Hillside erosion protection / ground cover
mcmahonvincent
3 years ago
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ground cover for back yard slope with pine trees
Comments (13)Hi there, You just described one of my hillsides here in the sf bay area, right down to the old Montery Pine trees and horrible packed clay soil underneath that few things will grow in, and a previous owner who actually thought ICE PLANT would survive on a full-western exposure sloped hill. So we have a couple patches of this ice plant that clings to the hill, blooms a couple weeks a year, and the rest of it annual dry grasses (read: weeds) that either get weed whacked or pulled by hand in the spring after the risk of a mudslide is past. (Our hill isn't that big so hand weeding isn't impossible.) We just repaired the retaining wall for this hill, which means our next project will be to finally plant something there to keep the soil from eroding that won't need to get whacked each spring. Our landscaper recommended 2 plants: manzanita creeper, and a low-creeping ceanothus, I think it's called Carmel something. I think both are drought tolerant and natives. And low to the ground. Another thing that grows well on our hill but seems to do better when it has partial shade is vinca minor. It grows really well in moderately shaded areas. It's also deer proof. And finally, one thing that grows well here, even right below the pine tree right under where all the pine needles fall, is juniper. It's not as pretty, but it sure as heck holds the hill. Have you gone to your local independent nursery? Tell them what you're working with in terms of your slope and soil and that you need a good ground cover... they'll steer you to something(s) that will grow well in your own little microclimate. Take advantage of their expertise, and then once you have the names of the plants you want you can start sourcing them out at the best prices. Good luck, -kristi...See MoreBare Hillside needs cover!
Comments (2)Wood chips would look good, but in a good rain could well just slide down the hill. Straw is more likely to stay in place. Any mulch will deter weeds, and no mulch will ultimately prevent erosion like planting some kind of ground cover....See MoreGround cover for erosion control?
Comments (4)Hi, thanks for the answers. I rarely get frost. Maybe once every few years we will get a little frost. I have lantana in my back yard and only had frost damage once a few years back. But it does happen, so that is a good point. It will be a huge pain to have to cut back an entire hillside! Hoovb... thanks for that link. I think I am going to go with some native plants and make it a wildlife habitat!...See MoreEasy to start and maintain ground cover for hillside
Comments (14)Too shady for junipers. In the PNW and a steeper wooded setting, I'd go with a native groundcover. Something like salal (Gaultheria shallon) or creeping mahonia (Mahonia nervosa or repens). Both spread stoloniferously but are not overly aggressive. And they are fully evergreen, ideal for a dry shade situation, pretty much ignored by deer and are recommended for erosion control. Rarely (never?) available by seed so you will have to dig and plant. But because of their spreading nature you won't have to plant many. If the English ivy already exists, I'd suggest you leave it where it is but keep it restrained. Yes, it is an invasive nightmare here and new plantings prohibited and existing ones highly encouraged to be removed. But removal in that situation will further destabilize the slope and complete removal in our area is pretty much just wishful thinking anyway. But you will need to stay on top of its maintenance and do not let it spread, flower or set seed or begin to grow up any trees....See Morelaceyvail 6A, WV
3 years agokitasei
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2 years agochamaegardener (Z5) Northeast Illinois
2 years ago
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