lawns begin showing germination within 5 to 10 days under good conditions, with a full, established lawn typically achieved within 4 to 8 weeks. Results depend on soil preparation, weather, watering, and the seed variety selected for the site.
Can hydroseeding control erosion on steep slopes and hillsides?
Yes. Hydroseeding is one of the most effective erosion control methods for slopes and hillsides. The hydro mulch binds to the soil surface immediately after application, slowing water runoff while grass roots establish. For very steep slopes, we often combine hydroseeding with boulder walls or retaining walls for maximum erosion protection.
What types of properties benefit most from hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding is ideal for new home construction lots, commercial development sites, road and utility disturbance areas, steep slopes and hillsides prone to erosion, properties that have experienced flooding or washout, and large yards where sod costs would be prohibitive. In Western North Carolina, mountain terrain and heavy seasonal rainfall make hydroseeding a practical first choice for most bare-soil situations.
