Deep roots help to prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil. These will be great for erosion control and possibly some other benefits. Plants can help control slopes. The method is effective only on gentle slopes: the P (or erosion control practices) factor will be 0.5 on slopes between 1 and 8%, 0.6 on 8 to 12% slopes, 0.8 on 17 to 20% slopes, and close to 1 on slopes steeper than 25% (Wischmeier and Smith 1978). You can plant any of the slope control methods above or you can use plants alone. Plant Life columnist Valerie Easton talks with an expert on slope erosion. Quick Erosion Control Cover Mix. Plants for Erosion control & Slopes. Here is a list of seven great plants I use to tackle challenging slopes. Native Plants for Steep Slopes and Erosion Control By gripping the soil with their more extensive roots, certain native plants can do a better job at erosion control than turf grass, especially in shade areas where grass grows poorly. Select a variety below to get all the details, prices and see more photos. These plants are not appropriate to control erosion on a slope because 1) they are alien plants and not part of our natural plant community, 2) they have very shallow roots. The soil and water bioengineering approach is combined with bamboo traits and mechanical properties. Letâs dive right in with our first plant: Creeping Myrtle (Vinca minor) Lucia⢠Dianella caerulea âDC101â PBR Deep green foliage with mulberry flower buds in spring that then open into purple flowers that sit high above the foliage, followed by purple berries in summer. All are native, and most are good for moist, shaded conditions, which are often the conditions found in eroding yards. Thorn-free shrubs always make maintenance a little easier. New York fern, Thelypteris noveboracensis. In forests, the soil surface is usually protected by a layer of mulch from decaying vegetation as well as a variety of surface growing plants. Your erosion control plants take time to become established and fill in both above and below ground. Heavy rain can spell disaster for soil on steep slopes, but careful plant management, ground cover plants, mulches and terracing help prevent it from being washed away. For any slopes greater than 50% (1 foot vertical rise for every 2 feet horizontal run) install plants that do not require mowing. Swansons is pleased to offer a wide variety of plants known for quick and deep rooting, quick surface coverage, and/or suited for less-than-ideal conditions on banks and slopes. If you are looking for an option that grows up to 1-foot tall in zones 6 to 9, this may be the right plant. Flowering Groundcover Plants. Good erosion control and strengthens the soil up to 328% (see research). Perhaps the most challenging landscaping problem is that of what to plant on a steep slope. The following plants are recommended for erosion control. Seeds and mulch wash away and planting holes erode before the plant gets established. So in this article I will mainly be looking at ways to keep the slopes and plant them with plants that will not only thrive on slopes but are low maintenance and provide a long term solution to erosion of the soil. Yard and Garden News. This selection should include plants with deep root systems to hold in the soil and add to its drought tolerance. Erosion control can be a tough problem. Best Plants For Erosion Control On Slopes. And no mowing is required! Clear-cutting is ⦠However, getting them established on a slope can be difficult. The slopes load up with rain water to full saturation and then shed/slide off. Selecting the right plants for the job, taking time to plant them properly, watering until they establish an extended root system and a little patience can produce a stunning sloped landscape. And erosion problems are increasing; not just because of climate-change extremes. The best way to control erosion in clay soil is to use plants to cover the area. Until this happens your slopes will be temporarily exposed to erosion. Native Plants for Shady Slopes Protecting a shady slope is different than protecting a sunny slope. When plants are established, the roots help anchor the soil. Steep banks with slopes greater than 3 to 1 (3 feet of width for every foot in height) are almost certain to erode and undercut over time if they are not stabilized. Select plants and combinations that are an extension of your landscape and gardens. Question: I am looking for natural erosion control for steep slopes. Consider terracing or retaining walls for steep slopes. Erosion Control Groundcovers. You want the more shallow rooted ground covers to help cover the slope, but need deep rooted plants as well to help stabilize the slope. Soil Type: The consistency of the soil also determines rate of