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BMP: REVEGETATION <br />1. METHODS: The primary purpose of re-vegetation is erosion control. <br />Grass provides the best protection for the first few years. Grasses germinate <br />and grow quickly and provide a fast and complete ground cover. Trees and <br />shrubs are effective for long-term erosion control, but grasses are needed for initial <br />soil protection until the slower growing trees and shrubs become well established. <br />Decorative landscaping with trees and shrubs can be done later. <br />The harshness of the mountain climate and the steepness of the terrain make <br />it difficult for plants to become established. The steeper the slope, the more <br />difficult it is. You will have the greatest chance of success with re-vegetation if <br />you keep the angle of disturbed slopes to a minimum. <br />Before you can re-vegetate an area, you must first roughen or loosen the soil <br />surface so that seeds can get a foothold in it. Use a dirt rake or tiller. <br />Broadcast the seed by hand or with a "belly grinder." Rake the soil after seeding <br />to cover the seeds with 1/4" - 1/2" of soil. You can seed a typical lot in less than <br />an hour. <br />The time of planting depends on whether or not you irrigate. If you choose to <br />irrigate, you must continue irrigating until the grass is well established. <br />? If you do not irrigate: <br />(a) Plant seeds as late as possible in the fall but before the ground is <br />frozen and before snowfall. October and November are generally good <br />months to seed. Seeds planted too early in the fall may germinate with <br />fall rains and the young seedlings can then be killed by frost. <br />Or, <br />(b) Plant seeds in April or May as soon as possible after snowmelt. <br />June is generally too late, since there probably will not be enough rain to <br />germinate the seed and allow the plants to grow to a size that can survive <br />the summer dry period. <br />? If you are legally allowed to irrigate: <br />Plant seeds as soon as possible after grading is completed and the area <br />can be closed to vehicle traffic. During the germination period (at least the <br />first 2 weeks), irrigate often enough to keep the seedbed moist. You may <br />have to water more than once per day. Water with fine spray to avoid <br />washing away seeds and soil. Water only long enough to moisten the first <br />2" of soil. You can discontinue irrigating when the grass is about 6" tall. <br />2. MATERIALS: The following grass seed mixtures are suggested for the <br />three major habitats encountered in higher elevations of Colorado. <br />? Roadside Mix - Drought tolerant grasses for roadside stabilization <br />consisting of tall and low growing bunchgrasses for rapid establishment <br />and long term persistence.