How to Prevent Beach Sand Erosion without a Snow Fence
The power of wind to transform landscapes is unquestioned. In deserts and coastal dune areas, wind blows sand into spectacular formations spanning vast distances. Preventing sand drifts and sand erosion often means installing fence lines that hold back the moving sand. Much like the massive overhead structures set up along highways in snowy regions to prevent snowdrift, fences on the beach are unsightly. Fortunately, more aesthetic options to prevent beach sand erosion without a snow fence are available. With a little imagination and research into the local coastal flora, you can prevent sand erosion by way of more natural means, using plants and boulders. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood stakes of any size Plants suitable for sandy beach locations Shovel Water Boulders
Instructions
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Visit your local plant nursery or the local county agricultural extension specialists to inquire about plant varieties suitable for sandy beachfront locations. Select the suitable plants which appeal to you.
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Survey the specific area where you want to prevent beach sand erosion without using a snow fence. Mark rows in the sand using the stakes. Push the stakes into the ground to mark the rows. Make the rows perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing wind. The rows mark where you will be planting.
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Install the plants, according to the directions printed on their nursery tags. Plant the smallest plants on the outside edges of the rows closest to the ocean, medium-sized plants next and the tallest plants in the last rows furthest from the ocean. The gradual incline in plant height helps slow winds and works to retain beach sand.
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Placing boulders in stacked rows will also work to prevent beach sand erosion without a snow fence. Use boulders of varying sizes, but at least 2 feet in height. Stack the boulders in rows. Use smaller boulders for the first rows, medium boulders for the middle rows and large boulders for the last rows.
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Combine boulders and plants for the best results. Stack the boulders in rows. Intersperse rows of plants between the rows of boulders. Stagger the boulder and plant sizes as previously mentioned so that you start with the shortest of each and end with the tallest of each.
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Tips & Warnings
Large logs work to prevent beach sand erosion. They can be incorporated into a scheme using boulders and plants to create an aesthetically pleasing form of erosion control and a natural habitat for wildlife. Look for driftwood on the beach where your erosion control site is located and haul it back for use as natural material. Place it in and around the area where you are working to control beach sand erosion.
Never use noxious weeds or invasive plants when creating a beach sand erosion scheme. These sorts of plants can adversely impact local flora. Your agricultural extension agent will be able to guide you in that respect.
