Have you ever driven along a highway and noticed a roadcut covered in what looks like green silly string? Then you have seen hydroseeding!
Hydroseeding is a method of seed application that helps to improve the chances of germination and even cover. Also called “hydraulic mulch seeding,” this method originated in the 1940s as an alternative to planting sod over large areas, but has grown in popularity for a wide variety of contexts since then.
Borderlands Nursery & Seed is now offering hydroseeding services to southeast Arizona! In 2024 the program acquired hydroseeding equipment from Jim Koweek of AZ Revegetation, a beloved local community member who was retiring after a long career in bringing back plant cover to disturbed landscapes across the borderlands region. Since spring of 2024, Borderlands Restoration Network staff has had a chance to get our feet wet with a number of hydroseeding projects, guided by Jim’s expertise. With our ecological and botanical knowledge, combined with training from Jim based on his vast experience with hydroseeding and rangeland restoration, we hope to become your “go to” source for revegetation using appropriate native seed mixes curated by our staff.
Hydroseeding combines seed with hydromulch, water, and a binding agent called tackifier. These ingredients are combined in the large holding tank in the hydroseeding machine, and then sprayed out onto the landscape with hoses. The hydromulch absorbs water and helps to protect the seeds from the elements, then provides additional nutrients as it breaks down. The tackifier, a plant based additive made from Plantago species, helps the slurry stick to the ground, which is especially important on slopes. Additionally, the hydromulch and tackifier help to suppress weeds as the seeds germinate.
One critical component of seeding success, no matter the application method, is “seed-to-soil contact.” This means that seeds will be more likely to germinate if a large portion of their surface area is in contact with the soil, helping them to access moisture, warmth, and nutrients required to germinate and grow. With poor seed-to-soil contact, seeds can wash away with rain or wind, they can desiccate on the surface, prohibiting germination. They can also have difficulty accessing water after germination, causing poorly-developed root systems and stunted growth. Hydroseeding is a great way of increasing seed-to-soil contact, while giving the seeds a jumpstart with added moisture, nutrients, and protection. Hydroseeding is less expensive than planting sod or container plants for larger areas, and it is more efficient and effective than broadcasting naked seeds which are likely to be gobbled up by critters. Plus, hydroseeding with native species benefits the ecosystem by helping to control erosion and providing habitat for wildlife.
We want to bring hydroseeding to a diverse clientele in the borderlands including homeowners, public land managers, departments of transportation and public works, and ranchers! If you are interested in this service, send us an email at horticulture@borderlandsrestoration.org and we will schedule a site visit to get you a quote!