Find the Best Hydromulching Solutions Near You

Hydromulching is the industry standard for restoring the productivity and health of damaged and depleted soils. This innovative and effective process mixes a slurry of water, seed, fertiliser and fibre mulch. It also includes a tackifier, which is a kind of bonding agent that holds the slurry together and allows it to stick to the surface of the depleted soils when sprayed.

The slurry is operated and directed by a contractor who uses a hydromulching machine. This machine is generally a spray cannon, referred to as a ‘boom’, affixed on top of a truck for easy mobilisation. The distance and amount of slurry these booms can spray varies depending on the model, but the distance averages over 100 metres. The large spray distance of the boom makes hydromulch seed mix particularly effective for large-scale, emergency vegetation projects, as the slightest exposure of the soil to wind, water and sun can cause further erosion.

If you’re unfamiliar with the process, you might think that hydromulching and hydroseeding are just variations of revegetation strategies. For a layman, that might be true as both hydromulching and hydroseeding are highly effective methods of rebuilding the health of soil.

A hydromulching machine can reach into difficult areas and spread slurry across large areas in less time than other methods like hand seeding, drill seeding or sod applications. Generally, both hydromulching and hydroseeding techniques result in a much thicker and healthier vegetation.

However, there are some key differences between hydromulching and hydroseeding:

• Hydroseeding relies on water to carry seed and fertiliser onto the soil.
• Hydromulch seed mix, on the other hand, adds wood fibre or fibre mulch to act as a cover for the seed.
• The addition of the fibre mulch helps the slurry retain moisture, which means faster and more uniform germination and growth.
• The fibre mulch also plays an important role in protecting the soil from erosion, animals and water erosion caused by rain. This is especially important if the soil in question is more prone to run-off from sitting on a slope.
• Hydromulching services rely on the same type of equipment as hydroseeding.

In Australia, the cost of hydromulching varies depending on a few factors. These include:

• Size of your property or planting area
• Seed type you choose based on your soil type and growing conditions
• Seed density
• How prepared your soil is for slurry application — for example, if the ground requires additional topsoil or grading, this will increase your hydromulching costs

It is important to note that larger projects can cost less than smaller projects, causing little difference between residential and commercial projects. Why is that? Well, in terms of fixed costs, hydromulching services still take the same amount of time, expertise and equipment to perform a project of any size. If you have a larger area to cover, it distributes the hydromulching costs so it may work out to be cheaper.

The average cost to hire hydromulching services can vary between $0.06 and $0.20 per square foot of land. The cost sits between $2,000 and $4,000 per acre. However, if you have less than an acre of land, your contractor might charge you by the hour instead. In this case, their professional rate applies and you may pay between $24 and $30 per hour.

Even though hydromulching services are more involved than hand planting, the results are far better and consistent. Hydromulching also follows the climate conditions for spring and autumn planting for successful revegetation.

Here are a couple of ground rules for revegetation using hydromulch seed mix:

• The best time to plant is during autumn as the slurry mixture has time to adhere and the seeds gain energy in the soil for a successful germination phase in the spring.
• However, it is fine if you’re also hydromulching in the spring! Just make sure the ground temperatures are between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. They should stay this way for at least six weeks after hydromulching. That’s why it’s so important to get the timing right.
• The uniform application of a hydromulch machine results in the vegetation taking just 5 to 7 days to start sprouting (given the right temperature conditions, of course). You’ll need to keep a close eye on the growth and care for the soil over the next several weeks.

Seedbeds need constant moisture, so you should watch the weather. If there’s rain in the forecast, you get a free pass! Temperature matters, too — if it hits 29 degrees Celsius and there’s humidity, avoid watering your seedbed because this could lead to fungus. Shady areas of your property need a longer time to dry the mulch before you can water again.

Your grass seed growth should reach about three inches in the first month. Plan to mow down to about one and a half inches. After the first mow, you can taper off the watering frequency to one to two inches of water per week.

While it is possible to hydromulch yourself, it requires specific equipment and expertise to achieve optimal results. Hydromulching involves mixing seed, mulch, fertiliser, and water in a hydromulcher and then spraying the mixture evenly over the prepared area. Professional hydromulching services ensure proper application techniques, appropriate seed selection, and the correct mix ratios, which are crucial for successful growth. Hiring a professional can save you time, effort, and potential mistakes, leading to a more effective and efficient project outcome.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality hydromulchers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer hydromulching solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Central Coast.

The easiest way to get quick and competitive quotes for hydromulching is to use iseekplant’s Get a Quote tool. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au for your personalised service today.

Hydroseeding and hydromulching are similar processes but differ primarily in the materials used. Hydroseeding involves spraying a slurry of water, seed, fertiliser, and a tackifier onto the soil surface. Hydromulching, on the other hand, includes mulch in the mixture, which provides a protective layer that helps retain moisture, prevents erosion, and supports seed germination. The mulch component in hydromulching offers additional benefits for soil stabilisation and plant growth, making it more suitable for areas prone to erosion.

Hydroseed can grow on hard ground, but the success rate is significantly lower without proper soil preparation. For optimal results, the ground should be loosened, aerated, and potentially amended with topsoil or organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Hard or compacted soils can inhibit root penetration and water infiltration, which are essential for seed germination and plant establishment. Proper site preparation enhances the chances of successful growth and long-term vegetation health.

Hydroseeding without topsoil is possible, but it may not be as effective, especially on poor-quality or compacted soils. Topsoil provides a fertile and loose medium that promotes seed germination and root development. In cases where topsoil is not available, soil amendments such as compost or organic matter can be incorporated to improve soil conditions. Hydroseeding directly onto existing soil may require additional fertilisation and maintenance to ensure successful plant establishment.

Rain can potentially wash away hydroseed, particularly if it occurs immediately after application or if the slope is steep. The tackifier in the hydroseed mixture helps bind the seed to the soil, reducing the risk of washout. However, heavy or prolonged rainfall can still cause erosion and displacement of the seeds. To mitigate this, it's essential to apply hydroseed in favourable weather conditions and use erosion control measures such as straw blankets or mulch to protect the seeded area until the vegetation is established.