Vegetation root reinforcement is an integral part of nature-based solutions aimed at protecting the slopes of stream and canal banks. Roots of vegetation mechanically reinforce the soil, thereby improving its overall stability. In the current study, Salix fragilis L. (SF), commonly known as willow, was grown in boxes of size 500 mm* 500 mm *400 mm (L*B*H). Roots were extracted after 1–1.5 years of growth and tested to determine the tensile strength. The tensile strength of roots was determined in wet and dry conditions. Root distribution of a willow tree growing along a canal located in the Hortus Botanicus, Delft, was determined by core sampling. Additional reinforcement due to the presence of roots was determined using the root area ratio and tensile strength. Further, the stability of the bank of the canal at Hortus Botanicus is compared in the presence of SF-rooted soil and bare soil. Tensile strength was observed to vary with the diameter of the root. The power-law was observed to best fit all the tensile strength-diameter variations. Significant differences were observed in the tensile strength of wet and dry tested roots. The quantity of roots was observed to decrease with depth from the willow tree. The factor of safety of the bank was observed to be considerably higher in the presence of SF-rooted soil.