Shoreline Protection Stabilization Techniques

Erosion occurs when soil is displaced. There are loads of reasons erosion occurs including human and natural forces. Sometimes, wind and water induce erosion. When erosion happens, the property can be damaged or lost. Exploration erosion control methods are necessary to maintain and protect property and natural habitats. Here, we will explain a few slope and shoreline stabilization techniques to prevent and curb erosion.

What are beneficial erosion control solutions?

The just permanent erosion control solution is replanting. When people eliminate vegetation, erosion is much more likely to happen. This is because plant root systems assist hold soil in place. Property owners frequently remove unwanted vegetation along the coast to make a more ideal beach. 

No single erosion control way will work for all situations. Ensure to look into the geography and climate in your area before investing in one specific erosion control method. These methods are as well often used in combination to create a more effective erosion control system.

Filter Socks

Filter Socks are mesh tubes that operate to trap pollutants from stormwater and can be utilized for slope stabilization on slopes that are as steep as 2:1. They can be utilized in many applications including sediment control, as a dam to avert soil erosion, storm drains, slope interruption, and much more.

Stream Bank Stabilization and Lake Bank Stabilization

Stream bank stabilization implies the restoration and protection of banks in streams, lakes, and other channels as an outcome of erosion. Usually, this is completed by planting vegetation, soil bioengineering, and other structural structures.

When selecting a bank stabilization method, view the sustainability of the method, the needed maintenance, and the impact on the natural environment involving water quality.

Vegetative plantings of trees and other deep-rooted plant species are a top bank stabilization method that is environmentally friendly, permanent, and low conservation. 

Erosion Control Forms for Slope Stabilization

On arduous slopes, erosion is more likely to happen. Slope stabilization is highly crucial because an eroded slope can become barren. Additionally, erosion of slopes can result in water pollution due to stormwater runoff. 

To avert slope erosion, plant grass, and more vegetation. Grasses are best for slope stabilization because of their roots. They as well absorb rainwater and other precipitation, creating water erosion less common.

Erosion control blankets function to add vegetation to slopes. Superior’s Compost Erosion Control Blanket combines nutrient-rich compost blended with high-quality seed to make the perfect environment for quick vegetation establishment and slope stabilization. 

Superior’s erosion control solutions outperform original straw blankets, straw matting, silt fences, and other traditional erosion control approaches. Compost provides natural erosion control and protection, adds organic matter straight away to the soil, provides superior water infiltration, and increases aeration in any soil kind.

Shoreline Stabilization Techniques

1) Imitate Nature

In its natural form, the shoreline can appropriately protect itself against erosion. Imitating nature is the perfect method to help prevent erosion. Use native vegetation close to the shoreline to help build structural integrity and prevent the land from separating apart. The deep roots of these plants assist protect the land from heavy rainfall and winds.

2) Bulkheads and Retaining Walls

Bulkheads and retaining walls have been utilized to prevent erosion, but it has been observed that these methods end up increasing erosion eventually. From an environmental viewpoint, retaining walls are the most costly and the most environmentally harmful alternative there is. In case you have a retaining wall or bulkhead recently set up, it would be wise to eliminate it and work on a more raw shoreline stabilization method.

3) Buffer Zones

Buffer zones are efficient in slowing down shoreline erosion. A buffer zone is a strip of vegetation at the water’s edge that normally extends between 50 and 100 feet. Native vegetation should begin returning to this area, or you can add grass and native species with deep roots and woody vegetation to aid speed up the process.

4) Erosion Matting

With the modernizing of technology, there are now biodegradable products on the market to assist in getting control of exposed shorelines. Erosion control matting is a three-dimensional geotextile fabric that is set down on the shoreline. Spread a layer of seeds beneath the mat, so once the matting is laid down, spread ¾ an inch of soil on peek and then spread seeds across the mat, also.

5) Stone and Vegetation Rip Rap

This specific method of shoreline stabilization should only be used if other, more raw methods have not worked. This technique requires a stable underlying soil base and can be tough to put in place. The key idea is to lay the rip-rap (strong quarry stones, or a mixture of live vegetation and stones) in two layers. This technique allows for the shoreline to be stabilized at the time of still providing some habitat for wildlife.