The dam owner is the frst line of defense in the appropriate maintenance and safe operation of dams. This brochure describes the dangers presented by problem vegetation on earthen embankment dams and discusses how to identify problem vegetation. A quick quiz is included for dam owners to determine whether their dam may be at risk for problems related to inappropriate vegetation.
This paper provides practical guidance for vegetative measures for slope stabilization. These measures are not a substitute for structural engineering measures.
The purpose of this technical manual for dam owners is to advance awareness of the characteristics and seriousness of dam safety problems associated with tree and woody vegetation growth impacts on earthen dams, provide a higher level of understanding of dam safety issues by reviewing current damage control policies, provide state-of-practice guidance for remediation design considerations associated with damages associated with tree and woody vegetation growth on earthen dams, and to provide rationale and state-of-practice techniques and procedures for management of desirable and undesirable vegetation on earthen dams.