VIMS
Center for Coastal Resources Management

Temporary Growing Materials

  • Fiber Logs - Matting Installed
    Fiber Log Project - Before   Fiber logs and blankets placed at the toe of a graded bank can provide temporary erosion and sediment control.   P Menichino
  • Fiber Logs - JJC Planted Marsh
    Fiber Log Project - After   Here is the same planted marsh area after the first growing season.   P Menichino
  • Fiber Log - Raised Elevation
    Raised Elevation   If the intertidal elevation needs to be raised, fiber logs can be used to contain sand fill until planted marsh vegetation is established.  
  • Fiber Logs - Aggressively Staked
    Installation   Fiber logs and mats need to be anchored or aggressively staked to maintain full ground contact.  
  • Fiber Logs - Undercut Tree
    Undercut Trees   Using fiber logs to reduce undercutting erosion may not be effective if bank and wetland vegetation growth is not enhanced by the logs.  
  • Fiber Logs - Success
    Successful Project   The use of temporary growing materials is successful when the planted tidal marsh persists after bio-degradation of the materials   P Menichino
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Temporary growing materials are manufactured products and geotextiles that provide temporary stabilization at upland and wetland planting areas.  These products come in different grades, lengths and diameters to suit a variety of site conditions.  The preferred materials used for this purpose are biodegradable and non-plastic so they decay within 3-5 years in tidal settings.

Key Factor: will the planted tidal marsh area persist after the temporary growing materials disappear?  If sand fill or plants will eventually be washed out by waves or tidal currents, then another type of permanent containment structure may be needed (see marsh sills).

Suitable Sites
  • Marsh restoration areas and planted marshes on tidal coves, very shallow tidal creeks, lakes, ponds
  • Tree removal areas
  • Graded or terraced banks under landscape restoration
  • Elevations higher than mid-tide level
  • Minimal wave and boat wake action, not designed to reduce wave energy
Guidelines for Temporary Growing Materials
  • Designed to support plant growth, should be used in combination with vegetation management, planted marsh, and/or bank grading and landscape restoration
  • Most effective above mid-tide level, away from regular wave action
  • Maintain full contact with ground along entire length
  • Must be aggressively staked into place along both sides, hardwood stakes only
  • Not always necessary to plant into logs, surrounding vegetation will readily grow into them
  • Frequent inspections and re-staking are essential
  • Causes for failure include excessive wave action, frequent tidal inundation, inadequate monitoring and staking, and absence of vegetation as primary stabilization technique