Celebrating 90 Years: Finn’s Legacy of Innovation

Since the early 1930s, Finn Corp has been a pioneering presence in the landscaping and seeding industry. Founded in 1935 by Charlie Finn and his brothers, Roger and Robert, Finn started as a contractor equipment supply company specializing in concrete tools. This modest beginning evolved into a company that prioritized innovation, reliability, and customer service for large-scale landscaping and erosion control projects.

The Early Days: Ingenuity, Invention & Problem Solving

Charlie Finn’s inventive spirit was responsible for much of the journey he took Finn Corp on in the following years. When industry friends complained about the long, laborious process of hand spreading straw and mulch, he saw an opportunity. 

In 1949, Finn introduced the first mulch spreader which significantly reduced the labor and time it took to spread straw over large areas. Soon after, these same friends noted disappointedly that mulching straw often blew away, even in moderate winds. Charlie’s answer was to develop a tackifier, a sticky substance that weighed down the straw and helped it stick to the soil. These early breakthroughs set Finn apart, earning a long-standing reputation for problem-solving and industry leadership.

Evolving Innovations: Hydroseeding & Erosion Control

Finn didn’t stop there. In 1953, he helped design the first hydroseeder, a groundbreaking machine that changed the way seeding and large-scale landscaping could be accomplished. The ability to mix seed, mulch, and water into a slurry and spray it over large areas made planting incredibly more efficient and effective. As a result, hydroseeding quickly became sought after for highway construction projects, soil stabilization efforts, and erosion control initiatives.

By 1956, Finn earned its first international customer, shipping equipment to Australia. That same year, the hydroseeder was adapted for sprigging —  the process of quickly planting small plant starts such as sapling trees. In 1959, Finn introduced wood fiber mulch into its hydroseeding mix, leading to the development of equipment called The Super Hydroseeder, designed specifically to handle heavier mulches. This machine was later enhanced to incorporate fertilizers and tackifiers, tackling three essential planting tasks in one operation.

During the 1960s, hydroseeding gained wider recognition as an essential tool for erosion control, particularly for restoring disrupted land after mining, agriculture, and construction projects. In 1970, Finn received the National Soil Conservation Society Award for its innovative contributions to soil stabilization and erosion control.

Solving Tough Problems for Environmental Challenges

Finn’s commitment to environmental restoration and land reclamation continued in the 1970s. In 1975, Finn mulch spreaders were adapted to combat an oil spill in the St. Lawrence Seaway, demonstrating the versatility and problem-solving power of Finn equipment, and the people behind it. Finn continued to develop solutions for landscapers and contractors, releasing the compact 500-gallon T50 hydroseeder in 1985 specifically-designed for smaller-scale projects.

Over the years, Finn remains dedicated to adapting products to meet the evolving needs of environmental challenges. Cutting-edge Finn hydroseeding technology has played a crucial role in land reclamation projects, helping to stabilize and revitalize barren or hazardous land, as in the Bunker Hill example below.

Restoring Bunker Hill: Rising to Another Challenge

One of Finn’s more notable contributions to environmental restoration is the Bunker Hill mine site reclamation. This once heavily-contaminated area presented a significant challenge because of its remote, rough, and steeply-sloped terrain. 

To overcome these challenges, Finn thought outside the box. Ultimately leveraging a helicopter, Finn retrofitted it to become the first hydroseeding helicopter used to promote quick and effective revegetation. This creative approach not only stabilized land at the affected site, it also helped restore its ecological health, beginning a brighter future for the Bunker Hill land. 

Looking Toward the Future, Together 

As we celebrate the milestone of 90 years of Finn Corp, we rededicate our efforts to be deeply focused on customer dedication, product excellence, and industry leadership. From the first mulch spreader to industry-leading hydroseeding technology, Finn has consistently developed problem-solving advancements that have shaped the industry. 

As we look toward, we remain committed to providing effective, sustainable, and innovative solutions to help individuals and communities restore, maintain, or re-imagine their landscapes. 

Here’s to 90 years of excellence—and many more to come.