v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Off ice of Water
Washington, D.C.
EPA 832-F-99-027
September 1999
Storm Water
Technology Fact Sheet
Vegetative Covers
DESCRIPTION
Soil erosion and sedimentation caused by
vegetation removal, soil disturbances, changes to
natural drainage patterns, or increases in
impermeable ground cover are two of the primary
problems associated with storm water runoff. One
of the most effective ways to prevent erosion and
sedimentation is to stabilize disturbed land through
the addition of vegetation. This practice is referred
to as "vegetative covering." Vegetative covers can
be used to preserve existing vegetation and/or
revegetate disturbed soils. They can provide both
dust control and a reduction in erosion potential by
increasing infiltration, trapping sediment,
stabilizing the soil, and dissipating the energy of
hard rain.
One method for establishing vegetative covers is
planting either temporary or permanent new
vegetation. Specific practices can include applying
sod to a site, or temporarily or permanently seeding
the site. Sod is a strip of permanent grass cover
placed over a disturbed area to provide an
immediate and permanent turf that both stabilizes
the soil surface and eliminates sediment loss.
Temporary seeding consists of planting grass seed
immediately after rough grading to provide soil
protection until a final cover is established.
Permanent seeding establishes perennial vegetation
in disturbed areas.
A second method for enhancing vegetative covering
is by preserving existing vegetation. This allows a
site's natural vegetation (existing trees, vines,
bushes, and grasses) to function as a natural buffer
zone during land disturbance activities.
APPLICABILITY
Vegetative covers can be applied at any site and are
not restricted by the size of the site or local land
uses. The type of soil, topography, and climate at
the site determine the appropriate tree, shrub, and
ground cover species for that particular
management practice. Local climatic conditions
help determine the appropriate time of year for
planting. Temporary seeding is most suitable in
areas disturbed by construction where the ground is
left exposed for several weeks or more. Permanent
seeding and planting is appropriate for any graded
or cleared area where long-lived plant cover is
desired. Some areas where permanent seeding is
especially important are filter strips, buffer areas,
vegetated swales, steep slopes, and stream banks.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Vegetative covering can be a relatively low-cost
and low-maintenance practice for controlling dust
and preventing erosion. It also adds to the
aesthetics of a storm water control area.
Limitations of vegetative covers as a management
practice include:
• Vegetative covering must be coordinated
with climatic conditions for proper
establishment. For example, cold climate
areas have limited growing seasons and arid
regions require careful selection of plant
species.
• An appropriate maintenance program must
be implemented to ensure the optimum
performance.
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DESIGN CRITERIA
REFERENCES
Table 1 summarizes the design criteria for
vegetative covers.
PERFORMANCE
Qualitatively, vegetative covers are clearly effective
in controlling dust and erosion when properly
implemented. The amount of runoff generated
from vegetated areas is considerably reduced and of
better quality than runoff from unvegetated areas.
However, based on data currently available, it is not
possible to quantify the water quality benefits of
vegetative coverings as a BMP.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Several measures must be taken after seeding and
sodding an area to promote successful growth. It is
especially important to check and monitor an area
after a rain event to ensure that the seeds and sod
have not been damaged. If damage has occurred,
the cause of damage must be assessed before
repeating seed bed preparation and seeding
procedures. Once a vegetative cover has been
established, it is important to attend to the
following:
• Watering the sod frequently and uniformly.
• Maintaining appropriate grass height for the
species selected and the intended use.
Performing occasional soil tests to
determine if the soil is being appropriately
fertilized.
• Controlling weeds.
Spot seeding small and damaged areas.
COSTS
The general base capital costs for constructing a
vegetative cover average around $13,800/acre for
seeding and $29,000/acre for sodding. A more
detailed summary of the cost estimates for sodding
and seeding is provided in Table 2. Please note that
costs vary depending on regional climates and soil
conditions.
1. Hennepin Conservation District,
Minnesota, 1989. Erosion and Sediment
Control Manual.
2. Metropolitan Washington Council of
Governments, Controlling Urban Runoff,
1987. A Practical Manual for Planning
and Designing Urban BMPs.
3. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ,1989.
Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas.
4. Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission, 1991. Costs of Urban
Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control
Measures. Technical Report No. 31.
5. U.S. EPA, Pre-print, 1992. Storm Water
Management for Industrial Activities:
Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and
Best Management Practices.
