Hydroseeding systems can be as small as 50-gallon units but a typical entry-level machine for contractors tends to have a tank capacity of around 300 gallons, a discharge range of less than 90 feet and is hose operated. Larger units like the one pictured, with its 500 gallon capacity and discharge range of 100 feet, can be operated with a platform mounted turret gun. Mechanical systems have one or more rotating shafts with paddles inside the tank stir the material to blend the mix. Jet systems use jet agitation to do the mixing.

Hydroseeding is a method of broadcasting materials for the establishment of turf grasses for erosion control. It is a service that you may have had to recommend, and/or sub out to a specialist. It may also be a service that you have considered offering yourself.

With that in mind, LC/DBM interviewed three representatives from hydroseeding equipment manufacturers, Ray Badger of Turbo Technologies, Inc., George Braun of Reinco, Inc., and James Loneman of FINN Corporation, to get their take on breaking into the field.

What are the equipment options?
GB - Hydroseeding equipment is available in a large variety of configurations. Machinery designs are available to suit large projects such as roadways, landfills, mine reclamation, and forestry rehabilitation, then scale down to residential lawns, cemeteries, parks and recreation areas, commercial property maintenance and the like.

RB - Basically two questions someone needs to think about when considering adding hydroseeding to their list of services are the size of machine and if a jet or mechanically agitated unit would be the better choice. For size, I usually recommend a 300-gallon unit as a first machine. It will do 4,000 square feet per load and is fine for anything from a typical residential job to an acre or two. A smaller unit is an option, particularly for those who are in an area with smaller lawn sizes. They can run a nurse tank with their unit and seed nearly as fast as with a bigger unit.

When it comes to jet or mechanical, jet units are less expensive, easier to run, less maintenance and work fine. For erosion control work, a mechanically agitated unit would be the better choice since the jet machines don't handle the heavy duty materials such as bonded fiber matrix (BFM) as well. Doing erosion control may require a platform and gun.

GB - Accessories are available to accommodate a wide variety of sites. Hose packages offer access to areas where equipment access is prohibitive. Spray bars and pan applicators can be utilized for applications where broadcasting may be compromised. Skid units are offered to suit existing haul vehicles. Trailered units are offered for convenience. Truck mounting is available for dedicated applications.

One manufacturer sets the cost to hydroseed a square foot at approximately 1.75 cents in materials and labor compared to the general range of six to 18 cents per square foot spent on customary seeding techniques. Entry-level machines range in price from under $5,000 to over $10,000. Larger units, like the one pictured here, can cost around $50,000.

Seed, fertilizer, and lime are typical components in a slurry. Processed fiber mulch is applied to protect the seedbed from the effects of wind and rain, and to provide a barrier to limit the evaporation of soil moisture. Dye is added to the fiber to provide a visual aid for placement. A binder is added to crosslink and secure the fibers to prevent displacement from the application site.

What are the different types/techniques of hydroseeding?
JL - We always say you have the science and the art of hydroseeding. The science is the recipe/mix a contractor uses. It is based on climate zones, soil types, slope conditions, and so on, and hopefully is supported with a soil sample to make a custom mix. The art is the technique of applying it. Most hydroseeders are supplied with both an operator spray tower/boom, which is powerful and efficient, and a hose reel, which is used more in landscape type applications.

RB - There are differences in materials. For erosion control work, wood mulches and wood paper blends are preferred, particularly on hillsides and in very hot weather. The wood in the mulches will keep the soil cooler than paper mulch will. For very steep hillsides some of the more powerful mulches might be a good choice; like bonded fiber matrix or flexible growth media (FGM). These mulches are very expensive but offer the best protection against washouts.

GB - Placing all the materials in a single pass is commonly referred to as the one-step method. Mulch coverage is limited by the machine's capacity. Additional applications of mulch slurry required to provide sufficient coverage to protect the seedbed, is referred to as a modified one-step method.

RB - For very steep banks, sometimes one coat is sprayed on, allowed to dry for a while and then a top coat is sprayed on. This way a heavier application can be done without being so heavy that it slumps or rolls off the hillside.

JL - For a two-step application, the contractor conventionally puts in seed and fertilizer using traditional equipment, providing a great seedbed and seed to soil contact. Then they apply hydromulch and a tackifier over the top to provide the "hydro-blanket:" protection from the elements for the seed & soil.

How much training is recommended?
JL - Most landscape contractors have a great background on the agronomics side and a hydroseeder is another tool in their toolbox. We always review the basics: safety, maintenance, operation, and the theory and techniques of hydroseeding.

RB - It depends in part on the complexity of the machine they are operating. In the case of a jet-agitated unit, very little training is needed. Those units are simple to run and usually someone can be operating one well in a few minutes. With some of the mechanically agitated units, a little more training is required. I would say at least a few hours but the smaller and simpler a machine is the less time that is required to learn to run it.

GB - A novice can learn to operate our equipment within a few hours. Training can be limited to a few sample applications using just water. Familiarize your crew with loading the machine. Get familiar with the machine's operation and the performance of the materials being used. Know the carrier vehicle's capabilities and capacity. Try out and become familiar with the spray boom range and articulation. Try out the hose application if equipped. Like spray painting, care must be taken to assure uniform placement and coverage.

A hydroseeding machine's capacity is measured in area to be covered. Five hundred gallons of water can be broadcast over as much as 6,600 square feet. Machines are then sized in 100-gallon increments of water capacity, with a freeboard capacity allowing for the displacement of materials to make up the slurry, so for example, 500 gallons of water becomes as much as 650 gallons of slurry.

The manufacturer refers to this machine as a "hydrograsser" (another brand uses the term "hydromulcher" but all refer to the process as hydroseeding). It is a mid-sized trailer mounted unit with a 1,000 gallon working capacity, and a total volume capacity when combined with slurry of 1,250 gallons, which will seed, fertilize, and mulch up to one-third of an acre per charge. The 33.5 horsepower diesel pump engine produces a 130-foot effective slurry discharge range.

Considered to be more of an entry-level machine, this unit is designed to be operated by a single person and hauled in the back of a truck or on a trailer but is capable of the essential tasks: hydroseeding, fiber mulching and straw tacking. It has a 335-gallon capacity tank, 100 feet of hose and a discharge range of 70 feet.

What markets/seasons would they target?
GB - Hydroseeding is best suited to spring and fall seasons but can be extended in particular areas depending on turf grass types and materials used in the application.

JL - We always have our busy seeding windows. The best time is in the transition zone in early fall. But with the erosion control laws, we are seeing demand for hydroseeders year round.

What different services can they provide?
RB - Besides hydroseeding, our machines can be used for cleaning parking lots, watering, and transporting water. Our units can also be converted to an anti-icing sprayer to apply liquid de-icers to parking lots, driveways and roads, which make them usable year round.

GB - One of the features of our product is the versatility of applications - watering areas where irrigation is limited, over seeding, fertilizing, even as back up equipment for fire fighting. Spray bars can be used for dust control applications. Wash down services can be provided for construction vehicles and signage.

What are the best practices for selling the services?
RB - The two things that I think can be beneficial are having a web site and joining the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals (IAHP). In this digital age a web site is almost a must and the hydroseeding association has a listing on the Internet designed to help people find hydroseeding contractors. It is very active and can generate enough business to pay for a membership many times over.

GB - Become an expert in the field, and let your customers know exactly how the process works. Follow up on the job! Once the materials are applied, take ownership of the job and monitor the results! Your customers will appreciate the effort and recommend your services to others.