This flexible product can be produced in as little as four to six weeks and can be harvested in variable widths and lengths. Anywhere from 1-10 feet wide and up to 100 feet long.

For many years the engineered solution to concentrated water flow was to line channels with rock or concrete and dump the stormwater in the nearest creek. Unfortunately these, 'out of mind out of sight' treatments also transport foreign matter downstream often leading to serious pollution. With the enforcement of the clean water act phase II, these hard armor solutions to erosion are creating more problems than solutions. Gardner Turfgrass, Inc. in conjunction with Jimboomba Turf LTD have found a solution to this problem- STAYturf.

STAYturf is a product which can in many cases replace rock or concrete and at the same time significantly reduce the amount of downstream pollution. Add to this the aesthetic and safety benefits of natural grass and you have an ideal solution to channel protection.

What is STAYturf?

STAYturf is a reinforced (soil free) carpet of natural turf which gives immediate and permanent protection against erosion and soil loss. It is produced by establishing BAyr Root Turf on STAYmat, which is an organic blanket reinforced with a UV stabilized mesh. STAYmat is produced to a strict specification to ensure the finished product has the strength to withstand extremely high water velocity immediately after STAYturf is installed.

Site preparation

The surface must be cleaned of rocks and vegetation. Erosion and gullies should be filled and compacted to 80%. Loose soil will subside with moisture and create voids under the STAYturf. When possible soil should be treated to create suitable grass growing conditions.

Installation

STAYturf is a flexible mat which will follow the natural contours of the ground, therefore, it can be installed either along the contour or up and down the slope. An anchor trench 6 inches by 6 inches should be used at the leading edge. STAYturf is then installed into the trench and pinned at 24-inch spacings. The trench is then backfilled and compacted.

Where expected peak flows do not exceed 15 feet per second, STAYturf should be overlapped and pinned with the flow of the water. In conditions where the flows are expected to exceed 15 feet per second each joint should be trenched and installed like the leading edge. Pinning recommendations in non-joined areas are as follows: before the waterline- one pin every yard, above the waterline- one pin every 1.5 yards. In highly erosive soils a pin should be used every 1.5 feet.

Watering

STAYturf must be watered within 60 minutes of installation. Care should be taken to ensure that water does not run off into unprotected areas. A water tuck that is often available on most construction sites can do this. Keep the turf moist for seven to 10 days past the installation date to prevent the turf from drying out. Once it is established it requires normal watering practices to maintain growth. Many sites do not require additional watering after establishment but this depends on the area of the country it is being installed in.

Mowing

Mowing can commence as soon as the product is well rooted. Care should be taken not to run tractor wheels in the bottom of the invert when it is wet as this may damage the product. Once established, STAYturf requires maintenance as per normal grass management practices. The product can be maintained like a lawn or left in its natural state depending on the intended use of area.

How effective is STAYturf? In university supervised testing, STAYturf was installed into a specially designed channel, which was excavated into an 18 percent slope. A flow of 5,940 gpm was immediately run into the channel with a velocity of 4 yards per-second. The results of the tests showed no soil loss and no damage to STAYturf itself. Damage to unprotected parts of the channel was extensive.

These surfaces will have a more positive impact on the environment. Testing and field trials are now showing equal or better results with Vegetative Drainage channels, giving the engineering communities an alternative for vegetative drainage channel linings. In most cases, these surfaces will be providing lower cost, lower maintenance and a surface that will be environmentally beneficial and safe to the public.

For more information on STAYturf contact Stan Gardner at (303) 252-1900 or Email StanTurf@aol.com