The approach is very flexible. Many effects can be achieved by varying techniques and design. The techniques can be successful where less intensive approaches are likely to fail, such as on steep slopes where surficial materials are unstable. The techniques are very labor intensive and expensive, and are best used only in critical areas. The techniques can only be implemented where there is an available source of suitable material.
Specialized knowledge is required to implement the techniques.
Relatively few people are familiar with them, compared to other revegetation techniques. In some situations, cattle grazing may interfere with the prescribed goals of establishing conifer seedlings and maintaining vigorous vegetation cover. Agronomic seed mixes are often very palatable and may attract cattle to the rehabilitated area, resulting in trampling damage to planted tree seedlings. Vigorous vegetation cover is required to rebuild soil structure. High rates of vegetation removal by cattle may seriously reduce the effectiveness of this treatment.