How to Build a Homemade Sand Dune
Sand dunes occur naturally where there's a lot of sand, such as near the ocean or in deserts. Over hundreds of thousands of years wind will blow sand bit by bit to form a dune. Sand usually begins to accumulate into a dune around an object that impedes the movement of the windblown sand, such as a rock or underbrush. Those wanting to make a homemade sand dune can do so in the right conditions, such as near a beach to prevent erosion. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- American beachgrass seed
- Sand fencing
- Wooden posts
- High nitrogen formulation fertilizer
Instructions
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Place sand fencing no more than 2 feet high in "V" shapes with the "V's" pointing away from the ocean. Anchor each "V" with wooden posts on either side at least 10 feet apart. The fencing will help to allow sand to build up and form a dune.
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2
Plant American beachgrass seed during the late autumn, winter or early spring months, covering the area where you want to build your dune, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Plant at a depth of 10 inches or so, and keep the center of the plants a few feet away from each other at the base of the dune area and a foot or two from each other in the middle. You will want some space between plants for the wind to blow and deposit sand.
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Fertilize the planting area with a fertilizer high in nitrogen content. Use about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet three times during the first growing season and 5 pounds per 1000 square feet twice a growing season after the first one. Spread the fertilizer by hand for best results.
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Let wind naturally shape and create the dune. As your beachgrass grows it will help attract more sand to create your homemade sand dune.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your dune will be out of reach of the highest tides and surges. Place sand fencing and plant American beachgrass out of reach of the water, as needed.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
