While erosion is often a natural process, it may be exacerbated by the removal of natural vegetation from catchments and along stream and foreshore banks.
The removal of vegetation in catchments due to urban and rural development has resulted in greater amounts of rainfall run off reaching streams at faster rates due to reduced quantities of vegetation to absorb and slow the rainfall.
How you can improve foreshore and creek bank stabilisation?
- Understand how and why the erosion is occurring
- We will work with you to develop solutions
- Select plant species and methods suitable to address the erosion process occurring
- Establish vegetation as far down the bank as possible and use gentle slopes
- Copy nature and use a range of vegetation species
- Consider the role of snags and woody debris in providing protection and habitat
Groundcover:
As a general rule of thumb 70% groundcover is needed to protect soil, but in areas of high water flow this needs to be thicker, up to 100% cover.
Revegetation Techniques:
Establish vegetation quickly. Re-establish vegetation as soon as earthworks are completed. The plants will provide a protective groundcover, slow water flow, reduce excessive soil water, and bind the soil. Non-dispersive topsoil may have to be brought onto the site to produce a level finish and establish a rapid vegetation cover.
Plant species for specific functions. Grass will provide a fast growing cover on new earthworks. Vigorous, growing grass will encourage microbial activity which will, in turn, improve both soil structure and aggregate stability.
The composition of annual and perennial species to be sown should suit the local climate and soil properties. Annuals provide quick cover and protection and perennial species have extensive and deep root systems that bind the soil and promote water uptake.
Trees planted above and around the reclaimed area will prevent soil water building up and creating an erosion risk.