Erosion Control Methods
Willow Wattles
Used along toes, splash zones and banks of streams and lakes on mild to moderate slopes. Shrub Willow species are most commonly used, though dogwood, alder or other shrubs that sprout from the stem are sometimes used. Plant stems are harvested, leaving a stump to allow for regeneration. No more than 2/3 of the plant stems should be harvested from an individual plant.
The harvested branches are inter-woven into long cigar shaped bundles and tied tightly with twine to form a brush "log" about 8-12" in diameter and anywhere from 8 - 20' in length. The Live-Brush Bundles are then lain end-to-end, parallel to the shore, in shallow trenches, anchor stakes pounded in, and lightly covered with soil.
