The Benefits and Uses of Straw Wattles
- Soil Erosion Control One of the main uses and benefits of straw wattles is for controlling erosion. ...
- Sediment Control Another use for straw wattles is for sediment control, which pertains to keeping eroded soil off of a construction site so that excess runoff and chemicals don’t pollute surrounding areas and water sources. ...
- Infiltration ...
- Other important benefits ...
What are straw wattles and how do they work?
Straw wattles are typically used to filter stormwater runoff, but also can control sediment and erosion in environmentally sensitive areas. Their loose weave allows water to pass through while filtering out sediment.
How do you use Wattles for erosion control?
You can use wattles over bare soil or in conjunction with erosion control blankets, on steep slopes, around drains for inlet protection or as a perimeter control for job sites. Straw wattles are weed free and help stabilize slopes by slowing, spreading and filtering overland water flow. They are flexible and conform to the soil surface.
Are straw wattles biodegradable?
Because of their biodegradable nature, straw wattles are used for perimeter erosion control and to slow channel erosion. They can be used in environmentally sensitive areas and do not need to be removed since they completely biodegrade. Straw wattles are an accepted stormwater BMP and can be included as part of your job site's SWPPP.
What is a straw erosion wattle?
The typical straw erosion material in an erosion wattle includes a polypropylene netting with an interior of 100 percent wheat straw. Typical lengths for straw wattles will vary depending on the diameter, but multiple straw erosion control wattles can be tied together to fit your project's needs. See our specifications chart for more information.
What are wattles used for?
Wattles are materials designed and installed to control sediment at construction sites, thus preventing sediments from moving into waterbodies or waterways. Proper installation of wattles can reduce the rate of soil erosion, control sediment on site, reduce stormwater runoff velocity, and also promote water quality.
Do straw wattles decompose?
Straw wattles are used for erosion control, stabilizing slopes, or filtering stormwater runoff. They are one of the most affordable forms of natural erosion control available. Since straw wattles are biodegradable, they will eventually decompose into the soil.
How do Wattles control erosion?
0:4010:32How to Install Straw Wattles for Erosion Control - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey also are a sediment control measure because as they stop that water that has soil entrained inMoreThey also are a sediment control measure because as they stop that water that has soil entrained in it uh the soil particles fall out behind the wattle. And so they're doing both erosion. Control.
How long do erosion Wattles last?
3-5 yearsWhen used appropriately and in the correct context, straw wattles (fiber rolls) are excellent and fast runoff and sediment control tools. They can look a bit ugly in a landscape, but when natural fiber meshes are used, they quickly return to the soil (3-5 years depending on rainfall and site conditions).
How long do Wattles last?
Most wattles are short-lived and will live no longer than 10-20 years but a few are long-lived (up to 200-300 years). For example, the Western Myall of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, also called Boree or Boree Wattle, (Acacia pendula) lives to 200 years or more, as does Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon).
How are straw wattles made?
They are tubular and straw-filled, held together by photodegradable plastic or biodegradable burlap netting. Each fiber roll is nine inches in diameter and 25 feet long, weighing approximately 60 pounds. They capture sediment and spread water rather than concentrating the flow and volume, as drainage sewers do.
How do you stake a straw wattle?
SECURE THE WATTLE WITH 18-24” (45.7-61 CM) STAKES EVERY 3-4' (0.9 - 1.2 M) AND WITH A STAKE ON EACH END. STAKES SHOULD BE DRIVEN THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE WATTLE LEAVING AT LEAST 2-3” (5-7.5 CM) OF STAKE EXTENDING ABOVE THE WATTLE. STAKES SHOULD BE DRIVEN PERPENDICULAR TO SLOPE FACE.
How do you slow down the slope of water?
Divert or Slow Down Water Divert flow away from steep areas. A swale or berm along the top of a slope or diagonally across a slope can be used to divert runoff to a more stable area and prevent erosive flow down the slope.
How do you repair erosion on a hill?
Some are low-tech, some are high-tech — and the method you choose depends on the quality of your property.Factors To Consider About Your Property's Hillside.1) Build A Garden Terrace.2) Use Plantings To Prevent Hillside Erosion.3) Use Sandbags As Diversions.4) Build Retaining Walls.More items...•
How much does straw wattle cost?
Straw Wattle, 9"x 25,' 15 Wattles per Pallet, Price per 4 Pallets (60 Wattles) - $1277.14 | Order Now at Outpost Construction Supply.
What is a brush mattress?
