[Dirtmonger]

I'm looking for ideas for ground cover that will develop a significant root structure and withstand ATV traffic. The area is "technically" a wetland so no conventional fill is allowed. I have already installed a raised walkway over the "true" wetland area for the client, but he is complaining of soft soil after any amount of rain preventing him from accessing the walkway and his lake frontage on his ATV without severely rutting the soil. There are no springs or standing water, basically just forest with a rich loam soil. - DM

[Stonehenge]

Have you tried the geoweb system from Presto products? Find their info here: http://www.alcoa.com/alcoa-geo/en/home.asp

This isn't a groundcover, but I'm not sure you're going to find a ground cover that can stand up to ATVs. You didn't include location info in your profile - go here and fill that in with where you are - it might help others to suggest plants for you.

Otherwise, give the geoweb a try. Fill it with sand, or you might be able to get away with native loam (give them a call and ask to speak with an engineer).

[start2finish]

what is the volume of ATV traffic?

does your customer drive through there one a week or are there packs of ATVS?

[Dirtmonger]

Thanks for the quick response. For reference I'm located in Wisconsin. Customer has a single ATV and a golf cart. I assume there are days like weekends when he makes multiple trips with the vehicles. I have considered geogrids, but didn't see anything advertised for this application. I'll check out the geoweb site.

[Stonehenge]

The geoweb is different than a grid. We did some work for one of the guys that works there, and I guess the army has used this stuff, filled with whatever is locally available, to make makeshift roads for heavy equipment, and have been doing so for decades.

[Dirtmonger]

I checked out the website. They have a product called geoblock that looks perfect. It is designed specifically for the surface stabilization I need, in fact ATV path is listed uder applications. Thanks for the help!

[Stonehenge]

No sweat. Good luck on the project.