We cannot stop the stream flow, but we can lessen the erosive effects on the streambank soil. The strategies used greatly depend on the amount of stream flow and the stream bank slope. The best, first step for all streambank erosion control methods is to lay back the bank at a less steep slope, if you have the property available to do that. Establishing woody vegetation with live tree main stems or branches – called live stakes or post – will establish a root system to help hold the bank in place. Trees including the black willow, white willow, as well as, red-osier dogwood and bristly locust are best for live plantings.

 

If the stream has high velocity flows, structural methods such as riprap (large, angular rock) and gabions should be considered to control streambank erosion. Riprap is usually limestone with an average diameter of 6” to 24” depending on stream velocity. Before installing riprap, the streambank should be laid back to a slope that is no steeper than two feet horizontal (into the bank) for every one foot of vertical rise (bank height).

 

If the streambank cannot be cut back to a less steep slope or the riprap rock is not available, gabions can be used. Stone is used to fill three-foot-wide by three-foot-high wire baskets to form the gabions that are anchored into the streambank. The gabions are good at protecting the streambank below the water line. Willow cuttings can be placed between the gabions to further anchor the bank and reduce the stream energy at the face of the gabions.

 

When stabilizing 500 feet or more of streambank the Army Corps of Engineers will need to be contacted for approval to do the work. On medium and high velocity streams, a professional engineer should be contacted to determine stream velocities and to help select an erosion control method. See our website at  CLICK HERE  for additional information on these methods and other erosion control options from the Ohio Stream Management Guide.