The Best Plants for Erosion Control in Australian Gardens and Properties

Soil erosion is a common issue across Australian properties—especially on sloped sites, disturbed land, and areas prone to runoff after heavy rain. While engineered solutions like coir logs and matting play a vital role, selecting the right plants is equally important for long-term soil stabilisation.

In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the best native Australian plants for erosion control, suitable for gardens, acreage, revegetation projects, and roadside works.

1. Why Use Plants for Erosion Control?

Plants help manage erosion by:

• Binding soil with their roots


• Slowing down rain impact and surface water


• Reducing wind erosion


• Improving soil structure and organic matter

Native plants are particularly effective because they’re:
✔ Suited to Australian soils and climate
✔ Drought-resistant
✔ Low-maintenance
✔ Supportive of native wildlife and biodiversity

2. Top Native Ground Covers for Slope and Soil Protection

Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla)

• Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, dense ground cover
  
• Ideal for stabilising slopes and suppressing weeds
  
• Attractive white flowers and glossy green leaves
  

Hardenbergia violacea (Native Sarsaparilla)

• A vigorous climber or groundcover with purple flowers
  
• Excellent for covering embankments and disturbed soil
  
• Strong roots help bind loose soils
  

Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed)

• Low-growing, mat-forming groundcover
  
• Performs well in shade and part-sun
  
• Helps prevent surface erosion in urban gardens
  

3. Best Native Grasses for Soil Binding

Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)

• One of Australia’s most iconic native grasses
  
• Deep root system stabilises soil and prevents washout
  
• Excellent for roadsides, rural landscapes, and urban gardens
  

Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)

• Extremely hardy, drought-tolerant, and low maintenance
  
• Often used in civil and roadside erosion control
  
• Thrives in most soil types, including sandy and clay
  

Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock Grass)

• Clumping native grass with fibrous roots
  
• Very effective on banks and exposed soil
  
• Tolerates wet and dry conditions
  

4. Native Shrubs and Trees That Protect Slopes

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)

• A hardy, small tree suited to creek banks and slopes
  
• Roots help bind soil while canopy reduces rainfall impact
  
• Supports pollinators and birds
  

Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia)

• Compact shrub with sturdy roots
  
• Ideal for sandy soils and poor drainage areas
  
• Offers long-term erosion control with beautiful flowering
  

5. Tips for Planting on Erosion-Prone Areas

✔ Prepare the soil with compost or organic matter to encourage root establishment
✔ Use coir matting or jute mesh to protect the soil while plants establish
✔ Space plants appropriately to create a dense root network ✔ Water regularly during establishment, then reduce irrigation as plants mature

Choose Best Plants for Erosion Control

Native Australian plants are one of the most sustainable and effective solutions for erosion control. Whether you’re landscaping a backyard, rehabilitating a creek bank, or maintaining a slope, selecting the right species can make a lasting impact on soil stability.

Need help with erosion control products or planting advice? Visit Aussie Environmental for expert solutions tailored to Australian conditions.