Hydroseeding in Whittier, CA

Hydroseeding in Whittier often means renewing lawns on land that was once orchards. Walnut planting began here in 1887 and Whittier became the nation's largest walnut grower, alongside citrus shipped across the country under the Quaker Brand. After World War II the orange groves were subdivided for housing. Those postwar yards are now 70-plus years old, and many lawns have worn down to compacted soil and weeds.

Renovation, not replacement

Old orchard soil is usually deep and workable once it is loosened. Our usual approach is to kill off weeds and worn turf, till or aerate, level low spots with topsoil and then hydroseed. The slurry of seed, mulch and starter fertilizer gives even coverage, including the odd corners and narrow side yards older lots tend to have.

Warm nights, mild winters

Whittier sits about 15 miles inland at roughly 367 feet. Cold air drains down into the Los Angeles Basin, which gives Whittier warmer nights than you might expect. Winter lows run about 41 to 50 F and summer highs run 84 to 97 F. Those mild winters let cool-season grass keep growing through the rainy months.

Less rain than the foothills

Mean annual rainfall is about 14 inches, closer to downtown Los Angeles than to the foothill towns. Fall seeding is still best, but plan on irrigation, because a dry winter can leave new seed short.

Hills to the north

Starlite Estates sits in and along the hills north of the historic districts, and the east side's Friendly Hills neighborhood is named for its terrain. Hillside lots need slope cover and drainage work alongside lawn seeding.

Redevelopment sites

The 74-acre Nelles site is being redeveloped for retail, commercial and residential use, and a 480-acre area near Whittier Boulevard is part of a redevelopment plan. Projects like these need silt fence, inlet protection and seeding of disturbed areas. Get a free estimate or call (213) 451-4997.