Interplanting Rip Rap Rip rap is often used to protect streambanks and lakeshores. Rip rap is composed of various size large stones placed on the soil surface where the water contacts the soil. Live cuttings can be interplanted in rip rap to provide additional slope stability. Root growth below the rip rap will improve soil strength and live vegetation will hide the rocks, presenting a more natural look. Staking Staking is used extensively in bioengineering practice.
Stakes can be live or dead.
Live staking is often done with willows to stabilize soil or to stake other materials in place. Timber stakes for upland application need to have a bias, or angle, cut making them easier to install. For wetland or streamside applications, stakes need straight parallel sides to prevent heaving from water pressure. Combinations Figure 4. Slope treatment using wattles and live plants or stakes.