Removing vegetation from dike revetment

We have started using alternative methods to remove (burn away) vegetation on the stone revetments of our dikes along the Markermeer and IJsselmeer lakes.
Most dikes are covered with grass for the most part. Only where the wave action is too strong, or where grass cannot grow, has the grass covering been replaced by a stronger covering, such as stone cladding, asphalt, or riprap.

If the hard surface does not form a continuous surface, as is the case with stone cladding, it is necessary to remove vegetation. Weeds such as thistles and grass, as well as woody vegetation, grow between the stones. If these are not removed in time, the cladding can be damaged. This has adverse consequences for the water-retaining function of the dike.

What's going to happen?

The removal of vegetation using chemical pesticides is no longer permitted. The most common method of removing vegetation on dikes with hard surfacing is cutting/mowing with a brush cutter (wood debris) or brushing weed-like vegetation. This method is labor-intensive and therefore relatively expensive, and must be carried out twice a year in order to have a good target image for carrying out inspections. That is why we are now going to burn away the vegetation. A water truck is always on hand to extinguish any fires.

Where is the project taking place?

This concerns all flood defenses located on the Markermeer and IJsselmeer between Zaandam and Den Oever.

When will the project take place and how long will it last?

The contractor shall remove all vegetation from the stone cladding before September 1 each year in order to meet the minimum target.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about this project, please contact us via ourcontact form or by telephone on 072 - 582 8282.