Or is it swale?
Hi all, just looking for a little advice on how to keep grass seed from washing out of a very slight swail I’ve created in my backyard for drainage. It measures about 4′ wide by 60′ long. I’ve heard burlap mentioned as well a product called “curly” Any advice would be appreciated…
Thanks, Dave
Low-e storm panels improve the energy efficiency of these old sash windows without changing their classic look.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
straw works fine..so does hydro-seed
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I generally seed the ground, then work the seed in just a bit. Then cover the whole area in a heavy layer of straw. The straw helps keep the dirt and therefore the seed in place.
Don't skimp on the seed - Use plenty of it.
Everybody's for democracy in principle. It's only in practice that the thing gives rise to stiff objections.
Is this where we point out that straw and hay ain't the same? Hay makes for alot more 'seeds'..lol
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I wasn't going to mention it. The terms get used interchangeably enough anyway.
The seeds that are in hay may not be what you really want growing in your yard...Why is a boxing ring square?
I'm fighting the same battle. A neighbor who works for a commercial engineering firm stopped by and suggested a material often used in road construction that is sort of like two layers of chicken wire sandwiching a layer of straw. Said most landscaping companies could supply it. Its like 7 feet wide and 100 feet long.
You grade your topsoil and seed, then lay this sandwich over it. Stuff keeps your topsoil and seed from washing, seed sprouts through the material and you're on your way.
Heven't tried it yet. Instead, seeded heavily with annual Rye, which is supposed to come up strong in 4 - 6 days. Then after those roots get established, mow close, till lightly and seed with lawn seed.
Interesting that as I was grading the swale itself, I arbitrarily placed some clumps of dirt where some grass had established in the swale. Those clumps maintained while a heavy rain washed evrything else away.
All good ideas, but I think that "chicken wire" should be woven biodegrable product and not "wire".
A couple of other thoughts depending on size and slope.
You can get sod and lay crosswise strips every so often. Be sure and stake it in place. That helps keep an eroson that starts from going down the whole run.
Another thing that i did was at one or two places to level it the swhale so that the water fanned out and was not as concentrated. Again that help slow down the water and not the erosion.