Hydromulch
HYDROMULCHING
If you want an application to make the grass grow and you need your project to achieve practical completion, then Hydromulching is likely the best fit for you. It is the most commonly used application for revegetation on civil construction sites. Depending on your site’s requirements you may benefit from using an ameliorated application over standard hydromulch. What’s the difference?
What is Hydromulch?
Hydromulch consists of:
- Seed
- Water
- Organic Fertiliser
- Woodfibre
- Polymer Binder
These ingredients are combined with water into a green slurry mixture, using a specially built Hydroseeding Unit. This slurry mixture is then sprayed onto the area to be treated, either out of a cannon or handheld hose, via a high-pressure pump system.
How does it stay in place?
Wood-fibre is used to provide a bulking agent for the slurry mix, as well as to provide a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture. This increases the organic carbon in the soil and also helps to promote seed germination. The binder causes the individual wood fibres to adhere together and form a protective layer. It also binds the fibre and seed to the soil, thereby reducing soil erosion.
Suitability
Hydromulch applications are suitable for a range of different terrains, varying from flat surfaces to slopes. Such applications can provide instant coverage in erosion control areas, preventing erosion associated with rainfall events.
The proportion of wood-fibre in the slurry can be altered to provide varying amounts of coverage and erosion protection requirements.
A limitation of the application is that it includes minimal fertilisers in the application so it may struggle to continue germination in the long-term.
What’s the difference between Ameliorated and Standard Hydromulch?
In our 40 years of experience, a common practice we have seen is contractors factoring in long-term rectification and management costs as an inevitable part of their project. We have repeatedly seen standard applications, which use cheaper, less reliable methods fail to meet practical completion without re-works. This doesn’t have to be the case if you use an ameliorated application, which is tailored to your site. A couple of extra dollars spent upfront will save you money in the long run not having to complete re-works. The upfront cost of an ameliorated hydromulch application is typically more expensive due to the inclusion of the extra additives (lime, gypsum and compost), which allows for faster germination and long-term growth.
If you would like to learn more about the differences, check out this article: ‘Comparing Hydromulch: Standard Vs Ameliorated’ Or take a look at the resources below.
Choose the right application for your site
Pricing
Our Costing Calculator offers specific pricing for our Hydromulch Applications.
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