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THE BASICS OF EROSION CONTROL
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Grass provides the cheapest and most effective short-term erosion control. It grows quickly and covers the ground completely. To find the bet seed mixtures and plants for your area, check with your local nursery, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.
 Mulches hold soil moisture and provide ground protection from rain damage. They also provide a favorable environment for starting and growing plants. Easy-to-obtain mulches are grass clippings, leaves, sawdust, bark chips and straw. Straw mulch is nearly 100% effective when held in place by spraying with an organic glue or wood fiber (tackifiers), by punching it into the soil with a shovel or roller, or by tacking a netting over it. Commercial applications of wood fibers combined with various seeds and fertilizers (hydraulic mulching) are effective in stabilizing sloped areas. Hydraulic mulching with a tackifier should be done in two separate applications: the first composed of seed fertilizer and half the mulch, the second composed of the remaining mulch and tackifier. Commercial hydraulic mulch applicators - who also provider other erosion control services - are listed under "landscaping" in the phone book.
 Mats of excelsior, jute netting and plastic sheets can be effective temporary covers, but they must be in contact with the soil and fastened securely to work effectively.
Roof drainage can be collected in barrels or storage containers or routed into lawns, planter boxes and gardens. Be sure to cover stored water so you don't collect mosquitoes, too. Excessive runoff should be directed away from your house. Too much water can damage trees and make foundations unstable.
Soil erosion and sediment loss can cause severe headaches for the commercial or residential housing developer. SWPPP laws are now in effect for developments covering an area of one acre or more. Fines can become an unwelcome expense for the developer.
During the construction phase, weather events can cause sediment to end up on sidewalks, roadways and on adjacent lots. Storm drains can become clogged, and nearby waterways can be silted in. Not to mention the soil loss due to wind erosion. All of this damage occurs as a result of exposed, unprotected topsoil being subjected to the ravages of Mother Nature.
Developers are responsible for the cleanup when such problems occur, and still must face the potential of further erosion after the completion of costly repairs. In such instances, the logical choice for the developer is to install the erosion control measures that are needed.
Below are a few examples of erosion control applications.
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TEMPORARY SEDIMENT FENCE:
A popular way to control storm water run off is by utilizing the temporary sediment control fence. When installed and properly maintained, this has proven to be a very effective method in preventing soil erosion.
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EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS:
Erosion control blankets are rolled out and securely fastened to the soil. The material in the blanket establishes immediate erosion control. This method is effective on flat surfaces or on slopes. Seed and soil are kept in place, leaving the stage set for developing a healthy stand of turf. Soil retension blankets can last from 45 days to years, depending on the make of blanket that is installed.
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