6. Washington State Department of Ecology,
1992. Storm Water Management Manual
for the Puget Sound Basin.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hennepin Conservation District
Ali Durgunoglu
10801 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 240
Minnetonka, MN 55305
International Erosion Control Association
P.O. Box 774904
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
North Carolina State University
Dr. Greg Jennings
214 Weaver Labs, NCSU Box 7625
Raleigh, NC 27695
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission
Bob Biebel
916 N. East Avenue, P.O. Box 1607
Waukesha,WI53187
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TABLE 1 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR VEGETATIVE COVERS
Measure
Temporary
Seeding
Permanent
Seeding
Sodding
Preservation
of Natural
Vegetation
Extent and
Material
Place topsoil as needed,
to enhance plant growth.
A loamy soil with an
organic content of 1 .5
percent or greater is
preferred. Use rapid-
growing annual grasses,
small grains, or
legumes. Apply seeds
using a cyclone seeder,
drill, cultipacker seeder,
or hydroseeder.
Place topsoil as needed
to enhance plant growth.
A loamy soil with an
organic content of 1 .5
percent or greater is
preferred. Where
possible, use low
maintenance local plant
species. Apply seeds
using a cyclone seeder,
drill, cultipacker seeder,
or hydroseeder.
Sod should be machine-
cut at a uniform
thickness of 1/2 to 2
inches.
Careful planning is
required prior to start of
construction.
Dimensions
Place topsoil
where needed to
a minimum
compacted depth
of 2 inches on
3:1 slopes or
steeper; and of 4
inches on flatter
slopes.
Apply mulch to
slopes 4:1 or
steeper if soil is
sandy or clayey,
or if weather is
excessively hot
or dry. Place
topsoil where
needed.
Wherever
possible,
maintain existing
contours.
Hydraulic
Divert
channelized
flow away
from
temporarily
seeded areas
to prevent
erosion and
scouring.
Divert
channelized
flow away
from
temporarily
seeded areas
to prevent
erosion and
scouring.
In waterways,
select plant
types able to
withstand
design flow
velocity.
Maintain
existing
hydraulic
characteristics
Avoid
Heavy clay or
organic soils as
topsoil.
Handbroadcasting
of seeds (not
uniform), except in
very small areas.
Mowing temporary
vegetation. High-
traffic areas.
Heavy clay or
organic soils as
topsoil. Hand
broadcasting of
seeds (not
uniform), except in
very small areas.
High-traffic areas.
Gravel or nonsoil
surfaces.
Unusually wet or
hot weather.
Frozen soils.
Mowing for at least
two to three
weeks.
Activities within
the drop line of
trees.
Concentrating
flows at new
locations.
Miscellaneous
Use where vegetation cover is needed for less than 1 year. Use chisel
plow or tiller to loosen compacted soils. As needed, apply water, fertilizer,
lime, and mulch. Incorporate lime and fertilizer into top 4-6 inches of soil.
Plant small grains 1 inch deep. Plant grasses and legume 1/2 inch deep.
Use chisel plow or tiller to loosen compacted soils. As needed, apply
water, fertilizer, lie, and mulch. Incorporate lime and fertilizer into top 4-6
inches of soil. Plant small grains 1 inch deep. Plant grasses and legume
1/2 inch deep.
Prior to laying sod, clear soil surface of debris, roots, branches, and stones
bigger than 2 inches in diameter. Sod should be harvested, delivered, and
installed within 36 hours. Lay sod with staggered joints along the contour.
Lightly irrigate soils before sod placement during dry or hot periods. After
placement, roll sod and wet soil to a depth of 4 inches. On slopes steeper
than 3:1 , secure sod with stakes. In waterways, lay sod perpendicular to
water flow. Secure sod with stakes, wire, or netting.
Preservation of vegetation should be planned before any site disturbance
begins. Proper maintenance is vitally important. Clearly mark areas to be
preserved.
Source: HCD, 1989.
