Coir wick log and method

Abstract

A biodegradable log includes a strip of absorbent material embedded therein and at least one wick extending from the strip outside of the log. The wick draws moisture into the biodegradable log in order to maintain an aqueous environment for embedded vegetation. Holes may be provided at least partially through the log diameter and along the log length to facilitate log placement and installation.

1 . A biodegradable log having a longitudinal axis, the log comprising a strip of absorbent material embedded therein substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one wick extending from the strip outside of the log.  
     
     
         2 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of wicks extending from the strip outside of the log, wherein the plurality of wicks are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         3 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of wicks are equally spaced along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         4 . A biodegradable log according to claim.  3 , wherein the wicks are spaced about two feet apart along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         5 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 3 , wherein the wicks extend at least four inches outside of the log.  
     
     
         6 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 3 , wherein the wicks extend about twelve inches outside of the log.  
     
     
         7 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the wick extends at least four inches outside of the log.  
     
     
         8 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the wick extends about twelve inches outside of the log.  
     
     
         9 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the log is generally cylindrical including an outer circumference, and wherein the strip is embedded in the log at a location spaced from the outer circumference.  
     
     
         10 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 9 , wherein the log includes a diameter D, and wherein the location is spaced from the outer circumference by at least 0.1*D.  
     
     
         11 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 9 , wherein the location is spaced about four inches from the outer circumference.  
     
     
         12 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the log is formed of a coir material.  
     
     
         13 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the strip is formed of cotton rope.  
     
     
         14 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the strip and the wick are formed of the same material.  
     
     
         15 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , wherein the strip and the wick are formed of cotton rope.  
     
     
         16 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of holes extending at least partially through a diameter of the log and spaced along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         17 . A method of constructing a biodegradable log for stabilizing stream slopes, the method comprising: 
 embedding a strip of absorbent material along a longitudinal axis of the biodegradable log; and    extending at least one wick from the strip outside of the log.    
     
     
         18 . A method of stabilizing a stream slope, the method comprising: 
 placing the biodegradable log of  claim 1  along the stream slope and extending the wick into the stream; and    planting at least one plant within the log adjacent the strip.    
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , comprising planting a plurality of plants within the log adjacent the strip.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein the placing step comprising staking the biodegradable log along the stream slope.  
     
     
         21 . A biodegradable log formed of a coir material and having a longitudinal axis, the log comprising: 
 a strip of absorbent material embedded within the log and disposed spaced from an exterior surface of the log and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and    a plurality of wicks extending from the strip outside of the log, the wicks configured to draw moisture from outside of the log toward the strip.    
     
     
         22 . A biodegradable log having a longitudinal axis, the log comprising a strip of absorbent material embedded therein substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and means for drawing moisture from outside of the log toward the strip.  
     
     
         23 . A biodegradable log having a longitudinal axis, the log comprising a plurality of holes extending at least partially through a diameter of the log and spaced along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         24 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 23 , wherein the holes are spaced about 2-3 feet apart.  
     
     
         25 . A biodegradable log according to  claim 23 , wherein the holes extend completely through the diameter of the log.