Essentially bio-stabilization
is a method of using living plants and stabilizing means to
hold back a slope or grade from erosion. This method has
become especially accepted recently to stabilize storm channels
and drainage creeks. Ideal Landscape Group has helped
pioneer the usage of this method for the St. Louis Metropolitan
Sewer District. Below is a before and after view of the Gray Drive to Oak Drive Storm Channel Project:
A typical, concrete reinforcement of a storm channel.
The bank has been replaced by a man-made wall of
synthetic materials.
The alternative: a bio-engineered slope which uses live
stake plants along the creek bank. The plants will
eventually take root and grow, reinforcing the slope
naturally.
A closer view of a revetment wall made entirely of
natural materials. The "sticks" are actually
live stakes which will take root and reinforce the
bank by natural means.
