Monthly erosion control and revegetation articles with insights, tips and research designed to help you make your ground look great again.
Check out our blog articles below or subscribe to our newsletter on LinkedIn and you’ll a notification each time we publish an article. You can also find all our case studies here.
How to make sure your tubestock plants survive and thrive. Proper preparation, planting, and maintenance are all crucial for ensuring that your tubestock plants thrive and provide the benefits you’re looking for.
Finding a unique tool for a specific job is a great feeling but finding a tool that does exactly what you need and can be used for multiple jobs across multiple industries feels even better!
3 easy ways to prevent rainfall runoff problems this winter. Developing a plan to deal with runoff on your site saves you time and money in the long run.
With extremely difficult access to this site, wheelbarrows were not an option. There was no room to stockpile or dump product on-site, so the job was completed from the blower truck parked off-site.
The blower truck allowed for fast installation, with the job completed in half a day, where manual labour would have taken many days. In addition to a quick turnaround, the blower truck reduced the need for heavy manual labour and repetitive lifting, making it safer for everyone involved.
Bio Filters & Retention Basins
Ecoscape Solutions are regularly engaged to help backfill biofilters and retention basins. Using our slinger truck and conveyor system we can install bulk amounts of a range of product in very little time.
Using our slinger operation not only minimises the risk of the filter failing by limiting compaction, it saves you, the client, a lot of time and money. These images show a basin being filled with various grade gravel. In 2 days over 500m3 were evenly distributed across this large space.
Creek Diversion Channel
Borgs Manufacturing in Oberon constructed a creek diversion channel which required significant stabilisation and an effective regrowth solution. The channel consisted of a steep hard packed clay surface with zero topsoil on the batter. Ecoscape were engaged at the height of the 2019 drought.
Ecoscape recommended a 4-part solution:
Prescripted ameliorants used to balance deficiencies and support growth
Proganics applied at 5t/ha coverage to increase organic matter
Flexterra applied at 5t/ha for maximum stabilisation and longevity during drought
Seed mix involved a cover crop of millet as well as some cool season pasture species suited to the cold climate of Oberon
For the first 3 months the cover crop didn’t establish due to zero rain after application, however when heavy storms came in Feb/March 2020 the cool season species germinated and established quickly with a thick healthy vegetation cover achieved within 6 months.
Nashdale Rail Bridge Abutment
Our client had to remove an old railway overpass bridge. Upon their completion the site was left with extreme batters that were bare of vegetation and had a high risk of erosion.
Ecoscape was engaged to stabilise the area. Due to the extreme near vertical face the only option we were comfortable to use was Flexterra – a High performing Flexible Growth medium. One section of batter had a higher chance of erosion due to overland flow, it was decided to use a TRM infilled with Flexterra for this section. This method of stabilisation is called “Green Armour”. It allows for a “green” solution rather than a Hard armour such as gabion or shotcrete.
Our staff are trained in working safely at heights and rope access, which was required to install the TRM and spray the Flexterra and achieve correct coverage. Some nice soaking rain was experienced in the days following installation, vegetation established quite quickly considering the harsh Orange winter and difficult access.
Zero sediment was lost and more importantly the batters are now stable and sustaining the vegetation used.
Kids Playgrounds
Ecoscape Solutions is the “go to” for many councils around NSW when it comes to the supply and installation of softfall for kids playground surfaces. Ecoscape Solutions can supply and install certified Softfall in a fraction of the time that manual labour can install. Some playgrounds require 100’s of cubic meters, which Ecoscape can install in less than a day.
Softfall bark complies with all requirements for product certification under AS/NZS 4422; 1996. Softfall is clean from contaminants and ‘white wood’, making it safe for use in all play areas.
AVANEX by PGG Wrightson Turf
AVANEX Unique Endophyte Technology can assist in reducing the number of birds on or near sports fields, amenity areas and airfields. The alkaloids produced by the endophytes not only reduce the number of insects available for birds to feed on, but can also reduce a number of bird species feeding on the grass.
AVANEX Colosseum blend used in turf grasses such as fescue provides tough, wear resistant cultivars that can stand assist in the reduction of birds and insects in sports fields and amenity turf situations.
