The Power of Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a fairly new industry in Alabama and Georgia. However, it is ingenious method of erosion control that is very effective and less costly than other methods of growing grasses on large areas of soil.

A Brief History of Hydroseeding

In 1935 a man named Charles Finn invented a machine that chopped and distributed straw for mulching purposes to protect land covered with grass seed from wind and water erosion that caused the seeds to be carried away before establishing roots in the exposed soil.

Nearly two decades later in 1953, Finn introduced what he marketed as the “Hydroseeder.” This was an invention that is much closer to the hydroseeeding technology that companies like Burns Environmental employ today.

With the expansion of hydroseeding technology across the United States and the world, environmental companies have helped to manage some of the erosion issues that are caused by increasing development in Alabama. 

However, given that Alabama is the 4th most ecologically endangered state in the US, the conserving work that hydroseeding is able to do is not a thing of the past.

Hydroseeding Basics

Hydroseeding as it is today describes a process by which professionals apply a liquid mixture of seed, soil amendments, fertilizer, and mulch to an area of exposed soil in order to more effectively grow perennial grasses that improve soil health and prevent erosion.

Shortly after the liquid mixture, called the “slurry,” is applied to the exposed piece of land, the seeds begin to sprout roots and leaves and hydroseeding makes its mark by protecting the land in several ways:

• Wind Erosion
  • Because soil particles are held more tightly in place by grass roots–these roots can reach as far as a foot into the soil–strong winds are unable to carry nearly as much soil away from a piece of land with grasses covering the land than if the soil were bare.
• Water Erosion
  • Blades of grass absorb the impact of rain droplets, decreasing the negative impact of water droplet erosion. Grasses also slow down the speed of running water which keeps flood waters from being able to carry as much soil away.
  • The extensive root systems of grasses allow soils to absorb more water, therefore decreasing the amount of water that runs along the surface of the soil.

Money-saving Benefits of Hydroseeding

Not only is hydroseeding effective in growing perennial grasses to prevent erosion in Alabama, it is also much more cost-effective than other common methods of seeding like scattering seed or laying turf.

So, if you are a home or business owner or a developer, hydroseeding is the economic choice for you.

Burns Environmental–Alabama Hydroseeding Experts

At Burns Environmental we understand the need for erosion control to safeguard our state’s ecology.

We are able to meet this need for erosion control with hydroseeding services and expertise, so that you can know that your work site is protected from the harmful effects of erosion and that your development is not contributing to the rampant problem of erosion in Alabama.