Hydroseeding in Independence Township, MI

Hydroseeding in Independence Township means seeding hills. The township sits along the Hillsdale-Lapeer Moraine, and Pine Knob, at 1,221 feet, is the highest point in southeast Michigan. Waterford Hill nearby reaches 1,150 feet, and Olympus Circle on top of it is the highest residential street in the township. Steep driveways, sloped front yards and walkouts are normal here.

Why moraine ground is different

A moraine is a ridge of mixed glacial material. You can find sand, gravel and clay within the same yard, and the sandy pockets dry out fast while the clay spots stay wet. We look at the soil in a few places before choosing a mulch rate and seed mix, and on fast-draining slopes we use a heavier hydromulch so the seed stays moist long enough to root.

Thirty lakes on one river

The Clinton River winds through the township and creates more than thirty named lakes. That puts many homes within a short walk of the water, and within 500 feet of a lake triggers Oakland County's permit rule for work over 225 square feet in communities using the county program. On a lake lot we keep silt fence along the shore side until the grass covers.

Farms to subdivisions

Independence was mainly agricultural until I-75 opened through the township in 1962, after which many farms gave way to subdivisions and strip malls. Old field soil under a 1970s lot can be good, but cut-and-fill grading on hills often left subsoil exposed on the high side and deep fill on the low side.

A typical hill job

• Fix drainage at the top so water does not run over the slope
• Add topsoil on the cut side
• Hydroseed with tackifier, adding blankets on the steepest pitch
• Silt fence at the toe or along the shore

Get a free estimate or call (313) 546-6862.