A re-aligned creek bed at a Hunter Valley mine site provided headaches when it came to revegetation & erosion control. Working with both our client and environmental consultants, Landloch, Ecoscape conducted a trial for each issue with 3 separate treatments to establish the most suitable long term solution.
Our Protect trial consisted of Enviromatrix ECM, ProMatrix and a Compost Blanket while our Grow trial involved use of a Biotic Soil Media, Compost Blanket and a high performance soil mulch/topsoil. Ongoing monitoring of site conditions & improvements continues.
👆 Regrowth at the mine site 16-months after trials.
St Peters M8 Interchange
A monumental engineering feat, the new M8 Interchange roadworks at St Peters needed a ground remediation solution that made the entire site look great again. Due to the various crossroads at different levels, access was extremely limited.
Using our Slinger truck and Bark Blower, working in tandem in some cases to expediate material installation, Ecoscape were able to supply & install over 5,000m3 soils & mulches achieving a 300mm soil & mulch bed across the entire area ready for plant life to return saving our client significant money and ensuring they could meet their handover deadline.
Cullen Bullen Landfill Site Regeneration
Ecoscape were engaged by Lithgow City Council to stabilise and revegetate the recently closed Cullen Bullen Landfill Facility on the Castlereagh Highway, Cullen Bullen. As part of the closure plan, the site had to be topsoiled and hydromulched. Ecoscape Solutions developed a solution applying ProGanics Biotic Soil Media at a rate of 5000kg/ha to provide a topsoil alternative, locally sourced native grass seed mix, and then locked the site down using ProMatrix Engineered Fibre Matrix applied at up to 4000kg/ha.
The 2 hectare site is now protected from erosion for up to 12 months, and valuable organic material has added to the sandstone profile to provide the ideal substrate for establishing persistent groundcover.
Only recently completed, early growth signs are extremely positive 👌
Get in Touch
Orange Regional Museum Green Roof
Our client had designed a unique green roof concept for the new Orange Visitor Information Centre. The roof design involved a steep sloping section from ground level up to a large flat open rooftop area which allowed general public to access and enjoy 24/7. The deadline for the centre to be opened and therefore the roof to be grassed was extremely tight. The slope of part of the roof was extreme which made the choice of soil type extremely important. Access for Ecoscape to fill the Geocell was also limited.
Ecoscape worked with Sydney Environmental & Soil Laboratory (SESL) to create a specialist growing media which was lightweight enough to blow into the Geocell and which would sustain healthy & quick grass growth. A total of 410m3 of media was installed in one day. The Museum & Visitors Centre was opened on time with a green roof and has since gone on to win multiple awards.
CERTIFIED SOFT FALL
Soft Fall or Playsafe Certified Pine Bark is a soft round pine bark that is specially developed for playground surfacing. This bark complies with all requirements for product certification under AS/NZS 4422; 1996. Soft Fall is clean from contaminants and ‘white wood’, making it safe for use in all play areas.
Ecoscape Solutions recommends applying Soft Fall Bark at a minimum depth of between 200 and 300mm when using for a play area. Playsafe surfacing must be monitored and maintained to provide a safe play environment.
HYDROCELL
Hydrocell foam is biodegradable because it degrades by means of hydrolysis within a period of 30 years to nitrogen which in turn functions as a need for plants. Hydrocell is a unique soil improver with remarkable water holding properties. Mixed into your soil or potting mix, Hydrocell holds up to 60% of its volume in water. Hydrocell is suitable for all gardening applications including tree planting, garden beds, lawns, potted plants and roof gardens. Suitable for beds and borders, round-abouts, green roofs and general landscaping applications.
GREEN ARMOR by Profile
The GreenArmor system offers a more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally superior means of protecting high-discharge waterways and steep slopes. The system begins with Futerra TRM (Turf Reinforcement Mat) which provides a permanent, lofty and open matrix. It is then hydraulically infilled with Flexterra HP-FGM (High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium) to intimately bond soil and seeds while accelerating growth.
This unique system protects against elevated levels of hydraulic lift and shear force while encouraging turf establishment and long-term root reinforcement—growing denser vegetation, faster.
AVANEX Unique Endophyte Technology can assist in reducing the number of birds on or near sports fields, amenity areas and airfields. The alkaloids produced by the endophytes not only reduce the number of insects available for birds to feed on, but can also reduce a number of bird species feeding on the grass.
