How To Control Erosion On Hillside Using Grass Seeds
North America is home to a multitude of different grasses, and not only do they have aesthetic benefits, but when planted on a hillside, they are considered an excellent way to control erosion. As with any planting project, doing the groundwork and planning well in advance are essential to a successful outcome. There are many factors to consider before you start the planting process, including the rate of germination spread, degree of slope, watering requirements, and how much erosion control seed you’ll require for adequate coverage.
Think About Climate
Climate plays a role when selecting the best erosion control grass seed for your area. First, you have to choose the months in which you’ll be planting. The spring and summer months require different seeds than fall and winter because mixes change with the seasons. Nighttime temperature is another key factor in the germination speed of your erosion control seed. The USDA has a hardiness zone map for plants that is essential to review before investing in any hillside erosion control products.
Consider a Variety of Seeds
Erosion is especially common in roadsides and steep grades, along with other problem areas. For this reason, many gardeners choose a mix of seeds. By doing this, you increase the likelihood of growing strong root systems. Employing a mix of hillside erosion control seed also helps facilitate speedier germination and growth.
Once you’ve decided how much erosion control seed you’ll need for your location and have selected the heartiest mix, it’s time to prepare for planting. There are a number of things you can do to ensure your seeds thrive during the germination and growth process. Seed blankets and germination blankets both foster growth. Landscape netting is also beneficial.
Native grasses are aesthetically pleasing and are easy to implement in erosion-prone areas depending on your location. Sedge is a versatile erosion control seed that is both easy to plant and tolerant to drought. Oats are another excellent choice. Rye germinates quickly, while buffalo grass needs very little mowing and minimal water, making them both an excellent hillside erosion control seed choice. Annual ryegrass, meanwhile, is an excellent weed inhibitor whose shallow roots make it an obvious choice for rocky areas. Fescue grasses are also a dependable seed choice.
For all your hillside erosion products, contact Stover Seed today to speak to one of our team members.