Erosion along our streams can result from aggressive grass mowing near the edge of a stream. Mowing grass too low along streambanks limits vegetation to shallow roots. Mowed grass has root structures that penetrate only a couple of inches – rather than feet – into the soil. In addition, the habitat, runoff reduction, and buffer benefits of deeply rooted, taller vegetation are eliminated. By simply introducing a no-mow zone of several feet surrounding the streambank, you can drastically reduce runoff and erosion problems, and enhance wildlife and water quality in the area. A no-mow zone is often implemented in conjunction with other techniques: it can be used further up the bank from streamside plantings in order to protect the plantings from erosion before they take hold.
