Chapter 1: An Introduction to Revegetation
Why Revegetate an Area?
Natural Revegetation
Natural revegetation relies on the tendency of vegetation to move into a disturbed area. Most disturbances, whether natural or man-made, will eventually be recolonized by plants. The conditions that determine the length of time needed to produce a cover of vegetation depend upon several factors, including proximity of viable seed sources, surface condition of the disturbed area, and local environmental conditions.
In time vegetation will return. Problems arise when natural revegetation does not occur rapidly enough to improve the appearance of the site or prevent erosion and sedimentation. Natural revegetation is a valid approach and should be employed when conditions and politics allow.
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