TN Nurseries best selling live stakes
From gradual erosion to sudden, violent rainstorms, many factors contribute to stream bank restoration. Each year, state and federal governments spend thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars on artificial structures to restore eroding stream banks, states Tammy Sons of Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, a leading supplier for wetland mitigation plants and seedlings. But one solution, which is much more cost-effective and sometimes overlooked, is using plants to restore damaged stream banks. Although the ideal plants used for restoration projects vary from one part of the country to the next, they all provide relief in curtailing erosion.
The Benefits of Plants for Streambank Restoration
Streams often “jump their banks” and cause damage, including extensive flooding, because they are not adequately equipped to handle large quantities of rain. Sometimes, successive storms strip stream banks of the natural, native vegetation that lines their shores and makes them resilient to flooding. When streams lose their native layer of protection, they often experience more frequent and more severe flooding. Without solid root systems, they lose vital particles and the ability to control water flow.
Live Staking
There are many methods available to curtail stream erosion. One of those is called “live staking.” Live staking refers to taking stem cuttings from native and local trees and plants and planting them in the soil alongside a flood-prone riverbed. Live stakes are derived from tip cuttings off native plants. This process essentially transplants the roots of healthy, live vegetation. It takes some time to become effective, but eventually, the cuttings grow into the mature versions of the trees and plants initially sourced.
Furthermore, their roots deepen as they grow, which creates a more powerful and more resilient root system to combat future rains. You can sometimes purchase live stakes from your local plant store or nursery. However, you can also extract them from your yard. Among the most popular species for cuttings are Red Osier Dogwood and Black Willow.
Vegetated Stream banks
Of all the erosion control methods available, one of the most effective is stream bank restoration using native vegetation. Native plants are adapted to handle local temperatures, rainfall, and soil conditions. They are more likely to withstand flooding, wash-outs, and erosion than non-native species. That means that they can be a very effective and less costly means of controlling and mitigating soil erosion. If you need an “anchor” for planting vegetation in a wash-out or erosion-prone area, there are some strategies you can try to make your plantings more successful. Ideally, it would be best to use dormant woody cuttings or stakes as stabilizers for your plantings. Whatever plantings you choose, make sure to plant them alongside existing plants with a deep root system. That will prevent erosion from happening or becoming worse in the surrounding area. Native shrubs, small trees, and grasses between 2-3 feet tall create a uniform, more aesthetically pleasing look along a riverbank. That is good to know if you are also concerned with making your restoration project look appealing. Sprinkling in some colorful flowering plants to the mix adds to its appeal.
From natural events like intense storms to gradual erosion and even human causes like development and agricultural production, stream beds and river banks can take a beating. While you might not stop the root cause, you can at least take action to stop erosion in the future or keep it from getting worse. Choosing the right plants, trees, and shrubs for your area, and using the proper staking techniques, can create a more resilient and even more attractive backyard river bed in the future.