Landscape Solution - How to Control Minor Soil Erosion
When it comes to problem landscape solution ideas, there are several
effective ways to prevent soil from washing away on sloped landscapes.
If minor erosion is a problem for you, try one or more of the following
techniques, all of which employ the use of “erosion-control
plants:”
1.) Landscaping Slope – For places like
slopes where erosion is more severe – use soil erosion fabric;
also known as retaining cloth. Or, any porous material from burlap
to mesh; like that used on highway banks. If you have difficulty
finding a source, ask a golf course greens keeper. Avoid the use
of plastic which cuts down on water penetration into the soil. Before
laying cloth in place, prepare the soil by soaking it well. Remove
any unwanted growth, and loosen and smooth the soil. Lay cloth,
and stake in place. Use scissors to cut holes for plants; use a
trowel to plant.
2.) Hillside - A riprap can be made to cover either
the steepest part of a hillside or the whole area, using handpicked
rocks, stones, or concrete rubble. The rock barrier will act like
a small retaining wall and slow water runoff to control erosion.
Simply dig troughs across the slope. Place large rocks so they are
half buried; scatter smaller stones and/or concrete rubble to fill
in gaps. Pack soil and plants with roots that will wind through,
around, and under the rocks to further hold the soil in place.
3.) Slight to medium slopes – Mini baffles
made from pieces of plastic edging cut in foot lengths, or larger
baffles using landscape timbers, work best on slight to medium slopes
where erosion is a problem. Partly bury the baffle across the hillside
to slow water drain off. Use a trowel to place mini baffles in place
by hand. Shape each in a half circle to act as a wall, with a plant
centered in the middle on the uphill side. For large baffles, dig
a shallow ditch with a spade. Put the soil removed on the uphill
side. Position the landscape timber in place before planting.
4.) Flat land to minor slopes – Landscape
mulch works like a sponge and is best as a landscape solution for
minor slopes. It will also keep down weeds; if organic, it will
add humus. Pour the mulch in position before or after planting.
Spread smoothly and evenly over the surface and around plants, at
least 4 to 5-inches thick. Organic mulch will need to be replaced
often. On slightly steeper slopes, use mulch with baffles.
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Good “soil erosion solution” plants with strong, wide-spreading
root systems that can be planted on hillsides and slopes to help
control erosion include:
1.) Periwinkle – dark shiny evergreen leaves
w/lavender flowers. Sunny locations in zones 4-7; shade in all zones.
2.) Alpine strawberries – by starting from
seed indoors, enjoy both flowers and berries the very first year.
Spread by crowns instead of runners to create a lovely, edible carpet.
Will stand light shade; appropriate for zones 3-10 in full sun.
3.) Rockspray cotoneaster – grows less than
2-feet tall with horizontal branches that grow in a pattern resembling
fish bones. A sun loving plant that bears bright red fruit; leaves
turn red in the fall.
4.) Japanese spurge – 8 to 10-inch perennials;
thrives best in light shade, moist soil. Leaves turn yellow in full
sun. Avoid ‘silver-edge’ variety, which is less vigorous
than others.
5.) Virginia creeper - climbs by clinging on aerial
rootlets, creating a lacy “curtain.” Five-finger, whorled
leaves turn dark red in fall, and blue berries are formed. Drops
foliage in winter. Rapid grower, sun or light shade; zones 4 –
9.
Also try Alleghany, juniper, rock rose, honeysuckle, leucothoe,
lantana, cranberry, and bearberry. And remember, when using plants
on slopes, leaving water-catching lips on the downhill side of the
plant is one of the best ways to conserve water, and enhance soil
erosion control efforts.
For help in implementing these landscape solution ideas for soil
erosion control, or for ideas on landscaping design or landscape
maintenance, let HandyAmerican.com put you in touch with qualified
landscaping professionals in your area. Posting your project online
is fast and easy. And best of all, FREE – with absolutely
no obligation whatsoever.
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