Get the Facts | Soil erosion

MYTH

Hazard tree removal activity does not plan for soil erosion.

FACT

The Debris Management Task Force (DMTF) is seeding any disturbed soil potentially impacted by tree removal activities. We're not limiting the spread to "high risk" areas either; if we're working in an area, we're doing erosion control. It's part of our approach during a local or state declaration of a state of emergency. Rapid response action is necessary to keep our crews and the public safe from uncontrolled road hazards, debris flows, hazardous materials and toxic substances.

Specifically for soil erosion control, our crews follow standard, proven seeding practices for erosion and sediment control in areas where they're working. Along highways, crews are chipping slash and other tree debris and spreading the chips on slopes to help stabilize the area. The DMTF is also hydroseeding using a slurry of seed and mulch and mulching areas after hazard tree removal.

Due to high demand, availability of recommended tree species in the slurry mix is subject to change without notice. Any substitutions of seed species or application will be be approved by an ODOT technical expert. This seed mix has been developed jointly with the United States Forest Service.

On private property, crews will use tree chips to stabilize work areas, but will not be hydroseeding. We want to provide property owners a clean, safe space to rebuild on, and seeding in building sites would only add more work for homeowners.

We're also working with our partners at the state and county level to make sure our work paves the way for them to replant native trees, shrubs and other vegetation in the future.