Hydroseeding Update for 2022
Are you planning to have a landscaping business? If yes, then a hydroseeder is one of the modern elements you can add to your business. In line with that, you must know the pre and post-application process when adding a hydroseeder. This is to ensure that you can serve your customers better and they will have satisfying results.
The following are the hydroseeding practices you should know to deliver the best results to your clients.
Soil Testing
Hydroseeding is undoubtedly flexible and works well in any situation. Despite that, it is still essential to test the soil and optimize its pH level. Doing so ensures that the plants planted here will grow healthily and strong.
The pH level refers to the soil’s basicity or acidity. In general, most grasses have a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. However, checking the grass type is a good practice to determine the soil’s pH level. You can find different soil testing kits in nearby universities or retailers.
You can also ask experts from the agriculture department to know more about hydroseeding. This will equip you with a better knowledge to serve your customers more effectively.
Prepare the Soil
One common mistake of many entering a landscaping business is not preparing the soil. Although applying hydroseeding in mud or dirty soil surface can lead to growth, it does not guarantee success. However, a well-prepared soil ensures a conducive environment that will result in healthier growth.
According to FINN product experts, it is best to prepare the first six inches of soil to get the optimum results. This will serve as your framework for building healthy and sturdy roots for the grass planted using hydroseeding.
Proper Loading of Hydroseeder
Putting the lightest material into the hydroseeder tank is good for maintaining a properly-combined slurry. The first step is to add the mulch and seed to the tank filled with water. It must be followed by additives and tackifiers if needed. It is crucial to put the fertilizer last since it is heavy and eventually sinks into the bottom.
A mechanical agitation hydroseeder features paddles for combining the materials while incorporating the fertilizer into the water. Using this modern hydroseeder ensures a well-mixed slurry and even mixture dispersal.
Use Additives Only If Necessary
There are different additives in the market, including the HydroGel, which can hold 500% of the weight. This addition is usually used for job sites where watering relies on nature. HydroGel and other additives spray water throughout the area to prevent dry weather spells. This is also an excellent addition to keeping consistent, healthy, and strong growth.
Like other additives available, HydroGel refills itself during rainfall or irrigation. Therefore, you can rest assured that it will maintain the soil moisture even during dry weather.
Determine Your Equipment’s Application Rate
It is empirical that you are aware of the size of your hydroseeder so that you can prevent using incompatible types of material. Aside from that, the job type can also alter the material type. Therefore, understanding your equipment’s application rate is essential.
To do this, read the manufacturer’s recommended material. Additionally, ensure to purchase hydroseeding equipment that matches the application rate for the specific material.
Schedule Application According To Climate
Hydroseeding is usually done during the fall and spring seasons. The warm days and cool nights give the grass a conducive environment and temperature to germinate. Hydroseeding during the fall season ensures that grass will find its roots before the winter months start. On the other hand, rains during springs provide enough time for grass to develop healthy and strong roots in preparation for extreme heat in summer.
Hydroseeding during the summer season is quite tricky and requires more work. Experts do not recommend hydroseeding during the winter season. To ensure that you are doing good work, check out your FINN dealer to determine the best hydroseeding dates in your area.
Aftercare
Like other jobs involved in the landscaping business industry, hydroseeding requires proper aftercare. This is the most important step to ensure that the job site is healthy and strong enough to prevent or minimize erosion. Typical aftercare includes regular fertilizing, consistent watering, and following your usual routine of keeping the field healthy.