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TABLE 2 INSTALLATION COSTS
Description
Sodding
Level
>400 yd2
101 yd2
50yd2
Slopes
401 yd2
Seeding
Mechanical
Seeding
Unit
yd2
yd2
yd2
yd2
yd2
yd2
yd2
yd2
Acre
yd2
Acre
yd2
Acre
yd2
Location
Loganville
Dubuque
Loganville
Dubuque
Loganville
Dubuque
Loganville
Dubuque
Hollston,
Hollston,
Loganville
Loganville
Dubuque
Dubuque
, GA1
, IA2
, GA1
, IA2
, GA1
, IA2
, GA1
, IA2
MA3
MA3
, GA1
, GA1
, IA2
, IA2
Material
$2.07
$1.15
$2.70
$1.15
$2.70
$1.15
$2.70
$1.15
$653.00
$0.14
$931 .40
$0.18
$1 ,267.21
$0.26
Labor Equipment
$1.80
$0.93
$1.80
$0.94
$1.80
$0.98
$1.80
$1.23
$435.00
$0.09
$600.00
$0.12
$142.94
$0.13
$0.30
$0.05
$0.30
$0.05
$0.30
$0.05
$0.30
$0.05
$222.00
$0.05
$300.00
$0.06
$258.70
$0.24
Indirect
Cost
$1.68
$1.07
$1.68
$1.46
$1.68
$2.00
$1.68
$1.13
$430.00
$0.09
$497.10
$0.10
$436.23
$0.10
Total Cost
$5.85
$3.20
$6.40
$3.60
$6.48
$4.18
$6.48
$3.56
$1 ,940.00
$0.36
$2,328.50
$0.46
$2,105.08
$0.73
YSost°f
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
1998
1998
Jan-99
Jan-99
1998
1998
Comments
Indirect costs include:$0.1 1 for indirect time,
and $0.40 for shipping/semi load.
Indirect costs include: $0.43 for indirect time
and $0.40 for shipping/semi load
Indirect costs include: $0.86 for indirect time
and $0.40 for shipping/semi load
Indirect costs include: $0.1 1 for indirect time
and $0.40 for shipping/semi load
pricing includes seed, fertilizer, hydromulch,
pricing includes seed, fertilizer, hydromulch,
$0.56 for profit,
, $0.64 for profit
, $0.75 for profit
, $ 0.62 for profit
and water only
and water only
Indirect costs include: $103.50 for indirect time, $332. 73 for
profit, provided that equipment is available. Does not include
grading. Includes straw mulch.
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TABLE 2 (CONTINUED) INSTALLATION COSTS
Description
Fine Grade/Seed
Push Spreader
Grass Seed
Limestone
Fertilizer
Level Areas
Sloped Areas
Unit
yd2
yd2
1 ,000 ft2
1 ,000 ft2
1 ,000 ft2
1 ,000 ft2
1 ,000 ft2
1 ,000 ft2
Acre
Acre
Acre
Acre
Location
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA2
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA2
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA2
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA2
Loganville, GA1
Dubuque, IA2
Material
$0.18
$0.26
$15.00
$15.18
$2.85
$2.50
$3.33
$2.80
$750.00
$661 .24
$750.00
$661 .24
Labor
$0.12
$0.13
$6.25
$8.88
$6.25
$8.88
$8.88
$600.00
$109.26
$600.00
$222.12
Equipment
$0.06
$0.24
$0.30
$54.00
$0.30
$54.00
$54.00
$139.50
$120.00
$139.50
$120.00
Indirect
Cost
$0.10
$0.10
$3.45
$100.82
$1.00
$98.28
$98.34
$839.50
$251 .30
$839.50
$257.83
Total Cost
$0.46
$0.73
$25.00
$178.88
$10.00
$163.66
$164.02
$2,328.50
$1,141.80
$2,328.50
$1,261.19
Year of
Cost
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
1998
Jan-99
1998
Jan-99
1998
Comments
Includes fertilizer & lime
Indirect costs include: 0.02 for indirect time and
0.08 for profit; equipment is owned and costs
include straw mulch)
Indirect costs include: $80.00 for indirect time and
$20.82 for profit; does not include mulch
Indirect costs include: $80.00 for indirect time and
$12.28 for profit; does not include mulch
Indirect costs include: $80.00 for indirect time and
$18.34 for profit; does not include mulch
Indirect costs include: $81 .00 for indirect time and
$1 70.30 for profit; does not include mulch
Indirect costs include: $81 .00 for indirect time and
$1 76.83 for profit; does not include mulch
1 information provided by Earthscape Landscaping and Lawn Care
2 information provided by Weathers Landscape Services
3 information provided by New England Hydroseeding, Inc.
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Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company
Cathy J. Wendt
2301 North 3rd St.
Wausau, WI 54403
The mention of trade names or commercial
products does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for the use by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information contact:
Municipal Technology Branch
U.S. EPA
Mail Code 4204
401 M St., S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20460
Excellence In compliance through optknal technical solutions
MUNICIPAL TECHNOLOGY BRANCH
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