Silt fence is a straightforward sediment barrier, but it performs best when it's laid out and installed with the same care as other earthwork. On Georgia sites, the goal is to slow sheet flow and trap sediment on the project side, not to act as a fix after sediment is already moving.
We start with a site walk using the plans to confirm how water will move across the ground. That means looking at where sheet flow will travel, where slope breaks change velocity, and where runoff will try to concentrate. From there, we verify the proposed fence line, tie-ins, and termination points against the erosion control sheets and applicable GDOT details, then adjust for what the ground is doing that week. Rocky subgrades, saturated pockets, and heavy equipment traffic can affect whether we can build a continuous run without creating weak spots.
Good performance starts with site prep and a clean install that follows the detail. We keep the fence on contour as much as practical and avoid low spots where water can overload the fabric. The fabric is trenched, posts are set straight and consistent, and the trench is backfilled and compacted so water can't slip under the bottom edge. Soil and moisture drive how well the toe-in seals: tight clay can hold a trench when it's cut clean and compacted, while sandy or mixed soils can loosen, ravel, and leak if they're not keyed in and tamped. Overlaps and joints are oriented so runoff can't peel them open, and we add returns and tie-ins where the run ends, meets another control, or approaches driveways, utility crossings, ditch breaks, or inlets. When plans call for a different fabric, wire reinforcement, or a higher-strength application, we install that material to spec and confirm the intent and limitations before equipment starts moving around it.
Timing matters as much as the line on the plan. Silt fence works best when it's installed ahead of disturbance and maintained through the phase. We coordinate with clearing and grading so the fence doesn't get buried by the next cut, undercut by new flow paths, or left hanging when grades change. Weather also affects performance: even a good install can fail if it's placed right before heavy rain on an unfinished slope, or if construction traffic pushes material against the fabric and changes the flow pattern.
Maintenance is where silt fence either protects the project or becomes a recurring issue. We plan for routine checks after rain events and after site changes that redirect runoff-new cuts, new ditches, utility work, or equipment reshaping grades. Common fixes are predictable: re-trenching and re-compacting sections that undercut, replacing damaged fabric, resetting leaning posts, adding returns where water is trying to run around the end, and removing built-up sediment so the fence can keep working without blowing out. Silt fence is temporary, it needs attention through the phase, and it should be repaired or relocated as grading progresses.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Moses Grassing Company for nearly 20 years on Georgia Department of Transportation and private construction projects. During this time they have always maintained the schedule set for the work, performed the work within or quicker than the time allocated, and always with exceptional quality and workmanship. I’d recommend Moses Grassing Company for any and all of your grassing, miscellaneous fabric installations, and erosion control needs. Sean M. Scott, P.E. Chief Architect, McLendon Enterprises
The high level of quality with which Moses Grass operates, functions, services and performs throughout project duration is beyond reproach. Seaboard Construction Company has come to be expect the highest quality of service, as it has been provided on projects for over 40 years. Services rendered are provided in a timely manner and work is performed within schedules required. From management to field personnel and in regard to labor force, equipment and quality material for the job, Moses Grass affords its customers with the utmost product and service. Seaboard considers itself fortunate to have the ability and opportunity to do business Moses Grass Company.
