The earth masses on slopes are not only subject to gravity, but also have to withstand wind and weather. If the right vegetation is missing, the substrate will be removed over time. This is where the fastening comes into play.
Dry stone walls are a nice way to fortify embankments
How to fasten an embankment:
- fascines: are traditionally used in forestry to stabilize slopes
- wicker: protect the slope from erosion until it is overgrown
- dry stone walls: are functional and ecologically valuable
- plant stones: as a permanent solution suitable for planting
fascines
Twig bundles are a common way to secure embankments and prepare slopes for reforestation. They can be made from dead wood or sprouting branches of willow, hazelnut or alder. At the desired location, dig trenches 30 centimeters deep, spaced 1.5 meters apart.
Bundle the brushwood together so that the fascine reaches a diameter of 30 centimeters and a length of three meters. Place them in the trenches, which you then cover with soil. Finally, drive a wooden stake into the ground every meter.
wicker
One of the oldest methods of preparatory slope stabilization is willow weaving. You need branches with a minimum length of 180 centimeters and 60 centimeter long plant stakes. Drive a wooden stick into the ground every 50 centimeters so that it stands stable. Strip the leaves from the rods and braid them around the sticks.
The embankment is ready for planting with hardy and preferably native shrubs. After about four years, you can remove the weave of rods because the shrubs have developed a protective root network.
dry stone walls
From a nature conservation point of view, this method is interesting because it offers a habitat for animals and plants. Dig a ditch 40 centimeters deep and fill it with gravel. Fine-grained gravel and sand are used as filling material for compaction.
Finally, sprinkle construction sand on the foundation and set a row of flat stones. The levels above should be layered against the slope. If there are larger gaps, you can fill them with smaller stone materials and plant the crown.
tips
If the dry stone wall is not to be higher than 80 centimetres, it can be erected without mortar.
plant stones
Concrete blocks are available in specialist shops in various sizes and shapes. The shape ensures easy assembly without mortar. However, the lowest level should be fixed with concrete. The foundation requires a 40 centimeter deep trench that is slightly wider than the planting stones.
Fill the pit with crushed stone and compact it. Then there is a ten centimeter thick layer of concrete, into which you draw longitudinal grooves for drainage. Place the first layer of stones directly into the damp subsoil. After a drying time, stack the remaining stones offset to the slope.