Coir Logs with Tubelings


Potential permits required: CWA 404, Threatened & Endangered Species, NHPA, Floodplain
MATERIALS
- Coir logs
- Tubeling plants (native)
- Hardwood stakes
OPTIONAL:
- Willow stakes
TOOLS
- Coir logs
- Tubeling plants (native)
- Hardwood stakes
Coir logs are a type of erosion control product that consist of tightly wound coconut fibers and/or soil wrapped into cylindrical bundles. They can be very effective at preventing erosion and they can be planted with tubelings to create a stable vegetated streambank. Lasting benefits include:
• Stabilized banks with root growth – Can stand up to lower velocity flows
• Erosion control/restricts sediment into the stream
• Creation and/or increase of healthy riparian plant communities
• Increased habitat & food source for birds, insects & terrestrial animals
Photo Courtesy of: Coleman Moore Company
Many types of plants can be purchased as tubelings. A tubeling is a young seedling plant grown in long plastic tube, or ‘plug,’ containers. This allows the plants to be grown very quickly and in large quantities. For best results, you will want to select plants native to your area.

Photo Courtesy of: Maccaferri
As the tubelings become more established, the coir log will eventually break down into the soils below. You will be left with a stable and vegetated streambank. This streambank will not only look great, but it will also provide your property and the stream with ecological, wildlife and water quality benefits!
Because you are likely to be working below the annual high water level,
you may need to apply for a CWA 404 permit. Your local Army Corps of Engineers office should be able to assist you with determining which permit you need and how to apply for it.
Do’s and Dont’s of Coir Logs with Tubelings
Do’s
Place coir logs in areas where there is some erosion on the streambanks; avoid boulder areas
Select plants native to your area
Apply for appropriate CWA 404 permits prior to beginning work
Dont’s
Don’t install coir logs to try to fix major erosion on streambanks
Don’t install coir logs too far away from stream-the plants will depend on the stream’s water!
Don’t install coir logs without the hardwood stakes-they need to be secured in place
Related objectives: Bank Re-Shaping, Bank Revegetation, Channel Complexity, Insect Habitat