What Are Coir Logs and How Do They Help With Erosion Control?

Coco coir logs are popular material choices for use in construction zones, restoration areas, for environmental preservation on hillsides, or for aquatic erosion control. Coir logs are strong enough to withstand weather conditions such as heavy rains and, when staked to a hillside, help prevent soil slippage by holding the water until sediment settles. 

In aquatic areas, coir logs are used to stabilize shorelines by protecting them from erosion caused by waves. Coir logs are also used to encourage vegetation development and prevent the buildup of items such as rocks and plant or tree debris from interfering with the flow of water. 

Construction

There are two types of coir logs:

1. Coir logs comprised of meshed-together coir fibers encased in a blanket of coir twine to create the shape of a tree log. 
2. Coir logs made of a large blanket woven from coir twine that is rolled up to create a log shape. 

Coir logs come in sizes of up to 20 feet long and in varying diameters.

Coir logs are made entirely of natural elements. Unlike other means of erosion control, such as laying sheets of plastic over a hillside, coir logs don’t risk chemicals seepage that could damage the ecosystem and its microorganisms.

Coir logs can last anywhere from two to five years. Coir logs do not need to be removed at the end of their life cycle, as coir logs break down naturally into the soil, providing nutrients to the ecosystem in the process.

Installation

When installing coir logs, you must secure it in such a way that water or debris are free to move over the log without knocking it loose. 

First, clear the desired area of debris, such as rocks, branches, or tree stumps, that might interfere with or prevent the coir log from sitting flush against the soil. Then dig a trench that’s the same length as the log and deep enough to fit two-thirds of the log down inside it. Place the coir log into the trench, and hammer environmentally friendly stakes, which break down naturally, onto the downslope side of the log, about 2 to 3 apart to hold it in place. 

For extra erosion protection, adjoin two or more coir logs lengthwise, one next to the other, each in its own trench. Fill the area above each coir log with soil so the log sits tightly against the ground. When placing more than one coir log side by side in an area, use coir twine to secure the adjoining ends tightly so there is no space between them.

In cases where you desire new vegetation growth, such as near a river, stream, or lakeshore, apply seeded soil just above the coir log on the nonwater side. As plants grow from the planted seeds, the coir logs will biodegrade naturally into the soil while maintaining its erosion-control properties. 

Because coir logs require no added nonnatural components for erosion control, coir logs are safe for the environment as well as wildlife.