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Erosion Control Toolbox
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To Combine Specifications
Planning & Design
Improve Soil Health
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Improve Soil Health & Provide Cover
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Planting
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Stormwater Treatment
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Sediment Control
References
Mulch
What is This Treatment?
Mulch work involves placing a blanket of organic material on fill slopes, cut slopes, and other disturbed roadside areas to reduce erosion and reduce weed competition. Mulch is typically applied from 2" - 3" deep.
The mulch specification allows the designer to select from the following materials:
- Composted green material.
- Tree bark.
- Wood chips.
- Coarse woody grindings.
- Pine needles.
- Shredded bark.
- Wood chips, tree bark, or a combination of both.
When to Use This Treatment:
- Typically applied on slopes 2:1 (H:V) and flatter.
- Use to reduce raindrop splash erosion and competition from weeds.
- Typically applied 2"-3” deep (270-400 cubic yards/acre).
Benefits:
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Improved protection from raindrop splash erosion.
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Reduced competition from weed species.
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Reduced stormwater runoff volume and velocity.
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Improved infiltration rate.
- Conserves soil moisture.
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Improved potential for vigorous long term vegetation coverage.
- Easy application by pneumatic blower trucks or bulldozers (in flat areas).
Limitations:
- Requires temporary storage space within the project limits to stockpile materials.
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Applying high levels of organic materials may not be appropriate in arid regions of the state.
-
Functional longevity of less than three years.
Mulch Quantity Calculator
Specifications:
- 2010 Standard Specifications (See Section 20-7.02D(6) and 20-7.03(I) Mulch)
- 2010 Revised Standard Specifications (RSS)
Consider Using With:
To effectively treat sites with poor soils (compacted, nutrient depleted, or poorly draining), consider combining this treatment with:
Plans and Details:
Specify Mulch in the Erosion Control Legend:
Estimate Information:
- Click here to view current awarded bid prices for Mulch.
- Click here for a 1997 cost survey of Erosion Control pricing.
- Use BEES code 202011, Mulch.
External Links:
- David Steinfield, Scott Riley, Kim Wilkinson, Thomas D. Landis, Lee Riley, et al. 2007. "Roadside Revegetation, An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants" Accessed 2009-07-16
- Michael Hogan, 2009. "Sediment Source Control Handbook, An Adaptive Approach to Restoration of Disturbed Areas" Accessed 2009-07-16.
Updated 11-21-2012