overview
Hydraulic mulch (commonly called "hydromulch") consists of smallpieces of cellulose fibers, which can be made completely from woodwaste or recovered paper. In the process of hydroseeding, a mixture of water,seeds, and hydraulic mulch is sprayed over bare soil to quicklypromote plant growth. Hydroseeding is commonly used to re-vegetatealong medians, embankments, and roadways. Hydraulic mulch stabilizessoil, prevents wind and water erosion, and provides protection andwarmth for seeds, helping them grow. Hydraulic mulch also controls weeds,reducing or eliminating the need for pesticides.
laws & guidelines
Federal procurement guidelinesresulting from an Executive Order recommendthat agencies purchase paper-based hydraulic mulch with 100%post-consumer content or wood-based hydraulic mulch with 100%recycled content. State and local governments are encouraged tofollow these guidelines.
performance
Hydroseeding is a good alternative tousing sod, and often a better choice. When you compare startingvegetation with hydroseeding to using sod, hydroseeding takes lesstime to apply, provides uniform growth, and provides moisture.
Performance of recycled-contenthydraulic mulch is comparable to that made from virginwood or paper. Contact a specific vendor for a product specificationsheet to analyze performance.
availability
For information on availability,check with your contractor, landscapesupply vendors, or erosion control contractors.
cost
The cost of recycled-contenthydraulic mulch is comparable to that made of virgin materials.Seeding with hydraulic mulch is approximately one-half the cost ofusing sod.
specifications
Mulch and hydroseeding specificationsdepend on type of product and intended use. Some generalspecifications to consider are material content, moisture content,organic matter, pH, and water-holding capacity. Require yourcontractors to use recycled-content hydraulic mulch for all yourhydroseeding projects.
vendors
Check with your local distributor oryour contractor for recycled-content hydraulic mulch. Look in theYellow Pages under "Erosion Control." Also, check listingsin the
MinnesotaRecycled Products Directory, or call the Minnesota Office ofenvironmental Assistance at 800/657-3843 for a copy.
The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency's Comprehensive ProcurementGuidelines identifies national manufacturers andsuppliers of hydraulic mulch with recycled content. The followingMinnesota vendors sell hydraulic mulch:
MAT, Inc.
Contact: Greg Johnson
Floodwood, MN
800/488-8046
fax:715/398-3191
Products: MatBlendTM 100% recycled-content hydro mulch (50% recycled newsprintand 50% post-industrial wood); Mat FiberTM and SoilGuardTM 100%post-industrial wood mulch products.
Paul's Insulation, Inc.
Contact: ScottTeigen
Vergas, MN
800/627-5190
fax: 218/342-3050
Products: 85%recycled-content hydro mulch (recycled newsprint).
success stories
Hydraulic Mulch and Hydroseeding
Duane Stenlund of the Minnesota Department of Transportation's
Office of Environmental Services works extensively with different
types of mulch to temporarily stabilize soils on sites. He has been
working with Floodwood, Minnesota-based MAT, Inc., and Jackson
Landscape Supply in Lakeville, Minnesota, to try different materials
to find the best choice for various sites. The Office's current
project is researching and testing materials for a site in Inver
Grove Heights, Minnesota. They are creating mulches and blankets
using a variety of materials, including recovered wood, paper and
fiber, compost, and straw.
Mn/DOT Office of Environmental Services
Dwayne Stenlund, Natural Resource Specialist, Senior Ecologist
651/779-5638
dwayne.stenlund@dot.state.mn.us
MAT, Inc.
800/488-8046
Jackson Landscape Supply
Bill Jackson
952/435-6927
