How to Control Erosion With a Silt Fence
- 1). Choose a location for install the silt fence that will effectively intercept runoff water and collect sediment. Select a location that will prevent runoff water from entering a drain, ditch or water source. Select a location for the silt fence that is at least 9 to 10 feet from the toe or bottom of a slope.
- 2). Dig a trench with a shovel for installing the silt fence. Dig the trench 6 to 8 inches deep and 6 inches across. Dig the trench so that it intersects all points of runoff. Angle the starting and ending point for the silt fence back toward the runoff source so that the sediment will be collected.
- 3). Place a wood or metal stake into the trench. Position the stake against the side of the trench away from the runoff source. Choose a stake 4 to 5 feet long depending on the height of the silt fence.
- 4). Drive the stake 18 to 20 inches into the ground with a 2-pound hammer. Position more stakes along the trench in the same manner. Space the stakes 6 to 8 feet apart.
- 5). Place the silt fence in the trench so that the bottom of the fence rests in the bottom of the trench. Attach the silt fence to the first stake with plastic ties. Pull the fence taught to the next post and secure it with ties. Continue with the process, making sure the bottom of the fence rests on the bottom of the trench.
- 6). Backfill dirt into the trench to secure the silt fence in place. Shovel the dirt that was originally removed from the trench back in so that the silt fence is partially buried.
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