FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions after reading through the FAQ’s? Meet with a VHR Team Member for the opportunity to have your questions answered.
Do you have a minimum area requirement?
Yes. We understand that every project is unique, so in most cases it is best to contact us if your site has an area of less than 3,000 sqm. Technically speaking, there is no definable minimum quantity area that we will service if it is affordable for you.
Smaller works can be incorporated with other works, provided that the smaller project allows for flexibility in terms of the timing of Revegetation works. Performing smaller works in conjunction with other works will reduce costs by minimising associated site establishment fees.
Will you tender/quote a small job if it is a reasonable amount of time away from where you are based?
Yes. As per question above in the FAQ regarding minimum area requirements, smaller works can be incorporated with other works.
Will it cost more if my job is further away?
Yes. A higher site establishment fee will be applicable for works that require an increased amount of travelling. As mentioned previously, site establishment fees can be decreased if works are completed in conjunction with another project.
Can you advise on the application that is best suited to site conditions?
Yes. Deciding on which application is best suited to the conditions present on site involves conducting a soil test of the material by an Accredited company. We use Sydney Environmental Soils Laboratory (SESL) for assessment. SESL provide recommendations for the addition of various fertilisers and ameliorants according to the conditions present in the site tested soils.
What does a soil sample require?
A soil sample requires taking approximately 1 kg of the soil that is to be used as topsoil on site. It is then put into a bag and sent away to the lab (SESL) for testing.
Can you treat areas where previous attempts at establishing grass have failed?
Yes. Re-treating areas that have previously been treated will work as long as we get a soil test, so the report can tell us what we need to do for the best chance of success.
Is it worth the time and money trying to grow grass when it has failed in the past?
Yes. By completing a soil test it will make it clear why the grass didn’t grow. A report will tell us what we need to do for the best chance for successful and long-term grass growth to occur.
Do you only provide local services?
No, at Valley Hydramulch & Revegetation we are not restricted to local areas. We generally service all areas of NSW depending on the job requirements.
Do you cover every state?
No, only NSW.
Are you a locally based company?
Yes, if you are in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
Do you do rectification work?
Yes, but the most important thing will be to make sure we fully understand why it didn’t work before we just quote you a price. This could be for the following reasons:
- Failure of growth and growing grass
- Unsuitable Topsoil
- Unsuitable Subsoil
- Hydromulch not working properly
- Defects in the growth and growing grass
- Practical Completion defects need to be repaired
How much notice do you need?
At least 14 days’ notice is preferable for new jobs. This is due to the following factors which arise before carrying out works:
- Soil testing results can have a lead time of up to 14 days from receipt of the soil test.
- Adequate materials for the works need to be secured. This is especially critical if a project requires specialised ingredients to be incorporated.
Can you start sooner if the only time I am available is close to my enquiry?
Yes, but the things that may stop this is dependent on the following factors:
- Workload at the time of the enquiry
- Staff availabilities at the time of the enquiry
- Do you need a soil sample?
- In-stock availability of all materials required to perform the works
Do I need any preparation works on the soil surface prior to application?
Yes, to be given the best opportunity for it to work:
- Flat areas need to be lightly scarified prior to application to allow the application to be absorbed into the topsoil in the event of rainfall.
- Sloped areas need to be scarified prior to application preferably by means of horizontal furrows that follow surface contours. Once again, this allows for the application to be absorbed into the topsoil while capturing rainfall in the horizontal furrows.
What degree of access is required?
If possible, we would like to have enough access for a truck so we can use the cannon. As an alternative, the trucks can be fitted with hoses which can reach areas up to 300 m away.
Is Hydromulch cheaper than turf?
Yes, for larger applications. The decision to use either Hydromulch or Turf for a particular application is largely dependent on the size of the area in which grass is to grow. This is because a Hydromulch application can be subject to the ground in a timelier manner compared to that of turf. Whereas for smaller applications such as small residential backyards, turf is a more cost-efficient option.
Is everyone that will be doing my application certified and are your machines registered, certified and safe?
Yes, everyone that will be on site will be fully trained and certified. All our vehicles are insured, registered, certified and compliant.
What does Mine approved MDG15 compliant mean?
Mine approved MDG15 compliant means that all operators and machinery are checked, tested and comply with very strict requirements for working in the mining industry.
Is your company a registered company? How do I check this?
Yes. Valley Hydramulch & Revegetation is a registered trading name under the group company “Paul Clarke and Associates Pty Ltd.” Current registration status can be confirmed here.
What is topsoil and is it important?
Topsoil is the layer in which the seed germinates and grows, as the layer has sufficient nutrients to support long term growth. Topsoil is important when trying to grow grass as without this layer of nutrients, grasses will likely struggle in the long-term.
Will the lack of topsoil affect the result that I was expecting? Will the lack of topsoil affect the price of the job?
Yes. Long term-solutions can still be achieved without topsoil, but the solutions achieved will not achieve the same results as would be achieved with a layer of topsoil present.
A lack of topsoil will affect pricing for the works. This is due to the need for a greater quantity of solid materials such as compost to account for the lack of topsoil present.
Why don’t I have topsoil in this area?
You will usually find that if you don’t have topsoil it is due to extensive earth works or topsoil erosion. We have special applications to treat your required area(s) even if they are lacking in topsoil.
Can you include native tree and grass seed in your application?
Yes. Native grass seeds, native tree seeds as well as all grass seeds (except for buffalo) can be incorporated into any application type.