How to Install Silt Fences

2 mins read

 Silt fences are often used in construction sites and landscaped areas to prevent sediment from entering watercourses. It is a temporary and cost-effective solution for separating or intercepting the flow of runoff to waterways.

Silt Fence

Manually installing a silt fence is not that hard and can save you additional expenses. All you need is the right materials and to have a clear understanding of how to do it properly. The below procedure will illustrate how to manually install a Silt Fence using some basic landscaping materials.

What you need:

  • Trench digger
  • Sledge Hammer
  • Staple Gun and Staples
  • Silt Fence
  • Wooden Stakes

1) DIG THE TRENCH LINE

Using a trench digger, dig a six (6) inch deep and four (4) inch wide trench along the area that needs to be protected. Your trench digger must be long enough to accommodate the depth requirement.

2) INSTALL WOODEN SUPPORT STAKES

On the downside of the hill, drive the pointed end of the wooden stakes into the ground using the sledgehammer. Space your pegs at 1 to 1 ½ meters apart and bury them at least 15cm into the ground.

The length and diameter of your hardwood stakes will depend on your site plan specifications. But their length and depth of installation must be sufficient to meet the requirement of the project. We recommend 38 x 38mm x 0.6m for the 0.77m Silt Fence and 38 x 38mm x 0.9m or 1.05m for the 0.86m Silt Fence.

3) PLACE SILT FENCE FABRIC

 Silt Fence is a woven Propylene material. It is used to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering drainage and waterways.

The Silt Fabric should run along the inner side of the hardwood stakes, making sure that the silt fabric is as taut as possible. Bury the bottom quarter of the silt fence into the trench. Use a staple gun with heavy-duty staples to fasten the fabric onto the hardwood stakes.  At least 3 staples should be attached to the fabric down the wooden stake.

4) BACKFILL TRENCH WITH SOIL

Cover the trench with removed soil to secure its position. It is best to pile up more soil than you think is needed since it will settle over time. Compaction or backfilling must be done properly to form a sturdy barrier.

Improper installation of silt fence may lead to serious damages. The key is to use quality erosion control products to achieve the best results. All Stake Supply offers landscaping supplies in Sydney. Choose from their range of garden stakes, filter fabrics and other materials that are useful in building barrier fences for sedimentation control. Call 1300 130 123 or visit All Stake Supply for a full range of landscaping products, all available for purchase online.