Reviving the riverbank

Turf’s role in erosion control

Supplied by Lawn Solutions Australia

Nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, just outside Windsor, New South Wales, is a newly completed turf project that demonstrates the power of natural erosion control using turf. A collaborative effort led by Green Life Turf has transformed a flood devastated riverbank into a resilient green embankment.

Josh Muscat from Green Life Turf and his team have been at the forefront of this initiative, working tirelessly to rebuild the area following the devastating floods of 2021. ‘We had four consecutive floods over that period, real big floods,’ Josh explains, ‘In 2021, we lost all the soil here on the riverbank directly alongside our production farm. The bank dropped 8-9 metres down to river level, and everything was washed away. It was just one big hole of erosion.’

Rebuilding from the ground up

The first step in the project was stabilising the ground. Given the significant soil loss, the only viable solution was to import clean fill with clay content, compacted in 200-300mm layers. ‘We brought in over 7,200 truckloads of material,’ Josh says, ‘It had to be done in stages, ensuring each layer was properly packed to prevent future slumping and erosion.’

What was once an inaccessible, unstable site is now a solid, functional riverbank. ‘In the beginning, even a small excavator could not get down here,’ Josh recalls, ‘Now, we can bring in trucks and machinery with no problem.’

The role of turf in erosion control

While the structural rebuild was essential, turf played a critical role in stabilising the riverbank and preventing future erosion. Over 5,000 square metres of turf was laid, featuring four different turf varieties, each chosen for its unique benefits:

• TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda: Selected for its drought tolerance and rapid establishment, making it ideal for areas with limited irrigation.

• Sir Grange Zoysia: Known for its dense growth and aesthetic appeal, Sir Grange provides a lush, low-maintenance solution for erosion control.

• Zoysia Australis: A hardy, low-maintenance turf that performs well in various conditions while maintaining a neat appearance.

• Sir Walter DNA Certified Soft Leaf Buffalo: Used in upper areas to create a park-like feel while also offering strong erosion control.

‘The TifTuf was the quickest to establish, grabbing hold almost immediately,’ Josh notes, ‘However, the real surprise was Sir Grange; it is not just visually stunning, it also established faster than expected and holds the ground exceptionally well.’

A scalable solution for any landscape

While this is a large-scale commercial project, the lessons learned apply to domestic landscapes as well. Sloping yards, embankments, and even garden beds can benefit from the erosion-controlling properties of turf. Whether it is TifTuf for fast establishment, Sir Grange for visual appeal, or Zoysia Australis for low-maintenance durability, there is a turf solution for every environment.

Looking ahead

This project is more than just a restoration after the devastating floods, it is a case study for erosion control, demonstrating how turf can be used to protect and revive even the most severely damaged landscapes. ‘We will be collecting data over the next few years to see how these varieties continue to perform,’ Josh says.

With nature’s best erosion control, turf now in place, the once-devastated riverbank is now fully repaired and stabilised for the future.

For those looking to learn more about this project or implement similar solutions, please reach out to Green Life Turf or Lawn Solutions Australia.

Lawn Solutions Australia

T: 1300 883 711

W: lawnsolutionsaustralia.com.au

All images supplied by Lawn Solutions Australia