AVANEX Jackal blend used in turf grasses such as fescue provides tough, wear resistant cultivars that can stand up to aircraft movement, jet blasting and braking in an airport environment.
Ecoscape Solutions use a range of RST (Reynolds Soil Technologies) erosion control and dust suppression products with their proven results in the mining, construction, civil and agricultural industries.
ENVIRO BINDER by Global Road Technology
GRT Enviro Binder penetrates into and binds with soil and forms a complex interconnected structure with the loose granular surface particles. After the polymer dries, a durable surface, waterproof layer is formed that binds the surface and prevents erosion.
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, Enviro Binder can be applied in the most environmentally sensitive areas where very low to nil impacts to environmental values are guaranteed for up to 12 months. Enviro Binder has been independently tested and extensively used across a large number of projects in a diverse range of environments. Effective erosion control life is typically around 6 months.
ENKAMAT by Geofabrics
Enkamat functions as a protective reinforcing and integrated intermediate layer between natural vegetation and soil. It provides protection above and below the waterline thereby creating a permanent solution. Either seeded, filled with topsoil or mulched, Enkamat keeps the fertile soil in place and prevents the fill from being washed out. Vegetation soon establishes itself with root systems that are reinforced by Enkamat’s special mat structure. Enkamat can be used in many areas where erosion takes place, such as watercourses, embankments, slopes and spillways.
GRT5000 Dust Control Solution is a robust, liquid polymer that provides an exceptional surface coating solution on nearly all soil and resource surfaces. Independently performed testing confirms successful suppression of up to 95% of dust particles. GRT5000 was designed specifically for conditions commonly faced in the civil and mining sectors. Mixed with water, GRT5000 is applied to surfaces to create a stable, tough, durable layer resistant to traffic wear, wind erosion, rainfall impact and pedestrians for up to 2 months.
ASS BITUMEN
Anionic Slow Setting (ASS) Emulsion is typically used in erosion protection on embankments and cuttings along with road enrichment, dust suppression as well as grass seed germination. Often referred to as Gro Mulch, Ecoscape Solutions can apply ASS Emulsion across a range of applications.
Coir logs, also known as coir rolls, coconut fibre rolls or coco logs, are tubes filled with loose, but densely packed coconut fibre which is then wrapped with coir netting. Coir logs are light-weight and easy to install – ideal for constructing check structures, establishing vegetation, managing changes in stream flow velocity, shaping channels and stabilising shorelines.
Coir Logs are 100% biodegradable, can blend into their surroundings and over time provide habitat for animals and plants. They are flexible so they can curve around river banks and existing vegetation beds. Coir logs can be used in open drains to slow water velocity and capture sediments or be used in streams and rivers to produce a natural wall of protection for plants and soil.
When it comes to erosion control, Coir blankets are 100% natural coconut fibre that is manufactured into rolls in various grades and lengths. Coir is an abundant and renewable resource, increasingly used throughout the civil and landscape industries in applications such as slope stabilisation, revegetation and bio-engineering.
Coir blankets intercept runoff from heavy rains and dissipate the energy of flowing water and wind. Coir fibre promotes the growth of vegetation by absorbing water and preventing soil evaporation. Coir fibre is different to other natural fibres due to its very high lignin content, which increases the fibres strength and functional life of up to 2+ years.
Jute Matting is an organic geotextile which aids in weed and erosion control. An environmentally friendly way of protecting young trees and shrubs by reducing competing weeds and the need to use damaging herbicide. Jute Matting allows both air and water to pass unimpeded through its construction so soil beneath it can breathe, promoting the growth of desired plants while reducing evaporation and minimizing watering needs.
Jute Matting is the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective method of promoting new growth on the worst affected slopes because it enhances water filtration while protecting precious topsoils.
Conwed Fibers wood and wood/cellulose hydraulic blend mulches are ideally suited for a wide range of erosion control and turf establishment applications. Conwed Fibers use thermally refined wood process utilizing steamed heat in a high-pressure vessel to create long and highly absorbent fibers. These fibers, when combined into a matrix, are proven to provide unique performance.
