Coir Logs with Tubelings

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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

Step 1

Step 2

Based on location, obtain necessary permit(s) with outside help.

Step 3

Dig a small trench parallel to the stream and lay the coir log into it.

Step 4

To secure the coir log, hammer hardwood stakes on either side, spaced every 8-10′.

Step 5

Plant the tubelings through the center of the coir logs approximately every 3’.

You can also plant the tubelings or willow stakes directly behind the log.

OPTIONAL: For additional plantings, place willow stakes through/around the logs making sure the stakes reach the water table.

Step 6

Backfill the trench around the log/stakes.

If possible, water tubelings until they begin to establish.

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

N

Place coir logs in areas where there is some erosion on the streambanks; avoid boulder areas

N

Select plants native to your area

N

Apply for appropriate CWA 404 permits prior to beginning work

Dont’s

M

Don’t install coir logs to try to fix major erosion on streambanks

M

Don’t install coir logs too far away from stream-the plants will depend on the stream’s water!

M

Don’t install coir logs without the hardwood stakes-they need to be secured in place

Related objectives: , , , 

More Strategies to help accomplish Objectives you identified in the Questionnaires:

Stewardship Strategy Chart
streamhandbook.org