Surface Roughening

What it is

Surface roughening is a temporary erosion control practice where the soil surface is roughened by the creation of grooves, depressions, or steps that run parallel to the contour of the land.

When and Where to use it

• Surface roughening is appropriate for all slopes and should be performed immediately after rough grades have been established in an area.

• Surface roughening can also be used to help establish vegetative cover by reducing runoff velocity and giving seed an opportunity to take hold and grow.

• Surface roughening can be used in combination with other erosion control measures such as mulching and seeding.

When and Where NOT to use it

• Slopes that are not smooth-graded and are left sufficiently rough after final grading do not need further roughening to control erosion.

• Surface roughening alone is not sufficient to stabilize a slope for long periods of times, further stabilization measures should be implemented within two weeks of grading.

• Extremely sandy or rocky soils are not well suited for surface roughening.

Application Techniques and Maintenance Requirements

Figure SR-1 provides application techniques and maintenance requirements for surface roughening.