When grading a property for new construction or just to improve drainage, it's easy to create slopes that are just steep enough to trigger erosion problems. While you can install geotextiles or plant turf grasses for fast control of moving soil, native grasses and meadow plants are a better long-term choice. These plants take less time than you think to become established, as long as they're planted during a warm season to get a good start. They also offer the four following benefits to the property owner with an erosion problem.
Low Water Requirements
First, turf grass is notoriously reliant on supplemental watering during the sprouting, establishment, and growth stages. It's tricky to irrigate on a slope, and trying to keep your grass seed watered can trigger the erosion you're trying to control in the first place. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the natural amount of rainfall your area receives, allowing the plant coverage to establish and grow, without the need for constant watering and attention. They also require less fertilizer than turf grasses, both during establishment and in the years following the initial seeding.
Tolerant of Poor Soil
Depending on the grasses, wildflowers, and forbs you choose, you can find combinations of plants that thrive in the thinnest and poorest layers of soil. There's no need to disturb the surface of the soil, if you choose no-till mixtures with root systems that can penetrate existing sod and compacted soil. While it's helpful to add a few inches of organic material, like compost and mulch, it's not necessary just to establish native grasses.
Short Growth
Many native grasses and meadow plants, whether you're looking for varieties that thrive in the Southeast or the Northwest, are short growing varieties that stay under 12 inches in height. This reduces the amount of mowing necessary to keep the area looking neat and tidy. Turf grasses require routine cutting to grow their best, but native plant mixtures don't require it. Native plant mixtures also respond well to occasional trimming with a weed cutter, so you don't have to drive a mower on a slope, and disturb the soil.
Decorative Value
Finally, throwing in blooming wildflowers and forbs with colorful seeds and foliage can make an eroding slope into an attractive addition to your landscape. Turf grasses have a monotonous look, and mechanical erosion controls are even less attractive. Turning an eroding slope or ditch into a mini-meadow attracts butterflies and other pollinators and softens the edges of your landscape.
For more information, talk to companies like Bark Blowers & Hydroseeding Inc.
Share23 January 2018
When my husband and I bought our house years ago, we thought it would be our "starter" home and we would move in a few years. We soon had two children, and we then decided against moving since we live in a great school district and we love our neighbors. However, I was growing very tired of the appearance of our home. We painted it a different color, and it still seemed like the "same old house" that we were tired of. We finally deciding that maybe good landscaping would "do the trick" and make our home more enjoyable to use again. We were right, and I now love our home! I now love spending time in our yard and just enjoying the scenery. I have such a passion for landscaping now I decided to create a blog about it. I plan to share many landscaping tips, so come back!
