How to Install a Straw Wattle

A straw wattle is a cylinder of compressed straw used for erosion control on slopes. They are usually between 20 to 25 feet long. Wattles are 8 to 12 inches wide. Wattles are most effective at controlling erosion on slopes up to 50 percent, but they will retain some efficacy on slopes up to 70 percent. You can install a straw wattle to control soil erosion for up to two years, which gives you time to help native plants become established on the slope.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• 1 by 1 or 2 by 2 wooden stakes, 18 to 24 inches long (5)
• Mallet

Instructions

1. Dig a trench across the slope where you will be installing the wattle. Make the trench between 2 to 3 inches deep if you have rocky soil. Make it 3 to 5 inches deep for soft or loamy soils.

2. Place the wattle in the trench so it sits in it snugly. Tightly pack the soil you excavated from the trench against the uphill side of the wattle. This will prevent water from running under the wattle.

3. Drive a 1 by 2 or 2 by 2 stake into the center of the wattle with a mallet. Drive it into the ground 6 inches. About 2 inches of the stake should remain above the wattle.

4. Install one stake into each end of the wattle. Install one more stake on either side of the center stake, between the center stake and the end stake.

5. Check the soil on the uphill side of the wattle to be sure it is still tightly packed after staking.

References

• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Contour Straw Wattle Fact Sheet
• Specialty Construction Supply: Wattles