Got the newly constructed dam, pond border seeded yesterday. Used a "lawn" mix on the crown of the dam down to water level and drilled winter rye over the remaining slope/base of dam area. SO...I've been reading everything possible on here about straw/mulch and was convinced I needed to use a blanket on the crown for erosion control, but more importantly for mulching to keep moisture in.
So, I found some good blankets, a company my contractor uses, called Nancy's Blankets. I need 900 linear feet to get around the pond and the blankets are 16' wide, so by my calculations 1 blanket around the pond should cover the crown and then I can worry about the slope in the spring after I frost seed natives in February. Total cost of 900' of blanket is about $700. I didnt think that was too bad.
So, then my father-in-law comes today, he's a cival engineer and says that's a waste of money and just to spread out straw. I commented on the wind factor and blowing it all over and he says to use a straw tucker to put the straw into the soil. I cant find a straw tucker to rent.
I want to use blankets cause it will be easier and more functional.
What do you guys think?
I need some pond boss firepower when he wonders why I didnt follow his advice.
Thanks in advance.