Is it Hydroseeding or Hydromulching? Huge Differences Contractors MUST Know in 2026

Premium wood-fiber hydromulch being loaded into a TurfMaker 1200.

Hydromulching Evolved From Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding was devised as a method of distributing and planting seed by spraying seed with water. Hydromulching was later developed as an improved method of hydroseeding. Hydro-seeding became hydro-mulching when mulch was added to the mixture and when the application on the ground was thick enough to hold the seed in place, resist soil erosion, and help retain soil moisture.

For grass to emerge evenly and consistently, it is necessary to hold the seed in place and have moisture for germination. The key to good, consistent grass-growing results is a good mulch application.

Mulch: The Difference in Hydromulching

Scientific research conducted by several universities has shown that certain woods, ground with a special process, make the best mulch. It has also been determined that tackifier significantly improves the performance of all mulches. Today, hydromulching usually implies using a wood mulch, applied at effective rates. The best mulch material is virgin wood fiber containing a tackifier. Effective rates range from 35 to more than 75 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Paper mulch can not be applied at a rate higher than about 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet because it tends to form a detrimental crust.

Contractors who use better mulch material and apply the mulch at higher rates always get better and more consistent results. Quickly applying any mulch slurry at heavier rates requires mixing thicker slurries in the machine and applying more gallons of that slurry on the ground. To do this efficiently, the contractor must have a machine capable of mixing and pumping thicker mulch slurries quickly. The best known machine for this is a TurfMaker.

Hydroseeding machines were originally not designed to mix and pump thick slurries. When hydromulching was developed, a specialized pump manufacturing company was called upon to develop the first hydromulching machine. A true hydromulching machine mixes thick slurries quickly and pumps thick slurries through long hoses. True hydromulching machines have powerful mechanical agitation and a pump designed to pump these thick materials.

Experienced contractors know the cost of unhappy customers and the cost of returning to a job site for a touch-up. Quality-conscious contractors operate hydromulching machinery capable of mixing and pumping thick slurries. Better mulch applications yield better grass-growing results. It’s just good business.

Over the years, ther terminology surrounding hydroseeding and hydromulching has evolved, often leading to confusion. The terms “hydroseeding” and “hydroseeder” are frequently used incorrectly across the industry. In fact, many machiens labeled as hydroseeders are actually hydromulchers – including TurfMaker machines. 

While our equipment is branded as hydroseeders, they are truely high-performance hydromulchers. However, since the industry has widely adopted the term “hydroseeder,” remaning our machines would likely create more confusion than clarity. 

That being said, TurfMaker hydroseeders offer the best hydromulching capabilities in the industry for their respective sizes – delivering unmatched performances and reliability for professionals who demand the best in erosion control. 

The TurfMaker 1200 hydroseeder is ideal for Sod Quality Results™ applications. A quality-minded contractor can apply wood fiber mulch at heavy rates, along with premium seed, tackifiers, fertilizer, and cover up to 7,500 – 10,000 sq ft. with a tank load.