Streambank stabilization is important to a riparian system. Streambanks in healthy riparian systems are held together by tree roots and, to a lesser extent, by deep roots of prairie grasses. Over time, all streams "meander" or cut back and forth across a floodplain. During this process, the stream banks tend to erode which is a major source of sediment. If all the vegetation on a streambank is removed and replaced with crops or grazing livestock, the streambank cutting process can accelerate.

There are many ways to slow the process of streambank erosion. Planting species that thrive in erosion situations such as willow, silver maple, cottonwood, or green ash in and along the stream banks. Placing bundles of eastern red cedar or other cut trees, and willow stake plantings directly on the bank itself can rapidly reduce streambank erosion.