Seed bed prep, compost spreading

Through a network of seed suppliers, we are able to provide and install a wide variety of native grasses and forbs using multiple methods of planting, primarily drill seeding and hydroseeding. (Click on images to enlarge.)

Hanford ARC owns two drill seeders, one wildland and one Brillion, and four hydroseeders ranging from 500 gallons to 3,300 gallons. Our recent purchase of a Truax Rough Rider wildland drill has expanded our capacity to seed large areas of native grassland at rates of up to 30 acres/day.

Drill seeding in Berkeley California

The drill seeder functions as follows: three seed boxes (cool season, light and heavy seed) hold the seed. Agitators in the boxes drop the seed into a series of planters. Ten individually articulating planters open a slot in the ground, drop the seed in the slot, and press the slot closed. The seed is effectively planted to an optimal depth, with little waste. The seeder can be calibrated to the rate required for each type of seed, and can be pulled by a wheeled or crawler tractor, both of which we own. Advantages of the drill include large scale production, efficient planting of seed, minimal soil disturbance, and the ability to overseed or seed species in stages.

Truax drill in ground, close up

As an alternative restoration tool, Hanford ARC offers hydroseeding of native grassland. In areas where drill seeding is not feasible for native grass restoration, such as steep slopes, planted areas, areas with above ground irrigation, or sites less than five contiguous acres, hydroseeding is usually a viable alternative to drill seeding. An advantage to hydroseeding is that one application can include seed, fertilizer, mulch, and tackifier. Other amendments, such as compost and mycorrhizal inoculum may also be added to the slurry.

Festuca rubra, Hordeum brachyantherum, Leymus triticoides

Other services related to native grassland restoration include broadcast seeding, broadcasting of fertilizer and compost, and soil preparation for seeding. We have equipment to disc, harrow, cultivate and rake.