Hydroseeding Slopes and Hillsides: More Than Just Growing Grass
A steep hill or sloped area can be one of the more difficult parts of a property to establish and maintain.
Rainwater moves more quickly across sloped ground, exposed soil can wash away, and traditional seeding methods may struggle to keep seed in place long enough for vegetation to become established.
That is where hydroseeding can offer more than simply a way to grow grass.
When the right materials and application methods are used, hydroseeding can also play an important role in erosion control and slope stabilization.
Why Are Slopes More Vulnerable to Erosion?
On relatively flat ground, rainfall has more opportunity to soak into the soil.
On a slope, water naturally moves downhill. As the speed and amount of runoff increase, water can begin carrying loose soil with it.
Over time, this may lead to:
bare patches
exposed soil
small channels or ruts
loss of topsoil
sediment collecting at the bottom of the slope
difficulty establishing vegetation
Construction and excavation can make the problem even more noticeable because they frequently leave soil exposed and vulnerable to rainfall and runoff.
How Does Hydroseeding Help?
Hydroseeding applies a mixture containing seed, hydraulic mulch, fertilizer, water and selected additives directly over prepared soil.
The mulch does much more than simply hold the seed.
Once cured, the appropriate hydraulic mulch can help stabilize the soil surface, retain moisture and keep seed in place while germination begins. All Ontario Hydroseeding uses different mulch and erosion-control systems depending on the terrain and requirements of the project.
As vegetation becomes established, the developing root system can provide another layer of protection by helping hold the soil together.
Not Every Slope Needs the Same Application
One of the most important things to understand about hydroseeding a hillside is that a gentle slope and a very steep slope should not necessarily be treated the same way.
Slope angle, soil conditions, water flow, accessibility and the intended vegetation all need to be considered.
Traditional hydroseeding may be appropriate for flatter areas and moderate grades.
For more challenging terrain, specialized products such as Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM),
Flexible Growth Medium (FRM), biotic soil media or additional erosion-control products may be recommended.
All Ontario Hydroseeding offers specialized applications for increasingly steep slopes, including additional erosion-control support where site conditions require it.
Vegetation Is Part of the Solution
Choosing the right seed is also important.
The goal on a slope may be different from creating a traditional manicured residential lawn.
Depending on the project, vegetation may be selected for:
rapid establishment
erosion protection
low maintenance
roadside restoration
conservation
reclamation
ground cover
appearance
Seed blends can also combine faster-germinating varieties with slower-growing perennial varieties. The quicker growth provides early cover while longer-term vegetation becomes established.
Where Is Slope Hydroseeding Used?
Hydroseeding for slopes and erosion control can be useful in many different settings, including:
residential hillsides
commercial developments
construction sites
roadside embankments
drainage areas
pond banks
disturbed soil
reclamation projects
municipal and infrastructure projects
The appropriate solution depends on the individual site rather than using the same mixture or application method everywhere.
Ground Preparation Still Matters
Even when erosion-control products are being used, proper ground preparation remains important.
The soil needs to provide an environment where seeds can germinate and developing roots can take hold.
Soil condition, compaction, drainage, slope and existing vegetation should all be considered before an application begins.
Good preparation combined with the correct seed, mulch and erosion-control system gives vegetation a much better opportunity to establish successfully.
Have a Difficult Slope on Your Property?
A hillside does not have to remain bare simply because traditional seeding is difficult.
Hydroseeding can provide an efficient way to establish vegetation while specialized hydraulic mulches and erosion-control products can help protect vulnerable soil during the establishment process.
All Ontario Hydroseeding & Ice Control provides hydroseeding, revegetation, reclamation and erosion-control services for residential, commercial and large-scale projects throughout
Southern Ontario and across the province.
If you have a hillside, embankment or erosion problem that needs attention, contact us to discuss your project and request a no-obligation estimate.
Comments