How to stabilize a hill. What other options are available? - Ask Extension
Our backyard is on a hill that has begun to erode. Some of the tree roots have been exposed. What do you recommend as far as planting and other method...
Knowledgebase
How to stabilize a hill. What other options are available? #876399
Asked July 08, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
Our backyard is on a hill that has begun to erode. Some of the tree roots have been exposed. What do you recommend as far as planting and other methods of stabilizing?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Our back yard is a hill. There are spots with no vegetation and some tree roots are exposed. What do you recommend to plant to stabilize the hill? It is mostly in the shade as there are several trees
You definitely need to plant now before you lose anymore soil. You should plant close together, adding compost, LeafGro or other soil amendments as you plant. Here is good information from UME on plants for slopes and groundcovers:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/native-plants-shady-slopes/
These are my choices:
Asarum canadense (wild ginger) - a native ground cover, not evergreen, but will over time develop a good root system which holds soil even in winter with no leaves.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) - a native, semi-evergreen fern that's very hardy and grows fairly quickly.
Athyrium filis-femina (Lady fern) - another native fern, but dies back in winter. Root system will hold soil.
Packera aurea (Golden ragwort) - a native perennial that thrives in most conditions, sun or shade, spreads fast, nice yellow flowers in the spring attract pollinators. Can be quite thuggish, but good for what you need.
Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster) another native, fast growing, aggressive perennial with nice white flowers in late summer which attract pollinators.
Heuchera villosa (Coral bells) another native evergreen perennial
Carex ssp. (sedges), a grass-like plant which is evergreen, fairly fast growing and shade tolerent. There are many different varieties out there, native and non-native.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellowroot) a native low growing, suckering shrub, very shade tolerant - a favorite of mine which I have in my shady garden.
Good Luck! Thanks for asking Ask Extension.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/native-plants-shady-slopes/
These are my choices:
Asarum canadense (wild ginger) - a native ground cover, not evergreen, but will over time develop a good root system which holds soil even in winter with no leaves.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) - a native, semi-evergreen fern that's very hardy and grows fairly quickly.
Athyrium filis-femina (Lady fern) - another native fern, but dies back in winter. Root system will hold soil.
Packera aurea (Golden ragwort) - a native perennial that thrives in most conditions, sun or shade, spreads fast, nice yellow flowers in the spring attract pollinators. Can be quite thuggish, but good for what you need.
Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster) another native, fast growing, aggressive perennial with nice white flowers in late summer which attract pollinators.
Heuchera villosa (Coral bells) another native evergreen perennial
Carex ssp. (sedges), a grass-like plant which is evergreen, fairly fast growing and shade tolerent. There are many different varieties out there, native and non-native.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellowroot) a native low growing, suckering shrub, very shade tolerant - a favorite of mine which I have in my shady garden.
Good Luck! Thanks for asking Ask Extension.
Thank you. What month would be a good time to plant golden ragwort?
Stacey
Stacey
It's too hot and dry to plant anything now. I would wait to plant whatever you're planning to in September.
