Chapter 1:  An Introduction to Revegetation

Why Revegetate an Area?

Erosion Control     

Choosing to revegetate for the purpose of erosion control is based on the assumption that soil can be kept in place with a vegetative cover.  The users must bear in mind that vegetation has limitations to the degree of protection it can provide.  In general, physical structures provide higher degrees of erosion protection than vegetation.  The decision to use vegetation must consider the erosive forces involved.  Vegetation used in erosion control can be considered analogous to shingles on a roof; the degree of protection given by vegetation, much like a shingle on a roof, is limited.  The underlying surface may have more physical strength than the vegetation.

Figure 4:  A small “research class” hydroseeder being used by Plant Materials Center staff in a Southcentral gravel pit plot.

The reasons to keep soil in place can include:

• Protection of engineered grades and other earthwork.
• Reduction of maintenance on buildings, structures, and other man-made objects.
• Maintaining surface water and air quality.
• Visual enhancement. (Important, but not truly erosion control.)