The Harakeke Subdivision in Belfast, Christchurch faced two major environmental challenges during its development: erosion in the winter months and dust in the summer.

In Stage 1, a large catchment and swale area required immediate stabilization during the wet season to prevent sediment runoff.

By Stage 2, the focus shifted to dust control, as the lots and reserve area sat beside a visible main road and residential properties, making airborne dust a major concern for the contractor and surrounding community.

The project was split into two main stages:

• Stage 1:
  Stabilization of a swale and catchment area at the lower part of the subdivision, completed during the winter.

• Stage 2:
  Dust control and revegetation of the lots and reserve area in the middle of summer, with a focus on high-visibility zones adjacent to existing homes and roads.

Instant Green applied our StabiMulch wooden fibre blend via hydromulching across both stages:

• In Stage 1, the swale area was treated at 2.5 tonnes per hectare, locking the soil in place and preventing sediment movement through consistent winter rains.

• In Stage 2, the lots and reserve were hydromulched with the same product, delivering effective dust suppression and triggering rapid grass strike—typically visible within 1–2 weeks.

• Seasonal Timing:
  The project spanned winter and summer, requiring different environmental control strategies.

• Proximity to Residential Areas:
  Dust posed a reputational and compliance risk for the contractor due to nearby homes and public roads.

• Large Application Areas:
  Uniform application and coverage were essential to achieve consistent results across both stages.

• Zero sediment movement recorded in the swale and catchment area post-application, despite wet winter conditions.

• Immediate dust suppression on the exposed summer soils, reducing complaints and risk to the contractor.

• Fast grass strike across the subdivision, meeting visual, environmental, and compliance standards.