Conwed Fibers Hydro Mulch 2000 has a premium organic polysaccharide tackifier that is pre-blended within the wood fiber, which ensures enhanced coverage. This tackifier enhances the chemical bond within the mulch matrix for better erosion control. It has a functional longevity of up to 3 months.
Vital Bon-Matt HR is a heavy duty and robust polymer emulsion for erosion and dust control. Vital Bon-Matt HR has been designed for high volume road applications such as civil, construction, mining and regional council roads where strong and durable conditions are required as well as for areas of high velocity concentrated flow.
Vital Bon-Matt HR is a concentrated liquid emulsion which is diluted with water prior to application to create long-term durable binding, stabilisation and surface sealing. An environmentally sound formulation for efficient sediment controls and dust stabilisation where challenging conditions can easily be resolved. Curing in hours and not remobilising into the surrounding environments Vital Bon-Matt HR offers non-hazardous and durable long lasting stabilisation.
GRO-MATT by Vital Industries
VE Gro-Matt is a 100% Australian made and owned bonded wood fibre matrix product, specifically designed for all revegetation and erosion control solutions. The wood fibres comprising VE Gro-Matt are 100% sustainably sourced from recycled and heat treated wood fibres. When employed in combination with Vital Chemical’s nutrient infused Vital Bon-Matt products as tackifiers, the VE Gro-Matt bonded fibre matrix (BFM) creates ideal growing conditions. The result is the delivery of a premium nutrient composition in combination with the VE Gro-Matt’s unique water holding capabilities.
GEOSPRAY by Envirostraw
GeoSpray forms a non-flammable crust that holds the substrate underneath in place, reducing the risk of contamination to nearby storm water drains and creeks. GeoSpray is porous and binds safely with the substrate. Advantages are that it is unaffected by the high winds that dislodge and tear geotextile products. Requiring no maintenance, it can handle storms and rain events because water drains through it. GeoSpray original can also be vegetated, eliminating the need for Jute matting and other TRM technology.
GeoSpray Extreme does not allow for water penetration, making it ideal for highly dispersive soils, extreme weather events, extreme slopes, clean water drains and for use as a sediment dam liner.
ENVIROMATRIX by Envirostraw
Enviromatrix – Erosion Control Matrix (ECM) is an all-in-one product packaged into one bale. It is an advanced BGM (Biotic Growth Media) designed to control erosion, and address the biological, chemical, and physical requirements for stabilising and restoring vegetation on disturbed soil sites. ECM is suitable for all sites even where topsoil is scarce, or for highly problematic soils with low carbon levels.
A purpose-designed natural soil conditioner, ECM includes a diverse range of carefully selected strains of beneficial bacteria and fungi with included bio-stimulants. It is ideal for use on all construction sites and for revegetating any area including extreme slopes. ECM requires less water and improves water use efficiencies (WUE), resulting in significant cost savings.
PROMATRIX by Profile
ProMatrix with Engineered Fiber Matrix (EFM) is 100% biodegradable and is composed of 100% recycled, thermally refined (within a pressurized vessel) virgin wood fibers, crimped interlocking biodegradable fibers, mineral activators and wetting agents (including high-viscosity colloidal polysaccharides, cross-linked biopolymers, and water absorbents). The EFM is phytosanitized, free from plastic netting, and when cured forms an intimate bond with the soil surface to create a continuous, porous, absorbent and flexible erosion resistant blanket that allows for rapid germination and accelerated plant growth. The EFM performs as a Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) product and may require a 4-24 hour curing period to achieve maximum performance.
ProMatrix is not a replacement for the ultimate performance of Flexterra HP-FGM, however the EFM technology does make it a high performing, cost effective alternative to other BFM/SMM products.
ProGanics Biotic Soil Media (BSM) has been designed as a topsoil alternative that accelerates the development of depleted soils/substrates with low organic matter, low nutrient levels and limited biological activity. This Engineered Soil Media (ESM) helps unleash soils to their fullest potential for vegetative establishment and more effective erosion control. ProGanics is non-toxic with bark and wood fibers that have been phyto-sanitized to eliminate potential weed seeds and pathogens.
Flexterra High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium (HP-FGM) is a market leader when it comes to hydraulically applied mulch products and turf establishment blankets.
