Although some of the wonders of the world have been produced by erosion, most of us would prefer to prevent it in our own yards. All the overly wet weather we have had this summer serves as a great reminder to make sure to address any slope erosion problems immediately. And fall is a great time of year to plant shrubs and ground covers that can help to prevent a hillside from slipping away.
Consider that the upcoming cool months provide a time when plant roots grow fast and the need for water is less apparent for new plantings. You and your newly planted stock now have an advantage over the hot summer sun or cold winter nights.
To see if you have a potential hillside erosion problem, be alert for these tell-tale signs:
- Bare spots anywhere on your property
- Tree roots exposed above ground
- Small stones or rocks appearing on the ground surface
- Small rills or gullies beginning to form
- Build-up of silt in certain areas
- Soil splashed on windows and outside walls
- Soil washout along driveways
A number of excellent plant and groundcover choices not only thrive with the good drainage conditions of most hillsides but will also go a long way in providing protection from heavy rains. The key is to plant a mixture of plant types and sizes. You want to have layers of vegetation for rainfall to hit, so it will be diffused before it reaches the ground. Generally the larger the plant grows, the deeper its roots, so don’t neglect the larger, slower-growing plants.