LIVE STAKING
Live staking is one of the cheapest and easiest shoreline bioengineering practices that will reduce erosion along slopes. Live but dormant cuttings of woody vegetation—typically willow or dogwood—are placed into the face of a slope, where they take root and grow. This method is best suited for small, minimally eroded slopes.
Overview:
Live stakes can be purchased or harvested from trees on your property (willow or dogwood is recommended)
Insert 2-3 foot long stakes perpendicularly into the slope far enough that only ⅓ - ½ of the stake is visible above the soil
Place stakes 2-3 feet apart from each other in a triangular formation
Growth may take more than a year; test to see if roots have grown with a gentle tug about a few months after planting
Live staking and contour wattling graphic above from page 27 of the Vermont Shoreline Stabilization Handbook