Flexterra is fully biodegradable composed of 100% recycled and thermally refined wood fibers, crimped interlocking man-made biodegradable fibers, micro-pore granules, naturally derived cross-linked biopolymers and water absorbents. The HP-FGM is phyto-sanitized, free from plastic netting, requires no curing period and upon application forms an intimate bond with the soil surface to create a continuous, porous, absorbent and flexible erosion resistant blanket that allows for rapid germination and accelerated plant growth.
EnviroStraw’s hydro-seeding mulch (Hydraulic Growth Media or HGM), is an innovative hydromulch product made in Australia. Formulated from annually renewable natural fibres, including bio-stimulants and a bespoke blend of 22 species of bacteria and fungi, it is designed to rebuild disturbed soils on construction sites. Better outcomes are ensured with improved water use efficiency (WUE) as the product requires less water to apply which helps reduce costs. Using HGM allows fifty per cent more mulch per tank load which means spraying 50 % more area – less time filling tanks and more productive days.
ENVIROSTRAW HGM-BFM
EnviroStraw BFM is an all-in-one product designed to address the biological, chemical, and physical requirements for erosion control, and to stabilse and restore vegetation on disturbed soil sites. EnviroStraw BFM, produced from Australian annually renewable materials, consists of heat and mechanically treated cereal straw fibres which are environmentally safe and biodegradable. The porous hydromulch layer encourages water infiltration, enabling new seedlings to easily pass through the matrix. The combination of the cereal straw fibres and cross-linked, high strength polymer binders provides effective erosion prevention and vegetation establishment. Better outcomes are ensured due to the product’s improved water use efficiency (WUE).
GEOSPRAY
GeoSpray forms a non-flammable crust that holds the substrate underneath in place, reducing the risk of contamination to nearby storm water drains and creeks. GeoSpray is porous and binds safely with the substrate. Advantages are that it is unaffected by the high winds that dislodge and tear geotextile products. Requiring no maintenance, it can handle storms and rain events because water drains through it. GeoSpray original can also be vegetated, eliminating the need for Jute matting and other TRM technology.
GeoSpray does not allow for water penetration, making it ideal for highly dispersive soils, extreme weather events, extreme slopes, clean water drains and for use as a sediment dam liner.
Learn what hydromulching is and how it can achieve successful revegetation and erosion control for your project.
Introducing our new polymer unit: three compelling reasons why polymer spray is your ultimate ally in dust suppression.
In the world of landscaping and erosion control, the benefits of hydromulch span versatility, effectiveness, and eco-friendliness.
3 key benefits of compost blankets in every industry – how these blankets improve soil health and protect valuable landscapes.
With our new bigger and better Blower Truck, we’ve got more capacity than ever to meet all your mulching, soil blowing and composting needs.
With the increasing awareness of environmental impacts, mine rehabilitation has become an essential aspect of mining operations.
How to make sure your tubestock plants survive and thrive. Proper preparation, planting, and maintenance are all crucial for ensuring that your tubestock plants thrive and provide the benefits you’re looking for.
Are you in need of erosion control and revegetation services, but worried about finding a company that can service your location? Look no further!
Spring is the perfect time of year to upgrade your site with mulch blowing, hydromulching and softfall blowing.
3 reasons you can save time and money installing soil, mulch and compost on your job site with our new, upgraded Blower Truck!
Here are some easy ways to prevent rainfall runoff problems this winter, saving you time and money in the long run!
Finding a unique tool for a specific job is a great feeling but finding a tool that does exactly what you need and can be used for multiple jobs across multiple industries feels even better!
If your worksite needs some green growth to revitalise the ground, hydromulch is the perfect long-term solution.
With mild temperatures and increased moisture, Autumn is the perfect time for Hydromulching! Here’s everything you need to know.
Here’s 3 reasons why polymer spray is your erosion and dust control solution!
Here’s 3 ways to protect exposed soils and drains on your worksite during Christmas shutdown.
3 easy ways to prevent rainfall runoff problems this winter. Developing a plan to deal with runoff on your site saves you time and money in the long run.
6 reasons the blower truck is the go-to tool for your project, saving you time and money.
3 ways for councils to save time and money when mulching. Using a guaranteed fast efficient service will help you get the best results.
Hydromulching is big business. The trouble is, to the naked eye all mulch pretty much looks the same, but that’s where the similarities end.
