For those that are new to hydro seeding, Hydro Seeding Mulch is what gives the greenish blue color to hydro seeding jobs.  It primarily serves to seal in moisture for faster germination and to protect the soil from erosion.

Hydro Seeding Mulch comes in a number of varieties.  They all have their strengths and weaknesses.  They all work well in their intended application.   

PAPER OR CELLULOSE HYDRO SEEDING MULCH.   This is an excellent product and the most popular product in residential hydro seeding.  It is made from recycled newsprint that is chopped up and compressed into a square bale shaped bag.  Bales will generally weigh between 33 and 50 pounds depending on the manufacturer.  Paper mulch is usually applied at a rate between 1000 - 1200 pounds per acre.  It will form a thin paper mache crust that protects the seed and seals the surface.  It is important not to apply the material too thickly.  Most of the manufacturers who make cellulose or paper mulch also manufacture blown in insulation.  The two materials look a lot alike, but there are some differences.  The insulation will have a fire retardant incorporated.  Mulch may have surfactants that assist in making a good slurry, or anti foaming chemicals.   It is not a good idea to try to use blown in insulation for a mulch, and no, the fire retardant won't keep lawns from burning out (joke).

PELLETIZED MULCH.  The first pelletized hydroseeding mulch was developed by the Spittle Company (Now Profile Products) in 1996.  This is a mulch that looks like rabbit food.   It is composed of 20 % wood and 80% recycled paper.  The biggest advantage is fast loading.  You can pour a bag into a machine in seconds.   It is a little more expensive than paper mulch.  Generally it should be applied at 1100 to 1300 pounds per acre. 

WOOD MULCH  is made from wood byproducts.  Usually this is the parts of a log they can't use for anything else.   It too, is a good product.  It is much harder to use than paper mulch.  There are strings of woody material up to 1 1/8" long which can clog easier than other products.  The wood material will not absorb the moisture as quickly as paper mulch.  They way it works is different than paper.  It intertwines and is almost like miniaturized straw that gives shade to the soil surface.  Wood mulch is often the material specified in highway and roadside projects.  It takes more material to do the same job.  Wood mulch should be applied between 1400 and 2000 pounds to the acre.  

COMBINATION MULCHES  are made from a mixture of wood and paper mulch.  You might find any combination in the mix.   The people who like this product think it is the best of both products.  Combination mulches are easier to use than wood mulches, and are applied with a little heavier application than is paper mulch.

BONDED FIBER MATRIX came onto the market several years ago. It was intended for areas that are challenging from an erosion control standpoint.  The goal was to have a product with the holding power of an erosion control blanket and the ease of application that goes along with hydro seeding.   The product that created the biggest impact was Soil Guard.  It had tremendous holding power.  It was difficult to use.  When Soil Guard came out, they required you to attend training classes before you could buy it.  The best results were by using a mechanical hydro seeding unit with a gear pump.  Mechanically agitated hydroseeders using a centrifugal pump did not handle the product well.  Jet units did not handle it well.  Other products trying to compete with soil guard came up with products that were easier to use.  Many products on the market now can be used in most any hydro seeding systems without difficulty. 

Manufacturers of Hydro Seeding Mulch

Advanced Fiber (WEB), OH  513-860-4446

AM-Turf,   MI  248-814-0640

Applegate, Webberville, MI,  800-627-7536 

Applegate, Cornelia GA 888-427-7534

Applegate, Hickory, KY  888-502-7753

Applegate, Monroe LA, 800-854-1907

Applegate, Buffalo,  MN, 800-458-8363

Applegate, Chambersburg, PA 800-231-1939  

Central Fiber (Second Nature) (WEB) KS-OH, 800-654-6117 E-Mail

Conwed Fibers, NC,  (WEB) 800-366-1180, 

C.D.D.  Inc.  OH, 800-433-7876  

Eco Fiber  (WEB),  BC Canada 604-521-9650

EZ Mulch, IL, 815-368-3343

FiberMulch,  Ontario, Canada 416-663-4240

Greenstone, California  (WEB) 800-655-9754 E-Mail 

Hamilton Manufacturing,  (WEB)  ID, 208-733-9689

Mat Inc,  1-888-477-3028

National Fiber,  (WEB) MA, 800-282-7711 E-Mail 

Nu-Wool,   (Web), MI 

Oklahoma Fibers, OK 580-286-4363

Matt Products, WA 

Pinnacle Industries NY 800-258-4633 WEB

Profile Products,   (WEB), 800-777-1361

South West Environmental. TX 903-531-2211

Suburban,  MS, 800-231-1939

Thermoguard, MT, 800-821-5310

Therm-O-Comfort, (WEB) 1-817-684-3766 (toll free) E-Mail

Thermo Kool of Alaska, 907-563-3644

Wood Recyling, MA, 800-982-8732