We planted a wild game mix that had lots of oat seed in it all around our new pond. Added extra oat seed as well. Oats have a very deep root that binds the soil nicely. As an added bonus the deer love to graze on it. Our newly piped spillway stood up fine to the hurricane that we had this summer even though it was only 2 weeks in place when the storm hit. Had a wild river running through our 24 inch spill way and it held fine thanks to the oats.