OUR SERVICES
Bioengineering & Live Stakes

Nature-Based Bioengineering Practices
At Plant It Forward, we specialize in nature-based bioengineering practices that harness natural materials and processes to address erosion control and habitat restoration. Our innovative techniques are designed to enhance ecosystem functions sustainably and effectively. Here’s how we achieve impactful results:
-
Live stakes are freshly cut branches or stems from woody plants that are installed while still alive. They play a vital role in stabilizing soil, controlling erosion, and enhancing habitat in riparian areas, wetlands, and other sensitive ecosystems.
-
We plant grasses, shrubs, and trees along slopes and water bodies to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and enhance habitat. The roots of these plants bind soil particles, mitigating erosion caused by water or wind.
-
Live fascines, bundles of live branches or cuttings, are placed in channels or along slopes to slow water flow and stabilize soil. Brush layering involves laying live branches horizontally along slopes to trap sediment and promote vegetation growth.
-
Made from coconut fiber, coir logs and mats provide immediate erosion protection and support vegetation establishment on slopes, riverbanks, and shorelines.
-
We use structures like brush mattresses, wattle fences, and live crib walls, combining natural materials with vegetation to create erosion control features and enhance habitat. These structures are designed to withstand hydraulic forces and provide wildlife habitat.
-
Biodegradable erosion control blankets made from materials like jute, straw, or coconut fibers protect soil from erosion and foster vegetation growth. They degrade over time, leaving behind stabilized soil and established vegetation.
-
We establish vegetated buffer zones along water bodies to filter pollutants, stabilize banks, and provide wildlife habitat. Native vegetation in riparian areas is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing erosion.
Live Stakes
Live stakes are freshly cut branches or stems from woody plants that are installed while still alive. They play a vital role in stabilizing soil, controlling erosion, and enhancing habitat in riparian areas, wetlands, and other sensitive ecosystems.
Uses of Live Stakes
Streambank Stabilization
Live stakes are planted along streambanks and shorelines to anchor soil and reduce erosion caused by flowing water.Wetland Restoration
In wetlands, live stakes promote vegetation growth, improve water quality, reduce sedimentation, and enhance wildlife habitat.Riparian Buffer Establishment
Live stakes help establish riparian buffers along rivers, streams, and lakes, filtering pollutants, trapping sediment, and providing habitat.Erosion Control on Slopes
Installed on slopes and hillsides, live stakes form a dense network of vegetation that stabilizes soil and prevents sediment runoff.Habitat Enhancement
Live stakes provide food and shelter for wildlife, enhancing habitat diversity and supporting biodiversity conservation.
Benefits of Live Stakes
Rapid Establishment
Live stakes root quickly and establish vegetation cover faster than traditional methods, making them efficient for erosion control and restoration.Cost-Effective
They offer a cost-effective solution for large-scale projects, especially in challenging areas where traditional planting may be impractical.Native Species Diversity
Typically harvested from native woody species, live stakes promote biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Before
After
ROOTED Live Stakes
Rooted live stakes are plant materials with intact root systems, offering several advantages over traditional live stakes.
BENEFITS of rooted Live Stakes
Faster Establishment
Rooted live stakes establish more rapidly due to their developed root systems, leading to quicker vegetation growth and erosion control.Increased Survival Rate
The presence of roots improves survival rates, as rooted live stakes better absorb water and nutrients and withstand environmental stresses.Greater Long-Term Stability
Rooted live stakes form a stronger connection with the soil, providing enhanced stability and erosion resistance, particularly in high-flow or high-stress environments.Enhanced Biodiversity
Using rooted live stakes from diverse native species promotes greater biodiversity and supports a wider range of wildlife and plant species.

At plant it forward,
We supply over 100,000 live stakes per year
offering a reliable source of high-quality plant materials for your erosion control and habitat restoration needs.
Explore Our Bioengineering Solutions
Ready to tackle your ecological challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions? Contact us today to learn how our bioengineering and live stake services can support your restoration and habitat enhancement projects.
Let’s build resilient and thriving ecosystems together.