Creekbank Restoration in Matthews, NC – Natural Slope Stabilization Project

Completed creekbank restoration in Matthews, NC, featuring native grasses, fresh sod, and erosion control layers.

Introduction

In Spring 2025, a homeowner in Matthews, NC faced a serious backyard challenge: an eroding creekbank was eating away at a 400 sq ft portion of their sloped yard. The bare, unstable slope not only looked unsightly but also threatened to undermine a fence and landscaping. Heavy rains had been washing soil into the creek, raising concerns about property loss and potential impacts downstream. The neighborhood HOA was pressing for a solution before the erosion got worse, but the homeowner hesitated at the thought of installing an expensive retaining wall.

Fortunately, the homeowner contacted Carolina Terrain, a Waxhaw-based drainage and landscaping specialist known for natural solutions. After evaluating the site, our team proposed a sustainable creekbank restoration plan to stabilize the slope without resorting to a massive wall. This project overview highlights how Carolina Terrain restored the creekbank using eco-friendly, cost-effective techniques – delivering a stable, green slope that satisfied the HOA and saved the homeowner thousands of dollars.

Before restoration: exposed soil and a steep, eroding slope threatening the backyard near the creek.

Project Details: Stabilizing an Eroding Creekbank in Matthews

The project site is a backyard in Matthews where a gentle hill meets a small creek. Over time, the creek’s flow and storm runoff had eroded the slope, creating patches of bare soil and steep, unstable sections along the water’s edge. The homeowner’s primary needs were to halt the erosion, protect their property boundary, and appease the HOA’s concerns about sediment washing downstream. Initially, a conventional engineer might suggest building a retaining wall to hold back the soil. However, a retaining wall was not the right fit for several reasons:

• High Cost: A traditional structural wall along the creek was estimated at over $30,000, a hefty price tag for 80+ feet of wall. Retaining walls are generally the most expensive means of slope stabilization, often costing $20–$40 per square foot or more for projects like this. In this case, a wall would easily exceed the homeowner’s budget.

• Permitting & Disruption: Building a wall near a creek would require extensive permitting (and possibly engineering studies) to ensure it wouldn’t impact water flow or neighboring properties. Construction would involve heavy equipment and major disruption to the yard and creek bank.

• Ecological Impact: A solid wall provides no habitat benefit and can even harm the creek’s ecology. Retaining walls tend to isolate a stream from its natural floodplain and habitat, whereas a vegetated slope can enhance wildlife and water quality. The HOA and homeowner preferred a solution that worked with nature instead of against it.

  
  

Visual layout submitted for HOA approval, showing proposed grading, erosion control, and native plant zones.

Carolina Terrain’s Natural Solution: Instead of a large wall, our team designed a bioengineered creekbank restoration plan. We aimed to grade the slope to a gentler angle, condition the soil for stability, and plant deep-rooted native vegetation to hold the bank together. By leveraging natural materials and landscaping techniques, we could stabilize the creekbank in a way that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. Key elements of our plan included:

• Selective grading: Gently reshaping the eroded bank to a safer, more gradual slope that would be less prone to collapse.

• Soil conditioning: Amending the slope with organic matter and secure fill (as needed) to improve soil structure and permeability, ensuring new plants could take root.

• Erosion control fabrics: Installing biodegradable erosion control blankets (coir mats and burlap-wrapped soil lifts) to reinforce the slope. These materials hold the soil in place initially while allowing plants to grow through them, gradually biodegrading as roots take over.

• Native planting: Strategically planting a variety of native grasses, shrubs, and perennials with strong root systems. The plants were chosen to anchor the soil, absorb water, and enhance the natural beauty of the creek line. We focused on species that thrive in creekside conditions (tolerating occasional flooding and wet soil) for long-term success.

Native Plants Chosen for Creekbank Stabilization: A huge benefit of this approach is that the restored bank would flourish with vegetation, not just bare rock or concrete. Below are some of the key native plants we used in this Matthews creekbank project and why they were selected:

Shenandoah Switchgrass adds color and resilience to slopes — with dense roots perfect for erosion-prone zones. Source: NC State Extension.

• Shenandoah Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’): A deep-rooted native ornamental grass that turns burgundy-red in late summer. Switchgrass develops an extensive root network, making it excellent for long-term slope stabilization and erosion control.

Henry’s Garnet Sweetspire lights up the slope with spring flowers and fiery fall color while holding the soil in place.  Source: NC State Extension

• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’): A hardy, moisture-loving shrub with fragrant white spring flowers and brilliant red-purple fall foliage. Sweetspire spreads gently and its fibrous roots help bind the soil along the creekbank, while adding year-round visual interest.

