Riparian vegetation has numerous, well recognized values to the stream ecosystem. In small watershed projects in North Carolina, the problem of maintaining and managing this riparian vegetation both during and after channel improvement is an important planning consideration. To date, efforts have largely concentrated on leaving existing trees along the channel bank during construction. Several problems have been encountered with this practice and alternative methods of managing riparian vegetation are being evaluated. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of planting trees along constructed stream channels. Four shrub and 6 tree species were evaluated for the following parameters: establishment methods, plant survival, and species performance. Three replicate plantings were made. Observations on the effects of mulching and competition from native vegetation were also recorded.
