A few limitations and disadvantages exist with this method of erosion control. Seeding is good for mild erosion problems considering that the shallow fine rooting systems of grasses and forbs do not significantly increase the shear strength of the soil profile. Seeding also requires constant soil moisture for germination.

Figure 1: Hydro seeding mixture spray application

A few limitations and disadvantages exist with this method of erosion control. Seeding is good for mild erosion problems considering that the shallow fine rooting systems of grasses and forbs do not significantly increase the shear strength of the soil profile. Seeding also requires constant soil moisture for germination.

Container or Bare Root Planting

Container and bare root planting involves placing single or bunches of rooted plants into holes along the slope. This technique is typically used for woody plants or for non-woody plants that will over time develop a uniform root coverage. A good practice is to use transplants from nearby areas to keep a consistent vegetation scheme. Using rooted plant materials avoids the critical germination period for seeding or root development period for cuttings.

During the fall or spring place loosened root balls into holes making sure that roots are
not bound or bent upwards. Pruning plants after installation allows a greater percentage of available plant energy to be used for a healthy rooting system. To ensure fast stabilization results, it is a good idea to use plant groupings or bunch plantings with slightly different rooting and foliage characteristics. Bunch planting also allows slope suitable plants to dominate the plant community over time. Mulching around all plants is recommended as a minimum.

Limitations to these methods are few. Container planting does not apply to gully erosion problems. Container plants can also be relatively expensive and hard to install into some mulching systems. This technique also requires an initial watering regime.

 

Live stakes are sections of woody plants cut into segments and placed into the slope. The plant materials used for stakes are usually hardy species that can root easily to eventually grow into mature woody shrubs that reinforce the soil. Stakes should be installed during the fall or spring depending on when the original plant is dormant.

Live stakes are generally 2 to 3 feet long and ½ to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Stakes should be flat cut on the top and diagonal cut on the bottom to be installed correctly. This stabilization method can be used alone or with other planting techniques. If used along, stake should be spaced across the slope according to species recommendations. Each row should have stakes above or below one another in a diamond pattern. Positioning the stake at a horizontal angle to encourage root growth along the entire below ground length.

Contour wattling is a method that can be used to stabilize shallow soil structure against landsliding. This technique involves packing lengths of woody plant material into cables or bundles (also called live fascines). These bundles are typically 8 to 10 inches in diameter and are laid continuously along slope contours. Cabling along the slope helps to intercept surface water runoff by routing it laterally before erosion occurs. Wattles help trap sediment by creating barriers that protect down slope areas against material falls or erosion.

Brush layer planting consists of live woody plant material placed into the slope face along trenches in the slope contours. This method is most suitable in highly disturbed or eroded cut and fill situations. Layering achieves soil reinforcement that resists potential shallow-seated landsliding. Brush layers capture debris moving down slope.