On stream banks we recommend Wetland Sod installation just after peak flows, when water levels are gradually dropping. Supplemental irrigation may be required to fully establish the vegetation, but it will generally be fully rooted and ready for high water the following spring. The time required for roots to provide adequate anchoring depends on growing conditions including heat, light, and moisture.
In our experience, it is virtually impossible to pull up rooted coir manually after as little as 2-3 weeks at warm, low elevation sites or 4-5 weeks at cooler, high elevation sites. Although there is little data on initial or long-term performance of pre-planted coir in high energy channel environments, we have worked on projects where installed material was exposed to intense flows from storm runoff within several weeks after installation and was not dislodged or damaged.
The following is a list of general guidelines, for questions on conditions specific to your project please contact us directly.
1.
Delivery of Wetland Sod mats should be scheduled for immediate installation. If mats cannot be immediately installed, they should be kept thoroughly saturated and and stored no more than three days in a shady location. In hot, dry weather mats should be stored no more than two days.
2.
Mats are delivered rolled and are most easily moved with hay hooks. NSS does not use pallets to ship Wetland Sod.
3.
Each Wetland Sod mat is approximately 16.2 feet in length and 3.2 feet wide weighing approximately 150 pounds.
4.
Each mat is tagged with a species classification tag for identification. For example, a mix with Carex nebrascensis, Carex aquatilis and Juncus balticus will read CnCaJb.
5.
Use of a 4-wheeler or Utility vehicle is not required but may make handling easier and faster depending upon site accessibility.
6.
Mats are simply unrolled and staked down in the appropriate site. NSS typically suggests using eight to twelve 16” wooden stakes per mat for stream channels and six to eight stakes for shoreline and wetland areas. Drive the stakes through the mat at a slight angle and leave about 4” of the stake protruding above the mat. Ensure that the plant roots and the bottom of the mat are in direct contact with the soil. Any space between the mats and ground because of folds, wrinkles or upturned edges will cause a void that will allow the root system to dry out. Installing mats over rocks, tree branches, very rough ground or anything that prevents root to soil contact should be avoided or remedied.
7.
Depending upon site hydrology at the time of installation, plants may need supplemental irrigation. Any additional irrigation that can be provided during the first 3-4 weeks is beneficial. Ideally, mats should be installed in water depths of 1 inch to 4 inches. If water levels are too deep at installation, and during the first month, the plants can die. After plants are well established they can tolerate deeper water.
8.
Mats should not be installed on slopes steeper than 2.5:1.
Note: Some die-back can be expected when slopes exceed 3:1 steepness.
9.
Average installation time, based on installation of thousands of mats, is approximately .40 labor hours (24 minutes) per mat, for unloading, handling, distribution, and installation. Installation times and labor requirements can vary significantly from site to site.
Equipment List
- Hay hooks – 1 pair per every two laborers
- 16” wooden stakes – 8-12 per mat
- Mallet(s)
- Leatherman (or other sharp implement for cutting)
- Steel rake
- Spade Shovel
Optional Equipment
- Wheelbarrow
- Four-wheeler (or other utility vehicle for sites with difficult access)
 |