Native Plants
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Friday - July 17, 2015
From: Pace, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Erosion Control, Grasses or Grass-like, Shrubs
Title: Hillside Erosion in Pace FL
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I have a hillside that slopes down about 10 feet to a spring fed pond. The pond drains into Escambia Bay. We have 2 dams with culverts to control the flow of water. Last year during a torrential rainstorm the bank eroded and the upper dam overflowed, depositing lots of dirt into the pond. I've had the pond scooped out and the dam repaired and dirt has been deposited onto the eroded bank. What can I plant in the hillside to prevent erosion, but not obstruct the view of the bay?ANSWER:
This Mr Smarty Plants likes to review the archives for suggestions before inventing any new ones. The following MSP question/answer pairs address similar topics and come from areas that are not too far from yours.
Groundcover to prevent erosion in Florida
Plants for 60 degree slope in Mobile, AL
Plants for banks of a retention pond in Alabama
Planting for steep slope in Alabama
Privacy screen for Pace Florida
In addition to advice and discussion in all of the above, several native plants were suggested that coul dwell be useable for your situation. Consider the following:
Grasses: Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge), Andropogon glomeratus (Bushy bluestem), Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge bluestem), Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass), Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats),
Groundcovers/wildflowers Calyptocarpus vialis (Straggler daisy), Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry), Packera aurea (Golden groundsel), Packera obovata (Golden groundsel), Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf sage),
Shrubs Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana), Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet rosemallow), Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire), Lindera benzoin (Northern spicebush),
Several taller shrubs and trees were suggested, in particular in the last discussion of a privacy screen, if you can accept ten foot plants, you may want to consider a few of those.
Our philosophy about determining plants for erosion control was well described in the first discussion. This is: “Native grasses are an excellent choice for controlling erosion because they develop extensive fibrous root systems that hold the soil in place. Seeds can be sown under an erosion control blanket or grass plugs can be planted through the blanket. After the grasses have begun to establish themselves and stabilize the area you can add other plants. On the pond edge you could consider adding some attractive aquatic or semi-aquatic plants to help prevent the erosion.” This is good advice for your situation also.
From the Image Gallery
More Erosion Control Questions
Native border plants to stop erosion
February 18, 2015 - I need native border plants to assist in stopping soil erosion due to water run off from rain and the Catawba River.
view the full question and answer
Plants for erosion control in West Mifflin PA
November 23, 2009 - I have recently had a retaining wall rebuilt in my back yard and an above the ground pool installed. My lawn is uneven with no grass and the hillside is very dry dirt with rocks. What type of plant ...
view the full question and answer
Landscaping recommendations for site in Dubuque, IA
March 27, 2010 - I need a seed recommendation. Here are the variables:
Location: Dubuque, IA (east Central Iowa)
Soil type: Sandy to sandy and gravelly. Part is a riverbank facing east. Steep bank then flat to ...
view the full question and answer
Plants to control hillside erosion in Virginia.
November 21, 2007 - Good Morning, Mr Smarty Plants, I need your advice and guidance.
I live in a condo complex in Virginia and we have a hill/slope that is eroding. It also has two very nice tall trees that partially sh...
view the full question and answer
California native plants for a steep slope
May 29, 2010 - We are looking for California native plants for a steep south facing slope that do not attract bees. Can you please provide a list?
view the full question and answer
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