A practical guide to vegetation selection for use with rolled erosion control products

Growing concern regarding the quality of surface water has lead to increased awareness (and regulation) related to sediment and erosion control. Sediment control is a temporary, defensive strategy to preclude eroded soil from leaving a site or entering a surface water body. Erosion control is a proactive strategy designed to prevent soil particle movement from occurring. Traditional erosion control techniques include seeding and mulching (in moderate applications) and hard armor systems such as rock riprap or concrete (for severe applications). For environmental and aesthetic reasons, vegetation is the preferred approach. However, seed and soil are often washed away prior to vegetation establishment. Moreover, even mature vegetation cannot resist erosive forces associated with some severe applications (i.e., high velocity channels, pipe outlets, etc.). In recent years, the use of rolled erosion control products (RECPs) to hold soil and seed in place until vegetation is established and to permanently reinforce vegetation has been growing rapidly. These products effectively extend the use and benefits of vegetation at a relatively low cost. In most circumstances, RECPs are used in combination with vegetation. Therefore, it is imperative that potential specifiers and installers of these products understand the key factors affecting proper vegetation selection. This paper is intended to provide practical information regarding vegetation selection for common RECP applications.