If you need to quickly seed a large area, traditional seeding methods can often fall short. Not only are they time-consuming, but they can also be ineffective in environments with poor soil conditions or uneven terrain. 

That’s where hydromulching can help, ensuring even coverage while also accelerating growth. However, those not in the industry may be unfamiliar with this term, so what exactly is hydromulching? The team at Oliver Brown Ltd is here to explain everything you need to know.

What is hydromulching?

To put it simply, hydromulching is a revegetation technique that involves spraying a hydromulch mix over a large area of soil. Although it’s similar to hydroseeding, a hydromulch mix, as the name suggests, contains a higher proportion of mulch. This acts as a protective barrier to prevent erosion and shield the seedlings from inclement weather. 

How does hydromulching work?

A hydromulch mix typically consists of water, seed, fertiliser, mulch, tackifiers, inert organic fibres and more. This is then combined on-site to create a slurry that is sprayed over the ground using high-pressure equipment; the mix will be kept agitated throughout the process to ensure uniform coverage. Here at Oliver Brown Ltd, we have experienced operators and a range of machinery on hand to pump this slurry and ensure the seeds reach the appropriate depth.

Each component of the mix has a unique function; the fertiliser provides the seedlings with the necessary nutrients, the mulch suppresses weeds and improves soil condition, and the tackifier has adhesive properties to ensure the mix binds together.

Benefits of hydromulching

There are many reasons why you might choose hydromulching over hydroseeding or more traditional seeding methods, such as:

• Faster application: Hydromulching allows you to cover large expanses of land quickly and is a much easier way of vegetating difficult terrain, such as steep slopes, verges and other hard-to-access areas.
  

• Prevents erosion: The slurry mix protects the soil from the impact of heavy rain or wind, preventing the seeds from being displaced and the soil from washing away.
  
• Site-specific: Here at Oliver Brown Ltd, we can survey your site and take a soil sample to assess the soil characteristics and identify any imbalances that might affect growth. Then, we can create a site-specific hydromulch mixture that is tailored to your unique soil conditions. 
• Accelerates growth: The slurry mix will help to retain moisture and improve soil conditions, leading to a higher germination rate – you may see significant growth within a matter of weeks.
• Environmentally friendly: Hydromulching uses completely organic, non-toxic material, making it safe and eco-friendly for the surrounding plants and wildlife.
• Protects seeds from birds: It’s not just bad weather that you need to worry about; birds can also displace the soil. Hydromulch acts as a protective barrier and prevents birds from pecking away at the seeds before they sprout.

When is the best time for hydromulching?

Generally, the best time of year for hydromulching is early autumn or late spring. The milder temperatures and natural rainfall ensure the best possible conditions for the seeds to grow, however, be wary of any unexpected frost.

If you think hydromulching may be a beneficial landscaping solution for your land, get in touch with the team at Oliver Brown Ltd today. As a leading hydromulching contractor, we offer a wide array of services to a diverse range of customers across the UK – contact us to find out more.