Landscaping a Steep Slope: Erosion Control with Plants and Mulch

Stabilizing a 5-Foot Steep Incline

On a steep slope below a leveled house pad, vegetation is the best long-term erosion control. Rocks alone attract snakes/scorpions and don't bind soil.

Recommended Approach

• Deep-rooted shrubs/groundcovers planted in a staggered grid.
• 2-3 inches of shredded mulch between plants to absorb rainfall impact.
• Jute netting or erosion control blanket on bare soil until plants establish.

Plant Suggestions (Sun/Part Shade)

• Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri)
• Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
• Ornamental grasses: switchgrass, little bluestem
• Native shrubs: sumac, chokeberry, viburnum

Design Tips

• Plant in horizontal bands following contours.
• Mix evergreen and deciduous for year-round root mass.
• Water deeply first year to establish deep roots.

Avoid large rock fields. A living slope is safer, more attractive, and ecologically beneficial.