Establishing Groundcover on a Steep Slope: Preparation and Plant Selection for Pittsburgh

Kill the Grass First

• Herbicide: Glyphosate spray on actively growing grass. Wait 2 weeks.
• Solarization: Clear plastic for 6–8 weeks in summer (eco-friendly but slower).

Do not rototill—destroys soil structure on slopes.

Planting

Cut planting holes through dead sod. Space per mature width. Good choices for Zone 6 Pittsburgh slopes:

• Creeping Juniper 'Wiltonii' (Blue Rug): 6 inches tall, 6–8 ft wide, blue foliage, bulletproof.
• Vinca minor (Periwinkle): Evergreen, blue spring flowers, tolerates shade.
• Native Mixes: Pennsylvania extension list: penpages.psu.edu.

Maintenance

Water weekly first season. Mulch between plants with compost. Hand-weed until groundcover closes.