The growth conditions of planted trees, invasion of nuisance herbaceous species, competition between species, and effects of erosion control were monitored over five years in a riparian greenspace in Gapyeong County that was established through multilayered and grouped ecological planting. Of 156 trees planted in the upper and middle layers, 5.8% died. This tree death was attributed to poor drainage or aeration in the rooting zone from the clay-added root ball and too deep planting as well as a small-sized root ball and scanty fine roots. Of all the trees, 21.6% grew poorly due to transplant stress in the first year after planting, but they started to grow vigorously in the third year. This good growth was largely associated with soil improvement before planting, selection of appropriate tree species based on growth ground, and control of dryness and invasive climbing plants through surface mulching and multilayered/grouped planting. Mixed planting of fast-growing species as temporary trees was desirable for accelerating planting effect and increasing planting density. Thinning of fast-growing trees was required in the fifth year after planting to avoid considerable competition with target species. To reduce the invasion of herbaceous and climbing plants that oppress normal growth of planted trees, higher density planting of trees (crown opening of about 15%), woodchip mulching to a 10-cm depth, and edge planting 2 m wide were more effective than lower density planting (crown opening of 70%), no surface mulching, and no edge planting, respectively. This reduction effect was especially great during the first three years after planting. Nuisance herbaceous plants rarely invaded higher density planting with woodchip mulching over the five years. Higher density planting or woodchip mulching also showed much greater erosion control through rainfall interception and buffering than lower density planting with no mulching did. Based on these results, desirable planting and management strategies are suggested to improve the functions of riparian greenspaces.