Hydroseeding offers and alternative to traditional erosion control

Contributed by
Sallee Gaines Lang

“I can’t get anything to grow in my yard!” or “My ground is eroding away!” These are common cries for help that Will Atkinson hears frequently. After serving as a Mariposa County Sheriff’s Deputy for 16 years, Will, his wife Megan, and their nine-year-old twin boys went into business and established Foothill Hydroseeding, which is based in Mariposa.

Hydroseeding is basically a spray-on mulch mix that consists of paper, wood, straw and water. Different types of seed are added to the mix, plus a tackifier, which is a soil stabilizer that attaches the material to the soil to prevent run off. Depending on the seed application, the hydroseeding process also includes appropriate fertilizer.

According to Atkinson, everything is natural and healthy for the environment. The mulch is sprayed through a fire-type hose by a high-pressure water pump. The seed and support materials take root and support the topsoil, preventing damage from erosion and saving homeowners from more expensive processes.

“A homeowner in Idle Wheels called with a problem that maintenance workers had sprayed herbicide all over her hill; consequently, nothing would grow, and the ground was eroding,” Atkinson said. “We installed Jute, which is a fabric hillside blanket that stabilizes the topsoil. Then we hydroseeded on top of the jute. She saw results in two weeks,” Atkinson explained

Atkinson explained that the best time for developing a new lawn is in the spring and fall. Erosion control can be done at any time. “When dirt is freshly removed is the ideal time for hydroseeding, before it packs,” Atkinson added.

Reportedly, hydroseeding is one third of the cost of installing sod.

Foothill Hydroseeding has performed work for several Mariposa businesses and private homeowners. The family operation also does landscape blanket installation, waddle installation, (which diverts water flow from run-off), as well as silt fencing to control flow.

“We’ve just celebrated our one-year anniversary, and we’re off to a great start,” Atkinson said.

The work performed by Foothill Hydroseeding is pet friendly. Discounts are offered to veterans, active first responders, and senior citizens. The company provides its services to Mariposa, Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.

Foothill Hydroseeding is licensed and insured and can be reached at (209) 628-5679, or by email at [email protected].