Erosion Control : The Role of Hydroseeding
Erosion is one of the biggest threats to New Zealand's North Island coastal and urban environments. The solution? Hydroseeding — a method that doubles as both landscaping and erosion control, delivering instant soil cover and long-term stability. Here’s how:
Instant Soil Stabilisation
Mulch & Seed in One Pass: A hydroseeding rig lays down a protective mulch layer with seed and nutrients, binding soil immediately.
Rapid Germination: Green shoots appear in about a week, interlocking with mulch to form a living barrier against wash-out.
Outperforming Traditional Methods
Versus Blankets and Mats: Erosion control blankets require pinning and overlap; hydroseeding is seamless and covers awkward shapes easily.
Reduced Sediment Runoff: Field data from Auckland projects shows up to 40% less sediment in stormwater compared to bare ground or conventional seed methods.
Practical Tips for Engineers
Site Assessment: Check slope gradient, soil type and drainage paths before selecting slurry mix.
Mix Selection: Add extra tackifiers on steep or high-rainfall sites to improve adhesion.
Monitoring: Inspect within two weeks to confirm germination.
Project Snapshot: On a West Auckland motorway embankment, hydroseeding cut post-storm maintenance by 50% compared to traditional seeding.
Bottom Line:
Hydroseeding offers a reliable, cost-effective approach to erosion control on slopes, embankments and disturbed areas. For engineering projects, it’s the quickest route from exposed dirt to a stable, self-sustaining green surface.
Get in touch with our team here to get your erosion under control.
By Tony Beetham
