Permanent vegetation stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, prevents sediment pollution, reduces storm water runoff by promoting infiltration, and provides storm water quality benefits offered by dense grass cover. Any disturbed areas that are at final grade or will remain idle/dormant for one year or more must have permanent seeding applied within 7 days of the most recent disturbance. If the area happens to be within 50 feet of a stream or other surface water of the state, seeding must be applied within 2 days of reaching final grade.
The most common issues we see are the timing of application of seed, and the lack of mulching or erosion control matting used. Permanent seeding includes site prep, seedbed prep, planting, AND mulching. On areas where soils may be easily erodible such as slopes greater than 3:1, it is necessary to use either an erosion control matting, or apply hydraulic seeding with a tackifier.
Erosion control matting is applied after seeding to stabilize the soil while vegetation becomes established. Erosion control matting is also useful in areas where straw mulch is difficult to hold in place due to wind or water, or in areas where the soil is prone to drying. Matting not only prevents erosion, but holds in moisture as well, accelerating seed germination.
Please see chapter 7.10 and 7.12 of the Ohio Rainwater and Land Development Manual for more information on permanent seeding and erosion control matting.