FAQ
WHAT ARE WATTLES?
Earthsaver's wattles are straw filled tubes (either photodegradable or burlap) of varying sizes used on slopes to slow the flow of water and silt or in perimeter protection applications, often replacing silt fence.
ISN'T ALL RICE STRAW NATURALLY WEED-FREE BECAUSE IT GROWS IN WATER?
NO. Some weeds grow in water, rice fields are not flooded for the entire growing season, and weeds thrive on the berms that separate the rice fields. All Earthsaver’s rice straw is certified weed-free by the Dept. of Agriculture.
WHERE WOULD I WANT TO USE A BIODEGRADABLE WATTLE INSTEAD OF THE LESS EXPENSIVE ONE WITH PLASTIC NETTING?
Where required…check specifications and permitting agency requirements. Many agencies no longer allow plastic netting on jobs, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. It should also be noted that some jobs do not require the contractor to go back and remove the wattles if the biodegradable product is used.
WHAT DO WATTLES DO?
Installed on slope contours they act as a slope interrupter, effectively reducing the length of the slope. Temporary ponding allows seed & sediment to drop behind the wattle, creating an enhanced seedbed. Water is released thru the wattle at a slower, steady rate. In perimeter protection applications wattles act as a ponding device to keep sediment laden water from leaving the site.
HOW MANY STAPLES SHOULD I USE TO INSTALL AN EROSION CONTROL BLANKET?
Typically 1.8 staples per SY on slope applications, 3 staples per SY in channels.
DO WATTLES COME IN DIFFERENT SIZES?
Yes, Our standard wattle comes in 8.5 inch minimum diameter x 25’. We also make an 11.5 inch minimum diameter in 10’ and 20’ lengths. We make a 19 inch minimum diameter x 8’ wattle too. Larger diameter wattles are typically not used on slope applications. Finally, we make a weighted wattle with an aggregate core for applications where staking is not possible.
HOW ARE WATTLES INSTALLED?
On slopes they are installed on contour and spaced according to slope steepness. In perimeter protection applications, wattles are installed around what they need to protect, like a disturbed area, a stockpile or a drain inlet. In channels, wattles act as mini check-dams when installed across the flow.
HOW ARE WATTLES HELD IN PLACE?
Wattles can be placed into a 2-3 inch deep trench and staked thru the middle. A “lashed” installation which requires no trench is where stakes are partially pounded in on either side of the wattle and rope is criss cross lashed between the stakes, then the stakes are pounded in the rest of the way until the wattles are lashed down securely. Wattles can also be weighted with gravel bags where staking is not possible. In all installations, wattles should conform to any irregularities in the soil and no daylight should be visible under the wattle.
HOW LONG DO WATTLES LAST?
12 to 18 months.
HOW MANY STAKES DO I NEED PER WATTLE?
4 foot spacing so 7 stakes each for our standard 25' wattle. 3 stakes each for our 8' or 10' wattles.
WHY IS THERE ONLY 12 WATTLES ON A PALLET FROM EARTHSAVERS?
Earthsaver's wattles are packed more densely and are therefore taller. We can only stack 12 high to still be able to clear the top of the truck door when loading.
WHY DO YOU USE RICE STRAW?
Rice straw lasts longer than wheat straw. Also, rice straw cannot be bladed down like wheat straw and rice fields can no longer be burned. The manufacture of rice straw wattles diverts TONS of rice straw from landfills in California every year.
WHAT IS A TURF REINFORCEMENT MAT
A TRM or Turf Reinforcement Mat is a synthetic mat that is designed to reinforce vegetative growth and increase the limitations of vegetation alone in permanently protecting soil from erosion. These “soft armor” systems can often replace traditional materials such as concrete or riprap and offer numerous cost and environmental benefits.
WHICH GOES DOWN FIRST, THE SEED OR THE EROSION CONTROL BLANKET?
Seed goes first. Immediate erosion protection is provided to the soil and seed UNDER the blanket, vegetation grows up through. Some open weave jute or netting products may allow for hydro seeding into the installed netting.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE?
Call Earthsaver's Office 1-866-WATTLES (928-8537) or fill out our form located under our "Contact Us" Page.
DOES EARTHSAVERS SELL DIRECT TO CONTRACTORS?
No, Never. We sell only through our network of distributors.