The earth masses on embankments are not only subject to gravity, but also have to withstand wind and weather. If the right plant growth is missing, the substrate will be removed over time. This is where the fastening is important.
What can be used to fortify an embankment?
To fortify an embankment, you can use fascines, wicker, dry stone walls or planting stones. These methods provide stable support, protection against erosion and enable planting with suitable trees or stones.
This is how you can fortify an embankment:
- Fascines: traditionally serve to fortify slopes in forestry
- Willow: protect the slope from erosion until it is overgrown
- Drystone walls: are functional and ecologically valuable
- Planting stones: as a permanent solution that is suitable for planting
Fascines
Fagots are a common method for securing embankments and preparing slopes for reforestation. They can be made from dead wood or sprouting branches of willow, hazelnut or alder. Dig trenches 30 centimeters deep at the desired location, spaced 1.5 meters apart.
Bundle the brushwood so that the fascines reach a diameter of 30 centimeters and a length of three meters. Place these in the trenches, which you then cover with soil. Finally, drive a wooden stake into the ground after every meter.
wicker
One of the oldest methods for preparatory slope stabilization is the willow weave. You need branches with a minimum length of 180 centimeters and plant sticks that are 60 centimeters long. Drive a wooden stick into the ground every 50 centimeters so that it is stable. Strip the leaves from the canes and braid them around the rods.
The embankment is ready for planting with hardy and preferably native trees. After about four years you can remove the cane network as the bushes have developed a secure network of roots.
Drystone walls
From a conservation perspective, this method is interesting because it provides a habitat for animals and plants. Dig a 40 centimeter deep trench and fill it with gravel. Fine-grained gravel and sand serve as filling material for compaction.
Finally, sprinkle building sand on the foundation and place a row of flat stones. The levels above should be layered against the slope. If larger joints are created, you can fill them with smaller stone materials and plant the crown.
Tip
If the drywall should not be higher than 80 centimeters, it can be built without mortar.
Planting stones
Concrete blocks are available from specialist retailers in various sizes and shapes. The shape ensures that they can be placed together comfortably without mortar. However, the lowest level should be secured with concrete. The foundation requires a 40 centimeter deep trench that is slightly wider than the planting stones.
Fill gravel into the pit and compact it. This is followed by a ten centimeter thick layer of concrete, into which you create longitudinal grooves for drainage. Place the first layer of stone directly into the damp subsoil. After a drying period, stack the remaining stones offset from the slope.
