I have a small stream that runs along the one side of my yard. In the past several years the stream has begun to erode the bank to where some places are much wider than they used to be. At several spots I have dug away the bank to a 45 degree angle and would like to plant a good, tough grass there instead of what was there. The stream runs very docile most of the time but whenever we have a strong thunderstorm with heavy rains the stream runs rampant and even overflows at spots. I am looking for ideas to strengthen the banks so the soil won't erode anymore. At some places I have used huge rocks and that works but at the other places I would like to keep some sort of grass. I was thinking of seeded landscapers cloth but I'm not sure if that would work. Thanks. Rich

I had plans of beginning an organic lawn care program this past spring. Well, it's fall now and I have yet to start. I have not put any chemicals (weed killers, fertilizers, pest control, etc.) on my lawn since last fall. My lawn is just not very thick. Kind of sparse with plenty of opportunity for weed growth. I also suspect that I have compacted soil. Initially I wanted to get a professional soil test and add soil amendments based on those results. Safe to say I do not have enou time for the soil test before it starts snowing (I live in the Chicagoland area) and I'd like to try and help my lawn along before winter. I would like to aerate and top dress with compost and possibly overseed. I may substitute the compost for an organic product I saw called soil activator as compost for a lawn the size of mine would be quite expensive. So my question to the experts, based on my brief description, is do you agree with my plan or would you suggest something else? Thanks.