Rick Hardy of Nature's Way Hydroseeding in Arizona is passionate about his job. In his ninth year of hydroseeding, he confesses he still has much to learn. He does have concerns, however, about the sudden influx of advertisements that sell hydroseeding as an attractive money magnet. "You do it (hydroseeding) because there's a satisfaction of being self-employed and in charge of your own destiny," articulated Hardy, when asked why the advertisements alarm him. "It takes a number of years to reach a level of competence." Although hydroseeding was introduced by Charlie Finn 50 years ago, Hardy believes, at least until recently, that it was the best-kept secret of the landscaping industry. Now, hydroseeding has exploded in popularity as a side business for many contractors. Hydroseeder manufacturers and veteran hydroseeders are concerned that competitive pricing and a lack of skill could affect seed application, and possibly damage the industry's reputation. "They try to cheat on you," said Bob Jones, sales manager at Bowie, about hydroseeding 'price cutters.' "When prices get so low, there's only one way to do that, and that's not to give a quality job." Cost cutting could lead to a more diluted slurry. And the effects of that? A lawn does not grow too thickly when sprayed with what Hardy likened to "colored water." Consumers start to doubt the professionalism of the industry as a whole when lawns don't grow, or business agreements go awry. "It (hydroseeding) already has a bad name in parts of the country," asserts Dave McIntosh, head of the HTPA's Certification Committee. He explained that some people who have had a bad experience with hydroseeding are resorted to sod, instead. "Probably half of sod now could be done by hydroseeding," he said. The Hydro Turf Planters of America (HTPA) has launched a licensing program to establish credibility in this growing industry; the certification process should be in place by fall 2004. "It's (certification) a way to show you're not a fly-by-nighter," explained Sean Gassman, HTPA president. "It's a way to show knowledge, competency, and professionalism." Certification is also a way to ensure that hydroseeders new to the market acquire a basic education on effective application methods, and establish credibility before entering the field. "I just started a hydroseeding business this year," wrote Corby Dieu to landscapearchitect.com. "I didn't get into the industry to 'get rich quick.' I have become a member of the Hydro Turf Planters Association, and one of their issues I support is certification of hydroseeding contractors. ...Anyone considering hydroseeding should make sure they get a reputable contractor to do the work." The certification process would cover soil and grass types, and chemical application; a field demonstration is being considered. The HTPA is also taking the certification procedure as an opportunity to teach hydroseeders more about the business end of the industry. "We don't want a certified hydroseeder who can't balance a checkbook," said Gassman. "We want them to run a business, too." As for the get rich quick themes in some recent hydroseeding advertisements, hydroseeders are noting the lack of that type of green. "Contractors can make a good living, but they'll never be multimillionaires," quipped Gassman. "I just started my thirteenth year, and I'm still looking for the million dollars!" How Big is Your Hydroseeder? LCN's nonscientific survey of hydroseeders in the Hydro Turf Planters Association revealed some particulars on their equipment and work: * 69.2% have one machine; 19.2% have two machines; and 11.5% have three or more machines. * Capacity of hydroseeders: 500 gallons and less: 26.9%; 600-1,100 gallon: 67.5% greater than 1,100 gallons: 7.5%. * Residential work: 44%; public and/or commercial projects: 6% * Offer full landscaping services: 30.4%; only perform hydroseeding services: 21.7% * In hydroseeding business three years or less: 60% (32% of those have been in business for three years); 4-10 years: 24%; 11+ years: 16%. * Prefer steel mixers: 88.5%; prefer plastic: 7.7%. * 47.1% of the collective machines were bought used. Are You in the In Crowd? We asked Finn, Reinco, and Bowie manufacturing representatives what people are buying: Finn: According to John Imm, sales manager, T-60s, or 600-gallon hydroseeders, are big sellers. This size can seed one-half to three-fourths of an acre, which is perfect for residential projects. Finn's T-90, a 940-gallon model, is also popular, and suitable for larger sites. Finn's machines range from 300 to 3,300 gallons. Bowie: Bob Jones, sales manager, said that mid-sized hydroseeders (800 to 1,100 gallon capacity) are Bowie's biggest seller. He noted that smaller machines that hold from 300 to 600 gallons tend to serve as "entry-level machines." New applicators often step up to larger machines if their work with smaller machines was successful. Bowie's machines range from 300 to 3,000 gallons. Reinco: The HG-10 (1,250 gallons) is the machine Reinco sends out the door the most. Used for residential and commercial construction, the HG-10 is proficient at green establishment and erosion control, according to Weldon Monsport, sales manager. Reinco manufactures machines that hold 200 to 3,000 gallons.