Growing grass on a steep hill?

[dmcdonald]

I've got a customer that would like an estimate on seeding a large bare patch in her back yard. It is a pretty steep hill that gets really bad rain spill-over from her neighbors back yard. I am working on figuring out a drainage method for dispersing the rain over-flow. However, I would like to ensure that the new seed does not wash away, just in case there is a big rain in the beginning. Any tips would be much appreciated. Thank you. NOTE: I cannot change the grade of the hill.

[phouse65]

Lawn care business tips

You could always build a dry well. In your case it would probably have to be a long dry well to cover the property where the water runs down. Type in dry well and the internet will show you how to do it. It is cheap and it works. You would probably have to modify it to have it work for you to ensure water not to run down the hill.

[Steve]

Depending on the steepness, have you looked into using an erosion mat?

[dmcdonald]

Thank you phouse65. I've looked in to dry wells, and it looks liks a viable option.
The soil is clay, so I might have some problems with that. I'm going to have to try the soil percolation test (that I just read about) first.

Again, thank you very much for your insight.

Do you know happen to anything about putting the burlap netting over top of a fresh seeding? Does that stuff work for holding seed from being washed out?

[dmcdonald]

Originally Posted by Steve

Depending on the steepness, have you looked into using an erosion mat?

I think that is what my customer said that they had bought to try to do it their self. She purchased the burlap type material.
This is the burlap like material that you lay over top of the seed? Or is it the netting that has fertilizer, seed, etc. woven ito it?

[Steve]

This is the burlap like material that you lay over top of the seed?

Yes. Another thing you could try is hydroseeding the hillside.

[dmcdonald]

Yes. Another thing you could try is hydroseeding the hillside.



I am more than likely going to go the burlap route. I won't be starting the job for a few more weeks. I'll be giving the customer an estimate shortly though.
She might want the drainage system at a later time as well.
Thanks Steve. You guys have been really helpful.

[Steve]

Keep us posted on what happens with this job. Take some before and after pictures. I look forwards to your updates.

[dmcdonald]

I've made up an esimate, but have not heard back from the customer. I'll let you know as soon as I do. Thank you everyone for your help.

[Steve]

How long do you wait until you give them a follow up call? Being that this is a residential customer, do you normally follow up and see if they had any questions about your bid? Also, how did you present it to them? In person or email or another method?

What method did you decide to go with in your bid? Give us the low down.