Fox River, fens and springs

Hydroseeding in Elgin, IL

A city that led the metro in new home starts, set beside some of its most protected wetlands.

No-charge yard walk-throughs with a quote in writing
Seed mix matched to the sun, shade and soil on your lot
Watering and first-mow instructions in writing with every job

Building Fast Next to Fragile Ground

Hydroseeding in Elgin sits between two forces. On one side is steady construction: Wikipedia notes that in 2013 Elgin ranked first in the Chicago metro for new home starts. On the other side are some of the region's most sensitive natural areas, including Bluff Spring Fen and Trout Park, the city's two highly protected nature preserves. Early accounts of the area praised its fertile soils and flowing springs.

Why sediment control matters more here

Protected wetlands like these are easily harmed by silt and nutrient-heavy runoff. When a site drains toward a preserve, a creek or the Fox River, we put silt fence and inlet protection in early and keep them maintained until the seeded grass is thick enough to hold the soil. Hydroseeding a lot as soon as grading is finished shortens the time bare dirt is exposed.

Big preserve neighbors

Poplar Creek Preserve covers about 4,200 acres on the east side and connects to the roughly 4,000-acre Spring Creek Valley preserve. Lots that border preserve land should not shed sediment over the line, and we keep fertilizer in the mix to the amount the new lawn actually needs.

Fox River lots

The city was founded where the Fox could be bridged, and the Fox River Trail links Elgin to towns to the south. On sloped yards along the river corridor we use hydromulch at a heavier rate or blankets, depending on how steep the bank is.

Weather

Elgin averages about 39.85 inches of precipitation and 32.1 inches of snow a year. Fall seeding gives grass time to root before the ground freezes; dormant late-fall seeding is an option on some construction sites.

Get a free estimate or call (312) 598-0845.

Elgin Land and Water Facts

Home starts. In 2013, Elgin ranked first in the Chicago metropolitan area for new home starts.
Protected fens. Bluff Spring Fen and Trout Park are Elgin's two highly protected nature preserves.
Poplar Creek Preserve. The 4,200-acre Poplar Creek Preserve on the east side connects to the 4,000-acre Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve.
Precipitation. Elgin averages 39.85 inches of precipitation and 32.1 inches of snowfall a year.

Silt Fence & Inlet Protection in Chicago, IL

Our Services in Elgin, IL

Elgin Questions

My lot drains toward a preserve. What do you do differently?

We install silt fence early, protect nearby inlets and seed as soon as grading is done so the soil is exposed for as short a time as possible.

Can you limit fertilizer near the fens or the river?

Yes. We use only what the new seed needs and keep it in the mulch slurry rather than broadcasting it loose.

Is dormant seeding an option in Elgin?

On some construction sites, yes. Seed sprayed in late fall sits until spring, with mulch holding the soil over winter.

Do you seed river-corridor yards?

Yes, with heavier mulch or blankets on the slopes.

Free Estimates in Elgin, IL

Request an Elgin seeding or sediment control estimate.

Call (312) 598-0845 Free Estimate