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We don't use hay we use straw hay has to mant weed seeds in it.
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That's the city boy in me using the two terms interchangeably
Yes, I would use "straw", not hay.
At any rate, I'm wondering what alternatives there might be. I've always had low success with straw as a cover for grass seed, plus it always blows around.
Ray
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Location: Mobile, Alabama
Hydro seeding is an option. I don't know what the cost comparison might be, but the hydro seeding includes seed, mulch, and application all at once. Could be favorable cost.
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Location: Merryland
I paid $9 for a large bale of straw today. Home Depot is over $12 for a smaller bale. This was from the landscape supplier I get bulk topsoil and mulch from.
HD calls their straw bales "Full Size" but they're 36". The bales from the supplier are 48".
That's cheap mulch. Straw works well for grass seed. You don't need a lot over the seed.
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Location: Ohio
Pennington used to have a product called "slope master" that worked great.
Lowes had it, but not for the last 6+ months - seems they must have discontinued selling it alone. I cannot find it any longer, but I see pennington selling it as a seed mix.
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Location: Wapakoneta, OH
I'd bet that cellulose would blow around more than (or at least as much as) straw. I think using straw, and maybve covering it with some bird netting in the the places that catch the wind would be about as good as you can do. An alternative might be to till the area, and rake the seed into the soil....even then i like to cover it with straw.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.