Transforming Tennessee Soil: How Biotic Earth? Helped Westhaven Thrive

Project Overview?

On September 27, 2023, a new phase of the Westhaven development was underway. With the guidance of the contractor, Stephens Seed & Supply, Inc. , the project moved forward to stabilize and support the growth of sustainable vegetation across the site.?

Job Name: Westhaven, Franklin, Tennessee – an all-inclusive subdivision?

Client: Southern Land Company / Erosion Control Services of Tennessee

Contractor: Stephens Seed & Supply, Inc. ?

Installation Date: September 27, 2023?

Location: Westhaven, Franklin, Tennessee?

Nestled just south of Nashville, Westhaven is no ordinary development. Over the past 20 years, it has evolved into a thriving, all-inclusive subdivision. From homes to parks, schools, and shops, this master-planned community continues to expand, with new sections opening regularly. But there’s one challenge that Southern Land Company and Erosion Control Services of Tennessee face time and time again: how to stabilize large sections of ground quickly and efficiently.

This is the story of how Stephens Seed & Supply, Inc. rose to the challenge and achieved remarkable success through the power of biotic soil amendments.

Challenges?

The landscape at Westhaven, while beautiful, posed a significant challenge: poor soil quality. For projects of this scale, topsoil is often scarce, leaving the construction team to work with nutrient-deficient land. In this case, the soil type was a stubborn Cherty Clay, which made it difficult to establish vegetation.?

Without proper nutrient support, vegetation growth would struggle to take hold, potentially delaying the project. Success wasn’t just an option – it was essential to closing out the project on time. The solution? A soil amendment that could enrich the clay-heavy earth and stimulate sustainable growth.

Solutions?

To overcome these hurdles, a multi-step approach was taken. The team first prepped the soil by walking in vertically along the slopes, ensuring the area was primed for seeding.?

Soil Prep Methods: Slopes walked in vertically?

Seed Type: Stephens Grow All Slope Mix?

Fertilizer Type: Water-soluble 15-15-15?

Rate of Biotic Earth Applied: 3,500 lbs. per acre?

Top Layer for Erosion Control: LSC Mesic with Tack?

The team applied a carefully chosen seed mix designed to flourish in tough conditions. This included resilient grasses like orchard grass, annual ryegrass, and Timothy, alongside clovers and trefoils for biodiversity.

The Biotic Earth? Difference?

The real hero of the project was Verdyol Biotic Earth?, a biotic soil amendment designed to provide the nutrients necessary for long-term vegetation success. This amendment, recommended by Stephens Seed & Supply, was the key to transforming the Cherty Clay into fertile ground capable of sustaining life.

Establishment was not only quick but full, a testament to the power of the biotic approach. Within a short period, the newly seeded area was lush with growth, offering a sight of green that pleased both the clients and regulators.

A Happy Ending?

Southern Land Company and Erosion Control Services of Tennessee were not only impressed with the rapid establishment of the vegetation, but they also reported significant savings thanks to not having to haul in topsoil, in spite of the nutrient requirement in order for establishment. The results of Verdyol Biotic Earth? exceeded their expectations, with the project moving forward smoothly and on schedule.

The success of this project demonstrated the value of biotic soil amendments and opened the door for future collaborations on similar applications. Westhaven, a growing community, continues to flourish, supported by the sustainable solutions that keep the soil – and the people who live there – thriving.?

As Westhaven expands, projects like this show that with the right tools and expertise, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

Are you interested in learning more about Verdyol Biotic Earth?? We've made it easy for you to incorporate Biotic Earth? into your construction documentation.

You can download our Spec Sheet from our website and easily copy and paste the specs you need. This content is free to use!

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