Traditional seeding works best when the ground is ready and the schedule respects actual weather. Before seed is applied, we read the site for how it will behave in the first hard rain. That means checking soil type, how the surface has been handled by equipment, and where water will move once runoff starts. We walk drainage paths, slope breaks, ditch lines, shoulder edges, and tie-ins to identify the spots where flow will concentrate and seed can migrate.
Most of a good seeding job is prep. We true up finish grade for positive drainage and address clods and track marks that can turn into rills. We condition the top layer so it is firm enough to resist washouts but still receptive to germination. If the site is too tight, water runs off and the surface can crust; if it is too loose, it dries out and can move under rainfall. We also watch for compaction and surface sealing risk, especially in heavy clays and in areas that have been tracked or polished by equipment.
Where the plans call for lime, fertilizer, compost, or other amendments, we incorporate to the specified depth and rate so the material supports germination in the root zone, not just on the surface. From there, we apply the approved seed mix at the correct rate with a clear purpose: fast initial cover for erosion control, plus species that fit the season, exposure, and stabilization goals. We account for cut versus fill, sandy shoulders that dry out, shaded slopes that stay cooler and germinate slower, and imported soils that may look good but have limited organic content.
Erosion control is part of whether seeding succeeds, not a separate add-on. On shoulders, disturbed edges, ditch slopes, and anywhere water can gain speed, mulch and tackifier (or other specified cover) help reduce splash, slow surface flow, and keep seed from moving. Timing matters as much as workmanship: soil temperature, forecasted rainfall, and seasonal windows drive germination, and a dry spell or cold snap can stretch the establishment period. Watering expectations are worth discussing early because traditional seeding is not always one pass and done, especially on sandy soils, south-facing slopes, and windy exposures. We also coordinate with the overall schedule so seed is not buried by late grading, compacted by construction traffic, or undermined by unfinished drainage.
Production and outcomes are tied to field realities like access and haul distance, slope and working room, soil condition and how much conditioning is needed, traffic control requirements, and weather windows that can change overnight. Sites with multiple seed mixes, different stabilization requirements, or tight staging often need a phased approach so compliant cover is maintained as the job progresses. With traditional seeding, the basics stay the same: grade, contact, moisture, and protection determine how smoothly a site moves from bare soil to stable cover.
Moses Grass is our preferred E&S contractor in the Coastal Georgia area. Drew’s crew provides quality service and they stand behind their work.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Moses Grassing Company for nearly 20 years on Georgia Department of Transportation and private construction projects. During this time they have always maintained the schedule set for the work, performed the work within or quicker than the time allocated, and always with exceptional quality and workmanship. I’d recommend Moses Grassing Company for any and all of your grassing, miscellaneous fabric installations, and erosion control needs. Sean M. Scott, P.E. Chief Architect, McLendon Enterprises
