LIST OF DO'S AND DON'T'S FOR RAVINES IN HIGHLAND PARK 



Do's 



Do remember that the ravines were formed by the process of erosion, which is 

 a natural process that cannot be totally halted. 



Do remember that the major erosion problems in the ravines are caused by too 

 much water flowing too quickly through the ravines. 



Do take all vertical layers of the woods (canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, 

 and herbs) into account when planning a revegetation program. 



Do consult a professional consulting engineer and/or landscape contractor 

 (preferably both) when there is a serious erosion problem. 



Do have a maintenance program for the vegetation in the ravines and keep 

 watch for problems before they become serious. 



Do try to preserve large trees in the ravines, especially when any construction 

 is being done; one mature tree is more helpful than many small ones. 



Do cut down dead trees, cutting them so that the trunk falls across rather than 

 up or down the slope. Leave the base of the trunk and roots in place. 



Do establish some kind of temporary cover on areas left barren by construction. 



Do follow this temporary planting with a revegetation program that includes 

 trees, shrubs, and herbs. 



Do seek professional advice in the planting and proper maintenance of new plants. 



Do use native species whenever possible. 



Do look at your neighbor's situation; if he has no problems and you do, why? 

 If you both have similar problems, try to coordinate a solution. 



Do build stairs or properly terraced paths where access into the ravines is 

 necessary; bare footpaths soon become eroded. 



Don't's 



Don't plant until the CAUSE of active erosion is determined and, if necessary, 

 corrected by the proper installation of drainage systems and/or terraces. 



Don't expect vegetation alone to control major active erosion. 



Don't dump leaves, grass clippings, or other debris over the edge of a ravine; 

 this is VERY detrimental to vegetation and soil on the slope. 



Don't water lawns near the edge of the ravine, especially if there are seepage 

 areas in the ravine. 



Don't disturb soil on the ravine slopes or add a new layer of top soil. 



Don't allow rank weeds to become established on bare areas. 



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