What is the best ground cover for erosion control?

Question

I live in zone 7 (E. TN) and would like to know what is the best ground cover for a shady steep hill going onto the driveway. I need something to control erosion that spreads quickly and doesn't need much care.

Answer 1

Stay away from all the vines listed.. either they are not fully hardy or VERY INVASIVE.. For shade try Phlox stolinifera (creeping Phlox) Chrysogonum virginicum (green and golds) or Carex pennsylvanica ( a spreading low growing soft sedge) The best thing to do is use a variety of plants in combination> this will eliminate the creation of a monoculture. Other plants that are good are Bugle weed (Ajuga reptans) and Pacysandra procumbens ( Spurge).. This is not the invasive Pacysandra terminalis.. a very invasive oriental grouncover... Happy Planting


oh p.s. if you want a vine.. try Virginia creeper.. Great fall color too!!!!

Answer 2

Erosion Control Ground Cover

Answer 3

I definitely wouldn't go with anything invasive simply because down the road, it'll cause problems (and you may be fined). There is a type of netting you can get that you can lay over the eroding area. I think they best place to call about that is a landscape company and ask where you can find it. I know I have seen it used on large tracts of land, where trees have been harvested. Anyway, often this netting stuff is biodegradable so you can actually plant seed over top of the matting - usually companies go with something native. If you have a nursery in your area, you could probably ask them what to grow, and what will grow well. If the area is near a body of water, particularly moving water, you'll probably actually have to have someone from the state environmental board (or provincial, depending on where you live) come and take a look. They can give you a lot of suggestions on what to do and I doubt it would cost much money, if any at all. They are there to encourage responsible land use. Hope that helps a little.

Answer 4

I think carpet bugle would do well.
Look for a plant the has fiberous roots... Grasses are good. I'd think red fescue (which my favorite grass). It doesn't grow more than 6-8" and spreds by rhizomes.

The vines sound like a good idea. Honeysuckle does a good job. But do NOT plant Hedera species, the Algeria or English Ivy,. They are very invasive and destructive plant that need constant control. And the sap is caustic, causing dermititis.

A wildflower mix, of those native to your area, would wook. There are great plants in your area that would spread and need no wateringor care. I'm just not from there so I'm not sure what they are off hand.

Prosrtate riosemary is also a good plant for erosion control. As are many herbs.
Yarrow, thyme, and horehound do well for me. But I'm in a dry zone 8.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

You want lots of roots, but not too much above the ground.

I used low growing acacias on a 55 ft high rear slope with a 35 degree slope. In California, its also called Freeway Acacia, since it is used along them so much. Grows about 3-4 feet high, and roots to 9 feet deep eventually.

But shady means you have more choices, since there is less heat problems. On a slope, people may be afraid to advise you since they could be liable if the slope fails.

Answer 7

Periwinkle grows fast, is a lovely dark green and will produce lovely purple flowers in season. It puts down a nice root system and will keep soil from eroding. Also call vinca.

Answer 8

Call the local department of agriculture. They will come out and test the soil and make their suggestions guided by your total garden design.

Answer 9

If is in your property , and just if is in your property .
1- building bearing wall (brick or concrete)
2- put the trees or kind of vegetation that have lots of root
3-Professional ( make holes in each 3' deep enough and fill by concrete).

Answer 10

i would either say rye or even a rye fescue rye fescue grows a longer strand of grass .but i would mix a rye annual with it.the annual rye grass grows faster it wont come back next year. but it grows faster so if you mix them togetherit will grow fast and the next year the perennial will take root and grow better.