Temporary vs. Permanent Erosion Control - What’s the Difference
When an erosion issue becomes noticeable on a property, whether it's a disappearing shoreline, a sliding bank, or a hillside turning into patches of exposed earth, the initial instinct is to find a quick, inexpensive fix. This instinct is understandable, but it's helpful to know that not all erosion control measures are designed for the long haul.
Some products and systems are designed to slow soil movement only temporarily until a more permanent solution can be implemented, while others are designed to solve the erosion problem entirely. Choosing the wrong type of erosion control can result in costly and time-consuming repairs.
As one of the most trusted erosion control companies in Mississippi, Foremost Foundations and Construction breaks down the differences between temporary and permanent erosion control and their roles in protecting your property.
Temporary Erosion Control Measures Explained
As the name implies, temporary erosion control measures are designed to provide a short-term solution that reduces soil loss while a property naturally recovers and stabilizes, or while permanent solutions are being planned and put into place.
Common types of temporary erosion control include:
Silt fences. Ubiquitous role barriers that are often used on construction sites to contain sediment in site runoff.
Straw waddles. Tubes of straw wrapped in netting or burlap that can be used to manage surface water runoff and prevent sediment from washing down slopes.
Erosion control blankets. Geotextile materials placed over disturbed soil, often seeded and vegetated, to prevent erosion.
Temporary seeding. Planting grasses or other vegetation to hold soil in place for a season or two while a more permanent vegetation or structural solution is established.
While these techniques play a valuable role on construction sites or as a preliminary measure on a troubled landscape, they’re not built to last. Most temporary erosion control materials begin to break down within a few months to a year and will not hold up against heavy rainfall or prolonged contact with water and changing ground conditions. Relying on these solutions for persistent erosion problems typically means just delaying the inevitable need for a permanent fix.
Understanding Permanent Erosion Control Solutions
Long-term erosion control focuses on physically stabilizing soil in place for years to come. It addresses the root cause of erosion, which is often structural weakness, consistent water movement, or drainage problems, rather than simply controlling symptoms. Permanent solutions can take various forms and include:
Reinforced containment systems. Structures such as walls, riprap, or engineered block systems that contain loose soil and stabilize slopes or shorelines.
Engineered mesh and matting. Highly durable and versatile meshing or mats that can be anchored, and vegetation integrated into the material to create extremely strong barriers and stabilize a hillside or shoreline over time.
Hard armor and soil stabilization technologies. Includes engineered concrete or polyurethane cellular containment systems that lock soil in place and prevent erosion under challenging conditions.
These systems are designed to withstand the forces that cause erosion year after year, rather than for just a single season. They create enduring stability and prevent the soil erosion from continually reappearing after every storm.
Why This Distinction Is Crucial in Mississippi
Mississippi’s climate includes heavy seasonal rains and the pervasive presence of clay soil, which loses strength and can become highly fluid when waterlogged. On coastal properties and properties along rivers and larger bodies of water, the movement of water also contributes to rapid erosion. These conditions create an environment where erosion is a constant risk and a single temporary fix is unlikely to succeed for long.
This explains why effective, long-term erosion control so often involves more specialized, engineered solutions from erosion control companies in Mississippi with a deep understanding of local conditions. Generic, one-size-fits-all products from big box stores often fail to provide the level of durability needed and the cost of continuously replacing ineffective temporary measures can quickly exceed the investment in a proper long-term solution.
ShoreSOX®: Permanent Erosion Control for Real Solutions
Foremost’s primary recommendation for achieving long-term erosion control, particularly on shorelines and slopes in our area, is ShoreSOX®. This high-strength, UV-resistant knitted mesh is filled with locally sourced organic fill material and engineered to securely lock sediment in place while fostering the development of live vegetation. This ultimately creates a living, stabilizing shoreline or slope.
Unlike temporary products, ShoreSOX® provides immediate soil stabilization upon installation and the living vegetation that grows within the structure contributes to its strength over time, effectively ending erosion once and for all. It’s a way to address immediate, visible erosion with solutions designed to provide long-term stability, all without the costly maintenance often associated with heavier structural methods like bulkheads.
Know Your Erosion Control Options
While there may be occasions like on a construction site where temporary erosion control plays a valuable role, it’s usually not a sound strategy for an ongoing or recurring erosion problem on your property, whether it’s a waterfront, a sloped yard, a commercial site, or an area around a retention pond. Choosing to invest in a long-term solution upfront will almost always prove to be the more economical option in the long run compared to repeated repairs of temporary, ineffective methods.
Work With Experts for Permanent Erosion Control
Foremost Foundations and Construction is one of the top erosion control companies in Mississippi. Homeowners and businesses have trusted us since 2013, because we are committed to delivering solutions that hold up today and in the years to come. We understand that our state’s soils and weather patterns require effective, specific, and reliable erosion control measures.
If you're tired of dealing with erosion, we encourage you to contact us. We’ll assess your specific situation and help you determine the best approach to keep your land safe, stable, and secure. Don't wait for another season or another heavy rain event to invest in ShoreSOX®!
5 Frequently Asked Questions
What do erosion control companies in Mississippi do?
Erosion control companies in Mississippi help property owners address soil loss caused by water movement, heavy rainfall, drainage issues, unstable slopes, and shoreline erosion. Depending on the property and severity of the erosion, solutions may include temporary measures or permanent systems designed to stabilize soil and provide long-term protection.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent erosion control?
Temporary erosion control measures, such as silt fences, straw wattles, erosion control blankets, and temporary seeding, are generally intended to reduce soil movement for a limited period while a property stabilizes or a permanent solution is installed. Permanent erosion control uses engineered systems designed to stabilize soil and withstand recurring rainfall, water movement, and changing ground conditions for years.
Why is permanent erosion control important in Mississippi?
Mississippi properties can face significant erosion challenges because of heavy seasonal rainfall, water movement, and clay soils that can weaken when saturated. Waterfront properties and sloped areas can be particularly vulnerable. For recurring erosion problems, a professionally designed permanent solution can provide more durable stabilization than repeatedly replacing temporary erosion control products.
What is ShoreSOX ®and how does it control erosion?
ShoreSOX® is a high-strength, UV-resistant knitted mesh system filled with organic material and designed to stabilize sediment while supporting vegetation growth. As vegetation develops within the system, its roots can contribute to long-term soil stabilization. ShoreSOX® can be used for erosion control applications involving shorelines and slopes where a durable, vegetated solution is appropriate.
How do I choose the right erosion control solution for my property?
The appropriate erosion control solution depends on factors such as the location and severity of erosion, soil conditions, drainage, water movement, slope conditions, and whether the problem is temporary or recurring. A professional assessment can help determine whether temporary measures or a permanent engineered system, such as ShoreSOX®, is appropriate for your property.
Comments