How to Install Erosion Blankets With an ATV
On sloped areas of landscaping, running surface water often erodes the surface. For this reason, erosion prevention devices are often installed to slow the flow of water and reduce erosion. One type of erosion prevention device is erosion blankets. Erosion blankets are a woven natural or synthetic material; the interlocking fibers create numerous crevices and obstructions within the blanket that slows the flow of water. An ATV can be used to both grade the slope to prepare it for the blankets, as well as to transport the blankets to the top of the hill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Erosion blanket
- Erosion blanket anchors
- ATV
- Pull-behind grader
- ATV trailer
Instructions
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Determine the type and size of erosion blanket is best for your application. Erosion control blankets made from natural fibers such as: aspen fiber, coconut fiber and straw, typically biodegrade in approximately one year. Synthetic erosion blankets, such as those made from polypropylene, can last several years. Also, erosion control blankets come in a variety of widths, that most often range from 3 feet to 8 feet. If you have a large area you need to apply erosion blankets, select 8-foot width blankets. Your ATV is useful no matter which size you select, but particularly so for the larger rolls, which are quite heavy.
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Prepare the area to be covered. Grade the slope you'll be with your ATV and a pull-behind grader. Any large deviations in the grade of the land will prevent the erosion blanket from properly making contact with the ground. This will allow water to run freely under the blanket in these spots. Remove any large boulders for this reason as well. Dig a trench along the top of the slope, where you'll be installing the erosion blanket. Save the soil for back fill.
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Transport your rolls of erosion blankets to the top of the hill. This is often the most difficult part of installing an erosion control blanket; however, using an ATV makes this much simpler. Place one or more rolls on to the ATV trailer and carefully drive it to the top of the slope. If possible, do not drive over the face of the slope you'll be covering with the erosion blanket. Unload the rolls at the top of the hill.
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Install the erosion blankets. Unroll each blanket, placing one end of the blanket into the trench and then carefully unrolling it down the hill. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the placement of anchors along the roll. Install the next roll so that the edge overlaps the one next to it. Once all rolls are installed, backfill the trench with the dirt you saved and tap it into place to hold the rolls securely to the top of the hill.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to overlap your rows of erosion blanket so that the row with the upper edge is on the windward side of the hill.
Do not overload your ATV trailer, as this can cause you to tip over.
Always wear a helmet when riding an ATV.
References
Resources
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