Home Turf Establishment Methods
Deciding Whether to Drill, Broadcast, Sod or Hydro Seed
There are several methods available when a determination needs to be made for establishing a
turf area or revegetating a particular site. Some techniques work better than others depending
on site, soil, and weather conditions. At HOME TURF, we
evaluate each and every customer's needs and expectations to find the most effective and economical
solutions.
There's A Better Way To Install Residential and Commercial Lawns
Hydro Seeding/Mulching
What is Hydro Seeding/Mulching
If you are not familiar with the process, you are not alone. It's been commercial landscaping's
best-kept secret for 50 years. You probably saw it on the ground at a storm water detention basin
or along the roadside and did not know what it was. Hydro Mulching is a proven process of mixing
seed, mulch, fertilizer, water retention agents, tackifier, and other products in a specialized mixer
and spraying on the ground. You mix the seed with the other ingredients promoting soil enrichment,
root development, and beneficial bacteria promoting plant health and disease tolerance as well as
turf density within weeks compared to months. You have even distribution of seed that stays in place.
Each mixture is specifically designed to your site conditions and soil requirements. Bare ground,
existing turf, severe slopes, or hard to reach areas which are difficult to seed with traditional
methods is not a problem with our equipment.
The Benefits
- Seed mixes are tailored to the site, depending on sun exposure and planned usage. Ability to plant any seeds such as native species, wildflowers, and selected blends of cool and warm season turf grasses.
- Seed germinates faster.
- Higher percentage of seed germinates.
- Higher grass plant survival.
- Greatly reduced soil erosion.
- Uniform distribution of seed, fertilizer, and mulch.
- No weed seeds from the wood and/or paper mulch.
- Versatility--easier to seed difficult areas; i.e. irregular plots; slopes or berms; and ditches.
- No masking necessary for walkways, flowerbeds, walls or construction obstacles.
- Mulch turns to humus and becomes integral part of soil.
- A fuller, more plush lawn develops.
- You can enjoy time with family or a game of golf vs working at home.
- Less than HALF THE COST OF SOD.
Why HydroSeeding is Different
Germination: Putting the seed, fertilizer, and mulch into solution means the seed will be
encapsulated within water-retaining mulch as it is applied. Since seed requires moisture and
warmth to germinate, the process gives the seed a "jump-start" in the growth cycle.
Chemistry: The fertilizer (and lime or sulphur if needed) placed in solution, quickly
adjusts the existing soil chemistry (pH) to provide for sturdy grass plant growth. Your new
grass sinks roots into chemically balanced soil, thereby enjoying a growing stimulus when it
needs it most.
Moisture Control: The fiber mulch retains water longer than straw and many other mulches;
acts as a soil stabilizer to retard water and wind erosion; reduces surface evaporation from the
soil; and provides an outstanding germinating medium as it traps moisture around the seed as well
as wicks moisture to the seed. This is crucial when grass roots are forming.
Value: The carefully proportioned material mixed thoroughly together in homogeneous slurry
provide and ideal medium for:
- Fast, efficient application
- Quicker germination
- Higher percentage of germination
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- Uniform coverage
- Rapid plant growth
- Plush lawn
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Eventually, the mulch becomes humus added to the soil. The end result…a lush, long lasting lawn at
a most reasonable cost without the negatives of dry seeding with separate applications of fertilizer,
seed, and straw and most of all WORK!
With today's advancement in turf grass species and additives, Hydro Seeding/Mulching has a NEW and
BETTER way to seed residential and commercial lawns and for revegetion projects established from seed.
Sodding
Sodding is seen by some as the Cadillac of all turf installations and at times is the best solution.
Although it's true that sodding is the fastest way to have established grass, it's also the most expensive.
Sod is just grass that was planted at a sod farm, cut of at its roots and transplanted to your yard where
it has to grow new roots. Sod is grown in quality soil and the difference between this and your site lends
itself to problems with watering and fertilizing requirements due to soil stratification. Also depending
on time of year, may take a considerable amount of time for it to recover from the stress of its new location.
All sod contains Bluegrass which holds the sod together, but is not the best turf selection for our area and
in non-irrigated, low maintenance areas.
Dry Seeding
Broadcast Seeding
The most economical solution initially, however is more labor intensive and will cost more in the long run.
Broadcast by hand or most often with the use of a manual or mechanically drawn piece of equipment. Seed,
unless incorporated into the soil surface, will not ever germinate. Seed and fertilizer must be applied in
separate applications and does not have the benefit of adding much needed nutrients to the soil. This method
requires many years and significant labor and costs for reseeding and weed control before obtaining a quality
turf.
Drill Seeding
A mechanical device when pulled over the seedbed cuts a narrow strip in the soil surface and deposits the seed
into the soil. Is effective at establishing good seed to soil contact, but must be utilized in a level debris
free seedbed. There is very limited access to many sites such as slopes and narrow strips. Equipment is
unavailable at local rental stores.
Mulching
If you broadcast or drill seed, the seedbed needs to be mulched with straw from a cereal grain such as oats,
wheat, barley or grass hay. It is labor intensive, dirty, dusty, effects persons with allergies, and is difficult
to obtain uniform coverage without the aid of a straw blower. It is subject to movement by wind and rain unless
anchored to the soil. If applied to the seedbed in adequate quantities, after seed germination may require labor
intensive hand raking for removal. Straw also contains significant quantities of weed seeds which may prove difficult
to control. To see this first hand, leave a bale of straw exposed to the elements and watch it sprout!
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