A brush mattress is a layer (mattress) of interlaced live branches placed on a bank face, often with a live fascine and/or rock at the base. The live branches are cut from any adventitiously sprouting (sprouts roots from stems) woody plant, such as willow and some species of shrub dogwood and alder.
Does straw decompose easily?
Straw will decompose like any other organic material but they'll decompose a lot slower. As straw rots, it releases nutrients, feeding the plants growing in it. Straw actually makes your garden better.
How long do straw wattles last?
Straw Wattles should be effective for a period of one to two years, providing short term protection on slopes where permanent vegetation will be established to provide long term erosion control.
How do straws decompose?
If you want your straw to decompose rapidly in the fall, pre-irrigate if the ground is too dry to plow, then plow or disc the straw into the soil early in the fall. With warm weather and moist soil, much of the straw will decompose.
How much does straw wattle cost?
Straw Wattle, 9"x 25,' 15 Wattles per Pallet, Price per 4 Pallets (60 Wattles) - $1277.14 | Order Now at Outpost Construction Supply.
What are straw wattles used for?
Straw wattles are used in many applications, like preventing slope erosion and the spread of sediment on construction sites. They can also control stormwater runoff, protect storm drains, and promote stabilization of shorelines and stream banks.
Why use straw wattles?
Straw wattles can also be used as check dams on drainage ditches , channels, and swales to prevent sheet erosion and gully development. Installing them perpendicular to water flow will reduce water velocity and prevent the undermining of channel lining materials.
How do straw wattles help with erosion?
In addition to providing soil stabilization with vegetation growth, straw wattles can also be used to control erosion that occurs on steep slopes. They are installed horizontally at even intervals down a slope, locking soil and organic matter in place. This reduces the hydraulic forces of a slope and creates a more stable environment.
What is the best stabilizer for loose soil?
Vegetation is one of the greatest stabilizers of loose soil for slopes. Straw wattles store moisture for vegetation and incorporate themselves into the soil over time. The topsoil, native seeds, and other organic material come together to promote an ideal environment for germination and plant growth. Vegetation grows through the straw wattle, locking soil in place for long-lasting stabilization.
What is a straw wattle?
Straw wattles are typically used to filter stormwater runoff, but also can control sediment and erosion in environmentally sensitive areas. Their loose weave allows water to pass through while filtering out sediment. Straw erosion control wattles come in diameters of 9", 12", or 20".
Do straw wattles decompose?
Since straw wattles are biodegradable, they will eventually decompose into the soil. However, if you plant vegetation at the time of your project, it should be fully established by that time and take over in providing longer term soil stabilization or erosion control.
Can you use straw wattles for stream stabilization?
On construction sites, straw wattles can be joined for perimeter erosion control. More than this, you can use a straw wattle or multiple straw wattles for stream stabilization and bank stabilization. To install straw erosion control wattles, you will typically need to comply with the following procedures.
Can you tie straw wattles together?
You can easily tie multiple straw wattles together to form a custom length for your job site or project. If you need more information on how to do that, our product specialists and sales team will be happy to assist you. Call our sales team at 863-261-8388.
What are Contour Straw Wattles?
Straw Wattles, also known as straw worms, bio-logs, straw noodles, or straw tubes are man made cylinders of compressed, weed free straw (wheat or rice), 8 to 12 inches in diameter and 20 to 25 feet long. They are encased in jute, nylon, or other photo degradable materials, and have an average weight of 35 pounds. They are installed in a shallow trench forming a continuous barrier along the contour (across the slope) to intercept water running down a slope.
What percentage of slopes can straw wattles be installed on?
They can be installed on slopes up to 70 percent, however their effect diminishes greatly on slopes steeper than 50 percent.
What side of the wattle should you seat?
Seat the wattle with foot tamped backfill on the upstream side such thatwater flowing down the slope will not run under it.
What are straw wattles?
Straw Wattles are man made tubes of compressed straw, wheat or rice, also known as erosion log s. They provide perimeter protection along contours or at the base of slopes, inlets and roadways to reduce soil erosion, runoff and retain sediment. Straw Wattles are also used to intercept water running down a slope.
Can you use wattles on slopes?
You can use wattles over bare soil or in conjunction with erosion control blankets, on steep slopes, around drains for inlet protection or as a perimeter control for job sites. Straw wattles are weed free and help stabilize slopes by slowing, spreading and filtering overland water flow.
Fact Sheets
Wattles, Stormwater Design and Specifications, Iowa State Urban Design and Specification
Videos
Stormwater BMPs, Fiber Rolls County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program