Steep, sandy slope - Ask Extension
A strip of the lawn, about 14 ' by 60', is at a slope that is dangerous to mow. The slope faces west and has very little shade. The soil seems sandy...
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Steep, sandy slope #868715
Asked May 16, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT
A strip of the lawn, about 14 ' by 60', is at a slope that is dangerous to mow. The slope faces west and has very little shade. The soil seems sandy. The existing grass looks OK from a distance but has suffered from two years of drought and is thin. We pick out the weeds that intrude. We would like a ground cover that requires mowing maybe once per year. Medium height, 4" to 8", would be acceptable. It looks good when the wind blows. Don't need nor want the perfect golf course look. Are there any good options.
Thank you in advance for your attention.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
There are a few ground covers that might satisfy your needs. Lamium (dead nettle), 'Dragon's Blood' sedum, low-grow sumac and creeping thyme come to mind. This reference has a chapter on steep slopes:
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/05290247-4a5f-4bd1-b401-65bf59dc089a
For more of a lawn-like look, you can look into low-input lawns:
https://turf.umn.edu/low-input-lawns
You could also plant some perennials, grasses and shrubs from the list in the reference above: little bluestem, daylilies, creeping juniper, to name a few, although these are somewhat taller than what you wanted.
https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/05290247-4a5f-4bd1-b401-65bf59dc089a
For more of a lawn-like look, you can look into low-input lawns:
https://turf.umn.edu/low-input-lawns
You could also plant some perennials, grasses and shrubs from the list in the reference above: little bluestem, daylilies, creeping juniper, to name a few, although these are somewhat taller than what you wanted.
