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Geotube Failures in Southwest Florida

Why You Shouldn’t Use Geotubes for Erosion

What is a Geotube System?

Geotube is a system in which woven fabric tubes are filled with lake-bottom sediment or organic matter and laid on top of each other along a shoreline to help stabilize the bank.

Our erosion systems

So what's wrong with Geotubes, poly bags, and poly containment systems?

Sod does not grow on top of polypropylene or polyethylene bags; so the dirt underneath gradually washes out, while the the sod on top dies leaving ugly, exposed tubes or mats on your shoreline.
They actually create a drop-off (see video above) along your lake bank which automatically makes your lakes non-compliant with SFWMD.
They can collapse, leaving a gigantic void along your shoreline which is ugly and can be dangerous.
Over time they can separate from your shoreline and begin floating out in the middle of the lake.
They are usually filled with “muck” from the bottom of your lake. There is a reason the muck is at the bottom – that’s where it belongs!
The companies that install them are not marine contractors so Geotubes and poly bags are all they’re permitted to do! It is the only option they offer their clients.

“Our old geotubes have separated from the shoreline and are floating like logs out in the lake.” ~ Wes, Board Member, Country Creek

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It’s Not Just Us…

Engineers Hate Geotubes Too!

“I don’t like using those [geotubes] because if the cover atop of either of those bank solutions wears or dies off – then the fabric becomes exposed and when the water level drops – they are unsightly in my opinion… That is why I prefer the more natural and less costly/invasive approach of re-grading/compacted crushed shell and robust littoral plantings for bank restoration and stabilization.”

Richard B. Professional Engineer in Fort Myers, FL

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“The organics [used in geotubes] can potentially have heavy metals and nutrients attached to them as the fertilizers (ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus) and herbicides (copper sulfate) used in and around the lakes eventually settle to the bottom.”

Hans W. Professional Engineer in Fort Myers, FL

John Taylor

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Geotube Articles & News

Learn more about Geotubes and the truth about using them.

Bird Drowns After Getting Caught in a Geotube

February 1, 2024

“Ever since I discovered a beautiful native anhinga bird had drowned from getting its head stuck underwater in a geotube, I am strongly opposed to using geotubes for erosion control knowing what can go wrong with them. As a new member of our HOA’s board, I’m hoping to influence other options.”

Geotube Fails: Our experience with other contractors’ geotube installations and why they failed

February 1, 2024

Geotubes are a ubiquitous remedy for shoreline erosion on bodies of fresh water in South Florida. A geotube is a long bag or sock that is filled with lake bottom sediment, imported fill, pine straw, or other materials. The efficacy of Geotubes is based on the presumption that 1)soil and sod will sit on top of a synthetic material and grow long term and 2)sod will survive underwater. Both of these presumptions are false. Once installed, the Geotubes themselves are invisible because they are covered with fresh, new sod that extends all the way down to just below the high-water level on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. This is attractive to communities that see the finished product and receive a quote on the product and installation which is typically less than all other forms of shoreline stabilization. But the old adage applies here… “you get what you pay for”. Most shorelines that are stabilized with Geotubes need to be redone or rebuilt every 5-7 years due to the aforementioned presumptions.