Erosion Control Methods
Dead-Brush Bundles
Dead Brush Bundles are used along the toe of a slope (sometimes in shallow water) to act as a wave breaker for protecting aquatic plantings. Dead Brush Bundles are effective at reducing wave action and scouring and allowing for sediment accumulation within and behind the bundle. Dead brush bundles can be made with non-sprouting plant material. They are made by stacking branches on top of each other, with successive branches somewhat overlapping to create a brush pile of approximately 2' tall and 8 to 15 in length. This large brush pile is then compressed down and tied with a heavy twine every 4' to create a long cigar-shaped brush bundle. The bundle can then be staked along the bank, or in shallow water, with 4' wooden stakes or metal t-posts. Plant material for use as a dead brush bundle should still be pliable when making the bundles but, since no sprouting is desired, a wide range of shrubs can be used, including buckthorn (without berries) and honeysuckle.
