Program Outline
I.
Hydroseeding – 40% (16 hrs)
Purpose:
To provide an organized
presentation of Hydroseeding with regard to:
- The Basics
- Different Types and Tactics
- Designing and Pricing a Job
- Current and New Technology
- Regional Practices
- Common Problems and Solutions
A.
The Basics
1.
What is Hydroseeding?
Hydroseeding, is a seed planting process. The process is
fast, efficient, and economical. This planting process
is usually more effective than conventional seeding and,
in the case of grasses, is certainly more economical
than conventional sodding.
The
process begins by mixing mulch, seed, fertilizer,
tackifier, dye and water in the tank of a hydro-mulching
machine. The mixed material is then pumped from the tank
and sprayed evenly onto the ground over a wide area. The
material is often referred to as a slurry, much like a
soupy batch of green papier-mâché. Once applied to the
soil, the material enhances initial growth by providing
a micro-environment beneficial to seed germination.
·
Water
is the carrier for the
mixture and also provides moisture to the soil. In hot
and dry areas, a contractor might spray water over the
ground before the hydroseeding process starts. The extra
water lowers the soil temperature and provides a good
base for the hydromixture.
·
The seed
varies by the area and the wishes of the client, varying
from lawn seed to native seeds with wildflowers added
in. In many areas, government contracts call for native
seed, and even homeowners are requesting natives.
·
Fertilizers
can be added to enhance growth. Other products, such as
inoculants, soil amendments or chemicals to improve the
pH of the soil, can be added to the mix as needed.
·
Mulch
helps protect the seed and seals in moisture. Either
paper or wood or a mixture of the two can be used.
·
Tackifiers,
to anchor the mixture to slopes and help seal in
moisture, are a common addition.
·
A dye
is often added for aesthetic purposes and so the
operator can easily see what area has been covered and
how well it is covered.
2.
When is Hydroseeding Performed?
Hydroseeding is
performed for various reasons:
·
For new golf course construction
·
New home lawns
·
New highway construction
·
For reclamation of mine sites
·
To temporarily protect exposed soils from
erosion by water and wind
3.
What are the Advantages of Hydroseeding?
·
Faster
germination
·
Increased plant
survival
·
The ability to
cover large, inaccessible areas
·
The cost is less
than that of sod even over flat areas,
·
It’s a more
viable option in areas that are too steep to apply sod
·
Seed applied in
a hydroseed mix will generally show growth and develop
turf faster than broadcast seed.
4.
Equipment and Supplies
·
Equipment Types
Used
·
Types of Mulch
q
When/where to
use Mulch
q
When/Where to go
with little or no mulch
·
Types of
Tackifier
·
Other additives
q
Fertilizer
q
Inoculants
q
Soil amendments
·
Mulch
Application Rates
q
The Mix in the
Tank / The Application on the Ground
·
Evaluating Site
Conditions
q
Soil conditions
q
Topography
q
Season and
Climate
q
Water
Availability
q
Vegetation Types
q
Sensitive
Adjacent Areas
·
Inspection and
Maintenance
·
Problems/
Experience
q
War Stories
q
What to watch
for
q
Solutions for
Standard problems
·
Ways to Develop
the Business (Marketing?)
Hydroseeding Info Sources
http://www.cabmphandbooks.com/Documents/Construction/EC-4.pdf
http://www.igin.com/Landscaping/hydro_seeding.html
http://www.forester.net/ec_0109_hydroseeding.html
II.
Business Topics – 20% (8 hours)
A.
Getting Started
1.
Which
business entity is right for you?
a.
Sole proprietorship
b.
Limited Liability Company
c.
Corporation
·
S corporation
2.
Registering with your state and local governments
a.
What is required?
b.
Can you do it yourself?
c.
Business advisors – do you need one?
·
Accountant
·
Attorney
·
Other alternatives
3.
Insurance
a.
Liability
b.
Vehicle and equipment
c.
Bonding
d.
Worker’s compensation
4.
Financial
records and statements
a.
Checking account
b.
Debit and credit cards
c.
Loans
d.
Record keeping
e.
Budgets
5.
Employees
a.
Hiring
b.
Training
c.
Payroll
d.
State and federal labor laws
e.
Discipline/ firing
6.
Marketing
a.
Product – what are you really selling?
b.
Price – designing and pricing a job
c.
Place – what/ who is your target market?
d.
Promotion
·
Advertising
·
Business cards
·
Signs
·
Other methods
e.
The marketing budget
f.
The marketing plan
7.
Taxes
a.
Income taxes
b.
Payroll taxes
c.
Sales taxes
d.
Property/ real estate taxes
B.
Moving Forward
1.
Establishing supplier relationships
a.
What is your optimum inventory level?
b.
What is the required lead time?
2.
Securing a
loan
a.
Lender relationships
b.
Writing a business plan
c.
Financial statements
3.
When to
expand
III.
Soil and Fertility Basics – 15% (6 hours)
IV.
Turfgrass Science – 15% (6 hours)
V.
Erosion Control – 10 % (4 hours)
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