A compost filter sock is essentially a large mesh bag filled with compostable materials placed vertically to direct outflow to control erosion, contain sediment and retain soil particles in undisturbed areas. Depending on the particle size in the mesh bag, landscape contractors and other contractors may either use them to contain sediment and remove toxic pollutants from city runoff or to regulate flows. The materials are usually fed through a small opening in the top of the cloth bag into the compost bag which is connected to a larger composting chamber. Here, the material breaks down naturally and the organic matter become fertilizer. In most cases the socks are replaced every three to six months depending on weather conditions and the amount of organic matter contained inside the bags.
If you are interested in having one of these compost filter socks installed in your silt fence for the benefit of your yard, it will take quite a bit of preplanning. The first thing you need to do is determine the exact height and length of your silt fence and then determine the correct mesh opening size that you will require. It is important to know exactly what the dimensions of your silt fence will be since this is an important factor when it comes time to purchase your compost filter media. You can either get these online or at a local hardware store.
It is important that you fully read all the information provided in this article before installing any compost filter media into your silt fence. You are advised to never install the media yourself unless you have some knowledge in the field. For instance, if you are going to install a compost filter sock, you should be aware that the manufacturer recommends a certain height and length of mesh opening size, and that there is a maximum mesh opening size that the manufacturer recommends for their products. This information should be readily available from both the manufacturer’s website and also in the Public Comment Action Taken Citation Response, if any.