Vegetation used for stabilization work should be native material selected on the basis of strength, resiliency, vigor, and ability to withstand periodic inundation. Woody vegetation with short dense flexible tops and large root systems work well. Other important factors include rapid initial growth, ability to reproduce, and resistance to disease and insects.
Most streambank stabilization plantings have used various willows including black willow (Salix nigra), sandbar willow (S. interior ), meadow willow (S. petiolaris), heartleaf willow (S. rigida), and Ward willow (S. caroliniana). The size used depends on the severity of the erosion and the type of bank to be stabilized. Whatever the size, it is important to use DORMANT cuttings and to remove all lateral branches.
Most tree revetment projects used either eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) or hardwoods such as northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis). Important points to remember include:
choose trees with
many limbs and branches to trap as much
sediment as
possible,
select
decay-resistant trees,
use live
trees-dead trees are more brittle and likely
to break
apart,
be sure that
the tree size-diameter of the tree crown is
about two
thirds of the
height of the eroding bank,
cut off any
trunk without limbs,
place the
tree revetments overlapping, butt end
pointing upstream,
begin and end
revetments at stable points along the bank,
choose an
anchoring system according to the bank
material to be
sabilized and the weight
of the object to be anchored.
For a project to suceed, livestock must be excluded from both dormant plantings and tree revetments.
Vegetative measures for streambank stabilization offer an alternative to structural measures. Utilizing vegetative material for streambank stabilization could be the first step in re-establishment of the riparian forest, which is essential for long term stability of the stream side and floodplain areas. Each site must be evaluated seperately as to the feasibilty of using natural material.
For more information, contact your State Department of Conservation or Natural Resources. For specific information about the projects mentioned here, contact one of these State offices: