Terracing Slopes: Options other than Terracing for Slopes
Terracing Slopes
Options other than Terracing for Slopes
If terracing slopes are beyond the limits of your time or money, you may want to consider other options for backyard slopes. If you have a slope that is hard to mow, consider using groundcovers other than grass. There are many plants adapted to a wide range of light and moisture conditions that require little care, but provide soil erosion protection. These include:
• Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
• Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
• Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
• Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
• Potentilla (Potentilla spp.)
• Partridge berry (Gaultheria procumbens)
• Heathers and heaths
Stripcropping is another way to deal with long slopes. Rather than terracing slopes to make garden beds level, plant perennial beds and strips of grass across the slope. Once established, many perennials are effective in reducing erosion. Mulch also helps reduce erosion. The erosion that may occur will be primarily limited to the garden area. The grass strips will act as filter strips and catch much of the soil that may run off the beds. Grass strips should be wide enough to mow across the hill easily as well as wide enough to effectively reduce erosion.
Options other than Terracing for Slopes
If terracing slopes are beyond the limits of your time or money, you may want to consider other options for backyard slopes. If you have a slope that is hard to mow, consider using groundcovers other than grass. There are many plants adapted to a wide range of light and moisture conditions that require little care, but provide soil erosion protection. These include:
• Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
• Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
• Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
• Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
• Potentilla (Potentilla spp.)
• Partridge berry (Gaultheria procumbens)
• Heathers and heaths
Stripcropping is another way to deal with long slopes. Rather than terracing slopes to make garden beds level, plant perennial beds and strips of grass across the slope. Once established, many perennials are effective in reducing erosion. Mulch also helps reduce erosion. The erosion that may occur will be primarily limited to the garden area. The grass strips will act as filter strips and catch much of the soil that may run off the beds. Grass strips should be wide enough to mow across the hill easily as well as wide enough to effectively reduce erosion.
Backyard Pond - Backyard Wetland - Composting - Mulching - Terracing Slopes