Goldenrod’s deep roots and sunny blooms bring pollinators and resilience to slopes along the creek. Source: NC State Extension

• ‘Fireworks’ Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa): A pollinator-friendly perennial wildflower featuring bright yellow arching blooms in late summer (resembling bursts of fireworks). Goldenrod’s clumping form and extensive root system help secure surface soil on slopes, and it provides nectar for butterflies and bees.

Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan spreads to form a durable floral blanket that locks in surface soil. Source: NC State Extension

• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’): A tough, drought-tolerant wildflower with golden-yellow blooms and black centers. Black-Eyed Susans establish quickly and spread to create groundcover, protecting against erosion while offering pops of color in summer.

Lobelia siphilitica thrives in moist soil at the water’s edge — its roots stabilize and its flowers attract hummingbirds. Source: NC State Extension

• Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica): A native perennial with vibrant blue flower spikes that blooms in late summer. Cardinal flower thrives at the water’s edge in moist soil. Its presence near the toe of the slope helps stabilize the bank right next to the creek and attracts hummingbirds.

By combining these deep-rooted native plants with smart engineering (grading and erosion mats), the restoration not only stops erosion but also creates a naturalized creekbank. Streams with well-established vegetation on their banks enjoy better water quality and wildlife habitat – a win-win for the environment and the homeowner’s landscape. The plantings will mature into a lush buffer that filters runoff, supports pollinators, and looks beautiful through the seasons, all while holding the slope in place.

Implementation: 3-Day Eco-Friendly Installation

Once the plan was approved (Carolina Terrain handled the HOA approval and all permitting paperwork upfront), our crew scheduled a quick, efficient installation. Despite the scope of work, the project was completed in just three days using a skid steer loader, a mini excavator, and a lot of landscaping expertise. Here’s how we carried it out:

Day 1: Regrading the slope to a stable 3:1 angle and preparing the site for installation.

1. Day 1 – Site Prep and Grading: We began by clearing any debris and any weak or loose soil from the eroded area. Using the skid steer and excavator, we regraded the slope, cutting back the steepest sections and filling in low spots to achieve a stable, gentle incline. This rough grading immediately made the site safer and formed the foundation for our stabilization measures. We also installed silt fencing and straw wattles along the creek edge as a precaution to catch sediment during work. By the end of Day 1, the creekbank had a new shape – no more near-vertical drop-offs – and was ready for reinforcement.

Burlap soil lifts and treated erosion mats lock in the slope and allow native roots to establish.

1. Day 2 – Erosion Control and Planting: Next, we focused on bio-stabilization. Our team built a series of burlap soil lifts – essentially small terraces of soil wrapped in burlap – at the lower half of the slope to secure the bank toe and provide planting ledges. Then we rolled out treated erosion control mats (made of coir fiber) across the regraded slope surface and staked them in place. These erosion blankets hug the soil, preventing it from washing away in rain and giving the new plants a chance to root in. With the mats down, we planted the selection of native grasses, shrubs, and perennials into the slope, cutting openings in the fabric for each. Each plant was mulched with a small ring of hardwood mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Our crew took care to arrange the plants in an appealing, natural layout – taller switchgrass and sweetspire towards the back, with lower flowers like goldenrod and black-eyed Susans sprinkled in front.

The final result: a stabilized creekbank that blends beauty, function, and ecological value.

1. Day 3 – Finishing Touches: On the final day, we laid fresh sod along the base of the slope and other open areas to provide an instant green cover and additional erosion protection. The sod (turf grass) at the bottom acts as a living erosion control blanket for the lower bank, and it ties the restored area smoothly into the existing lawn. We also added a layer of straw over any exposed soil patches for temporary protection. With the landscaping in place, we performed a thorough cleanup — removing equipment, excess soil, and ensuring the site was neat. We conducted a final walkthrough with the homeowner to explain maintenance tips (like watering the new plants and sod regularly, especially through the first growing season). Because we had handled the HOA coordination ahead of time, the homeowner didn’t have to worry about surprise inspections or approvals; the HOA was already on board with the plan and thrilled to see it successfully implemented.

   
   

Throughout the installation, Carolina Terrain kept a light footprint on the property. Our efficient use of machinery meant the entire heavy work was done swiftly, minimizing disturbance. We pride ourselves on leaving a site in better shape than we found it – in this case, transformed from an eyesore into a robust, living landscape feature.

Cost Comparison: A natural creekbank restoration solution saved over $14,000 compared to a traditional retaining wall — while improving drainage, aesthetics, and ecology.

Cost Comparison: Natural Solution vs. Retaining Wall

One of the most compelling aspects of this project was the cost savings for the homeowner. We often get asked, “Does natural erosion control really save money compared to building a wall?” In this Matthews project, the answer was a resounding yes. Here’s how the costs stacked up:

• A local contractor had estimated a retaining wall (using interlocking concrete blocks) for this site at over $30,000. This figure isn’t surprising – hardscape construction is labor-intensive and material-heavy. Retaining wall projects can run tens of thousands of dollars once you factor in engineering, drainage systems behind the wall, and the difficult access to a backyard creek. (In general, retaining walls can cost anywhere from $20 to $40+ per square foot of wall face, and this project’s scope would have put it well into the $30k range or higher.)

