Pre-vegetated Blankets: Providing Erosion Control While Preserving the Integrity, Stability & Beauty of the Native Plant Community

In a changing word, what we once considered 100-year weather events are becoming the norm and creating more erosion than ever before. Using pre-vegetated blanket can help curb erosion while staying true to native vegetative species for specific regions, in turn creating diversity and sustainability.

I. What is pre-vegetated blanket?
a. Understanding the importance of native plant species in erosion control and sustainability - Native plant species are known to have roots that can be as much as 16 feet in depth. They are, to put it simply, Mother Nature's way of taking care of its erosion issues.
b. Definition of pre-vegetated blanket - Pre-vegetated blanket contains all the components of a traditional erosion control blanket with the benefit of live native vegetative coverage.
c. How is pre-vegetated blanket grown? - A high-level overview of the growth process.
d. What should you look for in a pre-vegetated blanket? - Not all pre-vegetated blankets on the market are the same. Learn what to look for when choosing what is right for your site.
e. Benefits - Erosion control, conservation, sustainability (just to name a few!).
f. Limitations - Are there limitations to native plants in erosion control applications?
g. Uses - Pre-vegetated blanket can be used in a multitude of sites including ditches, drainage channels, roadsides, stormwater management areas, green roof installations, steep slopes, shorelines, streambanks, wetland restorations, woodland preservation, prairies, bioretention facilities, rain gardens, etc.

II. Project examples
a. Residential - for areas that are prone to erosion like hillsides or along shorelines
b. Steep slopes - for areas that are hard to access/maintain
c. Municipalities - for areas that include parks and drainage ditches

III. Maintenance
a. Making and following a sustainable maintenance plan - Prescribed burns

IV. Questions and Answers