Plant Native Species: Live Stakes & Wattles

Live stakes are planted using a small sledge hammer or dead blow hammer (photo). Carefully pound the stake into the ground at a right angle to the slope leaving about 1/5 of the stake above ground. Trim off damaged tops. Stakes can also be planted by creating a pilot hole with a metal rod. Make sure to tamp the soil around the stakes to ensure good soil contact.

Wattles are installed at the toe (bottom) of the slope by excavating a trench similar in size to the wattle. Place the wattle in the trench and stake it in place using dead stakes through the wattle and live stakes at the base of the wattle. Bury the wattle, leaving just the top slightly exposed. Excavate additional trenches on the contour of the slope spaced 3'-7' apart depending on the steepness of the slope and erosion potential. Install wattles in each trench as described above. A loosely woven jute or coir erosion control fabric can be placed underneath the wattles and staked up the slope for extra erosion control, especially for slopes that have been regraded.

Plant the areas between the wattles and live stakes with native grasses, sedges, wildflowers or other shrub species. On exposed soils, a cover crop of annual grasses should be used to provide temporary stabilization until the shrubs and other plants are established.

Maintenance

The shrubs may be pruned if they grow too large. The willows are often just pioneer species that may eventually be replaced with other plants that grow on the shoreline. Periodically inspect the site to look for damage from animals, weather or other sources. Check for sprouting success and replant areas that need attention.