• In contrast, Carolina Terrain’s natural restoration solution cost $15,966 in total. For roughly half the price of the wall, the homeowner got their slope fully stabilized and planted. This cost covered all materials (plants, sod, erosion fabric, mulch, etc.), equipment time, labor, and even the permit/HOA handling. There were no hidden expenses – and because we used mainly natural materials, the ongoing maintenance costs will be lower as well. The immediate savings of well over $14,000 meant the homeowner could address the problem now, rather than delaying until a wall became absolutely necessary (by which time the damage and cost might have been even greater).

• Value-added benefits: Beyond the dollar figures, the natural approach added value that a plain wall simply doesn’t offer. Instead of looking at a stark concrete or block wall, the homeowner now enjoys a lush garden landscape along the creek. The restored bank is an attractive feature, with ornamental grasses swaying and flowers blooming — boosting curb appeal and property value. It also provides habitat support: butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects are already visiting the new plants (a retaining wall would have been lifeless in this regard). Additionally, the project improved drainage in the yard; by contouring the land and adding vegetation, water is better managed on-site. Overall, the homeowner gained a solution that not only solved the erosion problem for half the cost, but also enhanced the beauty and ecology of their property.

Results: A Sustainable Creekbank Transformation

The before-and-after difference in this project was night and day. In place of the muddy, eroded bank, there is now a stable, green creekbank that looks like it has always been part of the natural landscape. The “before and after” photo above shows the outcome just days after completion: fresh green sod blankets the lower slope near the water, and above it the slope is secured with visible erosion matting and an array of young native plants. Mulch rings around each plant help retain moisture and give a tidy appearance. The once-bare soil is entirely covered and protected. Importantly, there is no more active erosion – even after subsequent rains, the creekbank has held firm with no signs of washout. The burlap-reinforced soil lifts and the staked erosion blankets provided immediate structural stability to the slope, and as the plant roots take hold over the coming weeks and months, the bank will only grow stronger. The homeowner can already see how the slope sheds water gently into the creek without gullying, a sign of improved drainage and absorption thanks to the new vegetation and soil work.

The homeowner is thrilled with the results. Not only is their backyard safer and more usable, but it’s also far more beautiful than before. Instead of an eyesore, the creekbank is now a focal point – a private natural oasis alive with grasses and flowers. The transformation impressed the HOA as well; the project met all the HOA’s requirements for erosion control in a visually pleasing way. In fact, the HOA board thanked the homeowner for choosing an approach that maintains the neighborhood’s natural charm. Carolina Terrain’s ability to navigate the HOA approval process and then deliver on the plan meant the homeowner had a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Perhaps most satisfying for us at Carolina Terrain is knowing this Matthews, NC creekbank will be stable for years to come and ecologically healthy. It stands as a showcase for how natural creekbank restoration can solve erosion issues effectively. We’ve demonstrated that even in a suburban backyard – whether in Matthews, Weddington, Wesley Chapel or Marvin – a thoughtful combination of grading, native plants, and erosion control materials can outperform a rigid retaining wall. This project is a model for other communities in Union County and the Charlotte area dealing with similar drainage and erosion concerns.

Conclusion

Erosion and drainage problems are common in our region, from the rolling landscapes of Waxhaw and Marvin to creekside homes in Indian Trail and Stallings. The good news is you don’t always need a massive construction project to fix them. Carolina Terrain specializes in natural drainage and erosion control solutions that protect your property and enhance its beauty. If you’re a homeowner in Waxhaw, Matthews, Weddington, or anywhere in the greater Union County area, we’re here to help with your water issues – no matter how big or small. We also serve the broader Charlotte region, including South Charlotte neighborhoods like Ballantyne and Pineville, as well as Fort Mill, SC just across the border.

Don’t let erosion steal your yard or stress you out. Contact Carolina Terrain today to request an estimate or consultation for your property. We’ll assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective, natural approach to solve it. Want to learn more about our process and services? Explore our Drainage Services in Waxhaw to see how we manage runoff and prevent issues before they start. And be sure to check out more of our work and client reviews — visit our Google Business Profile to see real project photos shared by homeowners and explore additional erosion control projects we've completed in Union County, including Weddington, Monroe, and Indian Trail. With Carolina Terrain’s expertise and personalized approach, you can trust that your landscape will be in good hands. Let us turn your erosion or drainage problem into an opportunity for a beautiful, sustainable improvement!