Revegetation Best Practices

Follow these standard best management practices that apply to all roadwork projects.

During the work, maintain as much native vegetation at the work site as possible, especially in ditches.

• rganic material, including trees, stumps, woody debris, and shrubs removed from work sites can be turned into mulch and used for local revegetation projects. If used, ensure all organic material is free of weeds or invasive species.
• Uncontaminated topsoil removed from the worksite can be stockpiled within the work area rather than removing it from the site. Store and later redistribute the topsoil as a base for seeding and planting.
• Return any natural debris that was removed or cleared for the worksite.

• Mulch, seed, and stabilize exposed soils immediately after disturbance.
• If it’s near the end of the growing season, stabilize the site, for example, with erosion control blankets, to protect the soil over winter, then plant vegetation the following spring.
• Maintain effective sediment and erosion control measures until disturbed areas are successfully re-vegetated.

• Remove all invasive species prior to planting.
• Weed control is critical in the first year of establishing new vegetation. Regularly inspect and maintain the site to ensure native species are establishing and are not being out-competed by invasive or non-target species. Depending on the species planted and types of weeds present, mowing may assist in managing weeds.
• Do not stockpile or reuse soil impacted by invasive species.
• Imported topsoil must be free from invasive species and contaminants that could impact plant growth.

• Prepare the site with any necessary soil and site treatments. It may be necessary to create a suitable planting bed by smoothing or roughening.
• Use a fertile loam material, free from roots, vegetation, or debris that may get in the way of planting. Topsoil should not contain stones or clods over 25 mm.

• Use native species for revegetating areas of exposed soil. Use local native species for seed sourcing. To choose which species, consider suitability to climate, habitat needs, erosion control ability, topographical adaptability, palatability to herbivores, and balanced life expectancy for natural succession.
• Use a diversity of plant species.
• If there is high salt accumulation in the roadsides, some native species may not be able to establish and salt-tolerant plants may need to be planted.
• Avoid planting fruit-bearing or other vegetation that attracts birds and wildlife to forage or nest in medians or along roadsides, putting them at risk of being hit by vehicles.
• Wait for further research before creating or maintaining wildflower meadows and other pollinator habitats in highway medians. Having these habitats in medians encourages pollinators to crossroads, which puts them at higher risk of being hit by vehicles.

• Select planting method and timing based on species and site needs. Carefully choose the least disruptive method that effectively supports site and species-specific revegetation goals.
• Use minimally disruptive seeding methods, such as broadcast or hand seeding, especially for species with fine seeds and smooth seedbeds.
• Use mechanical or drill seeding only for large areas requiring revegetation. When using this method, minimize disturbed or exposed soil from machinery use and combine with erosion control, such as mulching, until vegetation is established.
• Hydroseeding is effective to reduce soil erosion in challenging areas such as steep slopes, bridges, or culverts. Because equipment is usually mounted on trucks with an approximately 150 metre hose range, the equipment can stay on the road, causing minimal disturbance to habitat. When using this method, follow the manufacturer’s specifications for application rate and depth, and use in combination with other erosion control, such as hydro mulching, until vegetation is established.

• Stabilize slopes up to a 3:1 gradient by applying seed and covering it 0.3 to 0.6 cm deep or leaving a minimum of 5 cm of native topsoil with an intact natural seed bank, then mulching with straw, hydromulch, or straw/coconut fiber mats.
• Stabilize slopes steeper than 3:1 by using seed and biodegradable erosion control blankets or a flexible growth medium.

• Install fencing or signage in revegetated areas to inform the public. 
• Ensure all staff are aware of revegetation areas when doing other work nearby.

• Monitor the restoration site annually during the growing season, applying amendments as needed. Re-seed if plant density is unlikely to meet the standard within 5 years.
• Prepare a new restoration plan as necessary if standards aren’t met within 5 years.