erosion. The most effective, natural way to control soil erosion on steep slopes and embankments is to plant vegetation. Item #: ERNMX-104 Cost: $1.49/lb Categories: Erosion Control & Revegetation Description: Designed to achieve that quick, green color and fast erosion control with strong, fibrous roots. Erosion Control Steep Slopes Slope Stabilization with Erosion Control Mats. Select plants for steep slope erosion control that are drought tolerant since the water will be draining off fairly quickly. Click on a picture below to get all the details, sizes, and prices [157] ... Groundcover Plants For Embankments, Hillsides & Slopes. On aggressive slopes we recommend using an erosion fabric along with any of these grasses, especially on sandy soils. DIYNetwork.com landscape experts share facts about how to choose and where to place groundcovers and plants used as lawn alternatives. Mix formulations are subject to change without notice depending on the availability of existing and new products. Many different plants will perform beautifully on hillsides. Bank Slope: The slope of the bank is the single most important factor that determines rate of erosion. Bamboos are being used as living plants as well as construction material in different soil bioengineering techniques in many countries. I avoid plants with excessive pest or disease problems and that stray too far from their original planting site. Grows 1-2â. Leaves shed by trees accumulate on the forest floor and intercept any raindrops that make it through the canopy. Black Mondo grass produces basil leaves that are up to ⦠Plants for erosion control. Plants that have deep, extensive root systems can successfully grow on hillsides. Make sure to use deep rooted shrubs and trees along with the more shallow rooted ground covers. Tree roots help prevent landslides on steep slopes and stream bank erosion but they donât stop erosion on moderately sloping hillslopes. Once you have solved any moisture retention and erosion problems, it is time to evaluate the site further for exposure and zone, and plan what plants grow on slopes. Keep in mind that using rocks as a solution for erosion control on slopes works best when your vegetation is already well-established and your soil nutrient levels are thriving. For example, firm plant placement in the ground helps slow water flow since the stems act as thick barriers. Autumn Gardening Stories; By: Rosie Lerner. When choosing plants for your slope, erosion control and slope stabilization are primary concerns. The potential of bamboo in erosion control and slope stabilization has been proven worldwide. If you need to bring your soilâs fertility levels back up, erosion control blankets are a better choice. Juniper was widely used as a ground cover in the 70âs and 80s. The grass will not grow on many slopes, but there are beautiful plants that will thrive there. I personally prefer slopes to a flat "green-lawn-man" type of garden. I require about 9,000 square feet and will then be planting beach grass and rosa rogusa plants in the area. Plants that leaf out early and hold their leaves until late fall, however, rise to the top of the heap. One of the best ways to control erosion with native plants on a steep slope is to plant it solidly with California lilac (Ceanothus.) Banks and slopes are often; Difficult to access ; Prone to erosion ; Prone to soil drying ; Often overrun with weeds; To help stabilise the soil and give speedy coverage, strong-growing climbers or ground-cover plants are required. Not only will the grass, fescue and leaves help to slow down raindrops as they fall, the roots of the plants will also help to hold the soil together, making it harder for water to wash it away. Plants for Steep Slope Erosion Control. The tree canopy intercepts raindrops, and that's a big head start on preventing erosion. Many suitable plants are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zone 5, where temperatures don't go below minus 20 degrees F. Liriope spicata (creeping lillyturf) is a grass-like green plant that spreads quickly by underground roots and holds the soil effectively. Plants establish root systems, which stabilises soil and prevents soil erosion.Having vegetation such as shrubs and trees will help control soil erosion and a forested steep slopes also warms the cool night air to create a thermal belt as described in our previous article. The types of plants you choose will depend not only on your visual preference and vision but also the needs of the area. Others have a fibrous root system which lacks a taproot. Virtually all species and selections of ceanothus are recommended for erosion control. Fast Growing Groundcover Plants. Black Mondo Grass. 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