Fiber Mulch, Tackifier, and Tackifier Applicators
TACKING HAY AND STRAW
Hay or straw (long fiber mulches) are applied over newly seeded areas to provide temporary erosion control, moisture retention and a protective "blanket" that protects the seedbed, thereby creating a 'micro-climate' promoting seed germination and seedling growth. Application rates range from a minimum of 2000 lbs. per acre to as much as 4 tons per acre. Application of these mulches is performed after the initial seeding. This seeding and mulching process is commonly referred to as the 'Two Step Method' (TSM). To protect the seedbed and materials placed, some method of anchoring is often recommended. As the long strand hay or straw mulches were prone to blowing off the site, 'tacking' or sticking the mulch is required to prevent movement of the placed materials. Tacking is most often the most economical means.
FIBER MULCH AND TACKIFIER
Hydraulic fiber mulch is utilized as a hay or straw alternative that readily mixes in a Hydrograsser along with seed, fertilizer, lime, and tackifier, allowing all amendments to be applied simultaneously. This application is commonly referred to as the "One Step Method" (OSM). Fiber Mulch is made primarily from processed wood fibers or recycled paper (or combinations of the two) and is normally packaged in bags or bales weighing 30 to 60 pounds. Most contain a green dye which helps traceability and improves the appearance of the sprayed area. It's use eliminates the need for a separate mulch application. Popularity of hydraulic fiber mulches increased over the years as a clean alternative to hay or straw mulches. This is the most common hydrograssing process today and is often what is considered when hydraulic seeding is called for.
Large scale seeding operations (such as highway reclamation) usually prefer the 'Two Step Method' (TSM) as labor, time and water requirements are significantly reduced, compared with the 'One Step Method'(OSM). For example, with fiber mulch, 3000-3500 gallons of water are required to seed, fertilize and mulch one acre of prepared seedbed. With even the largest machine and the most experienced crew, this is a time and labor consuming practice. Without the fiber mulch, a single acre can be seeded and fertilized with 500-750 gallons of water. To then apply a hay or straw mulch, would require as little as 10 minutes, up to one hour per acre with a Power Mulcher, depending on equipment selection.
Application of hay or straw mulch utilizing a Power Mulcher greatly reduces labor costs and results in a more uniform and effective cover. There is much evidence, also, that these mulches perform better than fiber mulch alone. Compared to other hay or straw application methods, as much as 30 % less material is required when a Power Mulcher is used. For more information on these productivity and cost factors, download a copy of the 'Cost Analysis'.
A 'Tackifier' is a bonding or adhesive agent that is used for hydraulic seeding and hay or straw mulch tacking. As discussed earlier, wind will often blow hay and straw away, while the impact of rain will often cause breakdown of the surface topsoil allowing fines to seal and promote ponding, encouraging the possibility of erosion. Usually tacking was done by spraying an emulsified asphalt emulsion directly with or over the mulch. Because of the environmental and logistical problems associated with petroleum based tackifiers, fiber mulch used either as a tackifier over the long strand mulch or applied using the One Step Method became more common. Fiber mulch alone or as a tackifier is acceptable as long as the mulch retained moisture. If the mulch dried out the tacking becomes ineffective.
In search of a solution, the Reinco research and development team introduced the first biodegradable powdered tackifier in 1968. This multi purpose product called 'Terra Tack™' (which became the industry benchmark for performance), could be used to effectively keep hay and straw mulch in place. Reinco Mulch Binder (RMBplus) was an improved formulation of the earlier products. Readily mixed with water in a hydrograsser or similiar mixing/spraying apparatus, the tackifier slurry is then oversprayed onto the long fiber mulch and when cured becomes a permeable linked mat. This method of seeding is now aptly referred to as the 'Three Step Method' (3SM).
As a multi purpose tackifier, this product alternately keeps fiber mulch in place when used as a one step application.
Today, TRACER™ TACKIFIER is an improved formulation which is applied at 5 lbs per acre verses the earlier 100 lb rate. TRACER™ TACKIFIER tackifier, added to fiber mulch increases the mulch's ability to resist wind and rainfall impact and sheet erosion.
Tracer™ Tackifier
Reinco TRACER™ Tackifier is a powdered, multipurpose, hay and straw tackifier, fiber mulch binder, and temporary soil stabilizer, designed for mixing in a Hydrograsser, Tackifier applicator, or with similar equipment, for use by professional landscape contractors.
The formulation includes a Tracing agent, or dye, useful by both contractors and inspectors, in metering application over long fiber mulches.
This product is the latest in our tackifier line that spans several decades. It replaces our prior formulations that include: Terra Tack™, Terra Tack™ AR, Terra Tack™ MP, and RMBplus.
Product Uses
- Hydraulic Seeding
- Erosion Control
- Storm Water Run-off
- Slope Stabilization
- Dust Control
- Silt Control
- Construction and Development
- Roadway vegetation installation
- Alternate Daily Cover (ADC) in Landfills
- Non traffic path and road surfaces
- Agricultural soil displacement protection
- Forestry and Logging site remediation
Application
Mixing Instructions
- Mix and apply Tracer Tackifier with a Hydrograsser, Tackifier applicator, or with similar equipment.
- Tracer Tackifier may be used alone or in combination with other materials and methods.
- Tracer Tackifier may be applied to the soil surface prior to mulch application for increased soil stabilization.
- End user may, at own risk, modify the recommended application rates based upon design specification and experience:
- For best results, with tank 1/4-1/3 full and while agitating, slowly add Tracer tackifier to a point of greatest agitation to promote even distribution within the water.
- Add any additional ingredients required while completing the tank fill.
- Maintain mixing throughout transportation and application.
- Clean by flushing tank, lines and hose with clear water.
Tracer is compatible with other materials commonly used in hydraulic plantings.
Specialized Tacking Equipment
HG-2
Quick Link to Specifications This 8 horsepower, 250 gallon capacity machine fits in the back of a half ton pickup truck to apply a half acre charge of tackifier slurry over new mulch. Available skid or trailer mounted. Standard 1-1/4" hose is utilized to spray up to 180 feet with extention hoses. As a 'Mini-Hydrograsser' mix up a slurry to do small patch or washout repairs up to 21000 square foot applications.
