Oklahoma Hydroseeding: Process, Cost and Finding Top Contractors

Introduction to Hydroseeding in Oklahoma

Hydroseeding, also known as hydraulic mulch seeding, is an efficient process to sow grass seeds, fertilizer, mulch and other components on uneven terrain and slopes where grass is difficult to grow using traditional methods. It is highly popular for erosion control and establishing vegetation cover on roadsides, construction sites, pipelines, mining sites and other such properties in Oklahoma.

What is Hydroseeding Exactly

Hydroseeding involves mixing and spraying grass seeds, water retaining agents, fertilizer, mulch and other additives as slurry on the target area using high pressure pumps and hoses. This allows the hydroseeding mixture to easily cover large areas and penetrate uneven terrains to sow the seeds. The process leads to accelerated germination and faster grass cover compared to manual seeding.

Benefits of Hydroseeding

Some key advantages of hydroseeding are:

• Covers large areas faster and more uniformly than manual seeding
• Saves labor costs as spraying is faster with better coverage
• Seeds are properly embedded into the soil leading to better germination
• Mulch and tackifiers prevent seed displacement and conserve moisture for faster growth
• Good sowing performance even on steep slopes and rough terrain
• Can incorporate fertilizer, soil amendments and other additives as required

Why Hydroseed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's climate with hot summers, cold winters and droughts makes it challenging to grow and sustain thick vegetation cover. Soil erosion is a common issue across the state's farmlands and industrial sites. Hydroseeding provides an advanced grass planting technique customized for local climate and soil conditions.

Tackling Climate Challenges

Summer heatwaves and winter freezes make it hard for grass seeds to germinate and establish in Oklahoma's climate. Hydroseeding allows you to select heat and drought tolerant grass varieties suited for the local weather conditions. It embeds the seeds into the ground with mulch, tackifiers and soil amendments for better moisture retention and growth.

Preventing Soil Erosion

Erosion control is vital across Oklahoma's farmlands, forests, parks and industrial facilities to conserve the nutrient rich topsoil. Slopes and exposed terrain are especially vulnerable. Rapid vegetation cover with hydroseeding curbs erosion across such sites until the permanent grass establishes itself and secures the topsoil through its root system.

Hydroseeding Process and Equipment

A typical hydroseeding operation consists of the following components:

Slurry Mixture

The hydroseeding slurry is a mixture of:

• Grass seeds - Selected based on site conditions
• Fertilizers - Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash blends
• Mulch - Cellulose and wood fiber mulch
• Tackifiers - Guar gum and plant based adhesives
• Soil amendments - Gypsum, lime, compost
• Dye - To visually aid application

Pumping System

A typical hydroseeder unit has a tank with mechanical agitation for mixing mounted on a trailer. It uses a high pressure pump to deliver the slurry through hoses towards the spraying unit. Smaller skid mounted units are also available.

Spraying Guns and Nozzles

Handheld spray guns allow precise control over the slurry discharge. Fan shaped nozzles ensure wide distribution across large areas. The pumping pressure can go as high as 2000 psi for excellent atomization and throw distance.

Software Aids

Modern hydroseeding controllers use GPS based software for optimal area coverage planning. It assists with logistics, documentation and record keeping related to acres covered, volumes discharged, areas remaining etc.

How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost in Oklahoma

Typical hydroseeding costs range from 12 to 35 cents per square foot in Oklahoma. Site factors impact prices:

• Difficult terrain - Steep slopes cost more
• Site preparation needs - Compacting, top soiling etc adds expense
• Seed and additive choices - Premium seeds are pricier
• Travel costs - Distance from supplier's location increases price

Economies of scale apply on large acreages. Maintenance services like mowing, reseeding etc are extra.

Value Adds of Hydroseeding

Despite higher initial spending, hydroseeding saves long term costs through:

• Lower labor for grass planting
• Better erosion control reducing loss of topsoil
• Optimal use of seed, fertilizer and amendments
• Decreased costs for runoff and sediment control

Finding Oklahoma Hydroseeding Contractors

When searching for hydroseeding applicators in OK look for:

• Years of local experience and proven application expertise
• Good client references from past municipal and industrial projects
• Latest equipment technology for precision application
• Range of seeds, amendments and additives on offer
• Design services for customized erosion control plans
• Licensed and insured contractor with good safety record

This ensures you get advanced hydroseeding services tailored to Oklahoma's climate and site conditions.

Hydroseeding Associations

Trade associations like International Erosion Control Association (IECA) and Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) have member listings to find reputed hydroseeding applicators in your area.

FAQs

What are the typical components in a hydroseeding mixture?

A typical hydroseeding slurry contains grass seeds, fertilizers, mulch, tackifiers, soil amendments and dye. The seeds depend on the site conditions. Mulch helps retain moisture while tackifiers prevent seed displacement.

How long does it take for hydroseeded grass to establish?

With proper site preparation, adequate irrigation and favourable weather conditions, hydroseeded grass takes 30-45 days to germinate and 60-90 days to fully establish into dense vegetation cover.

What maintenance is required after hydroseeding?

Maintenance tasks include watering the seeded area, applying additional fertilizer, mowing and reseeding thin spots to help the grass establish itself. The site should be monitored for a few months after seeding.

Should I hydroseed before or after rain?

It is best to hydroseed 2-3 days before forecasted rain. The rain helps the seeds, fertilizers and amendments penetrate the soil while keeping the mulch layer intact. Avoid hydroseeding an already soaked site.