Planting ground cover on a steep slope can be challenging, but with the right plants and proper preparation, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread to form a dense, weed-suppressing carpet over the soil. On slopes, they help prevent erosion while eliminating the need to mow turf grass.
When planted correctly ground covers provide a lush, attractive solution for tricky sloped areas. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully plant ground cover on a hillside or slope.
Choose the Right Plants
Selecting suitable ground cover plants is the first critical step. Look for varieties that are:
- Fast-spreading to quickly cover the soil
- Low-maintenance and drought tolerant
- Hardy enough to withstand your climate zone
- Adaptable to the sunlight exposure and soil conditions
Some excellent ground cover options for slopes include
- Creeping phlox
- Sedum
- Creeping juniper
- Lilyturf
- Creeping thyme
- Periwinkle
- Wild ginger
- Sweet woodruff
Match the plant’s requirements to the site conditions for best results. For example, choose shade-loving varieties like wild ginger for shaded slopes. Full-sun plants like sedum work best on sunny banks.
Prepare the Planting Area
Proper preparation sets your ground cover up for success. Follow these tips to get your slope ready for planting:
- Remove existing vegetation like turf grass or weeds. You can solarize the area with black plastic for several weeks to kill grass and seeds.
- Loosen compacted soil and amend with compost to improve drainage and nutrition.
- Install an in-ground irrigation system if possible. Drip irrigation works well for slopes.
- Add erosion control materials like landscape fabric or jute netting if needed.
Preparing the soil properly before planting prevents future problems with drainage, nutrients, or erosion.
Space and Arrange Plants
Most ground covers should be spaced 12-18 inches apart to enable quick growth and soil coverage. You can offset rows in a brickwork pattern to achieve a nice look. Group multiple plants together to create sweeps of color or texture.
If your site has varying conditions, adjust the layout to match plants to their preferred sun and soil. For example, place shade varieties under trees or on the north side. Use more drought-tolerant varieties on sunny, dry spots.
Dig Holes and Plant
Dig holes twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball or container size. Place plants at the same level they were growing in the pots. Backfill with the amended native soil and water thoroughly after planting.
Follow spacing recommendations, arranging plants in an appealing layout. Group plants together for impact rather than dotting them in a random pattern.
Apply Mulch
Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch like shredded bark or pine straw over the whole area after planting. Mulch conserves moisture, inhibits weeds, and gives a uniform look. Leave some space around plant crowns to prevent rot.
Replenish the mulch layer annually as it decomposes. Good mulching technique is key to reducing maintenance and helping plants thrive.
Provide Ongoing Care
In the first year, regularly water new plantings if rain is lacking. Once established, dense ground covers shouldn’t need irrigation except in severe droughts. Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer each spring to nourish plants.
Trim back any types that spread aggressively. Inspect for weeds and remove promptly to prevent competition. With the right maintenance, your slope ground cover planting will provide years of beauty and erosion control.
Benefits of Ground Covers on Slopes
Compared to turf grass, appropriate ground covers offer many advantages on hills and slopes:
- Prevent erosion and stabilize soil with extensive root systems
- Require less watering and mowing once established
- Outcompete weeds
- Provide year-round color and interest with varieties like sedum
- Help delineate garden spaces and edges
Careful plant selection, preparation, and planting creates resilient, low-maintenance ground cover plantings. Following this step-by-step guide will lead to a successful outcome. Do your research, choose varieties suited to your conditions, and properly prepare and plant the site for ground covers that thrive on slopes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/State-5acbbd4a1f4e13003c4971d5.jpg)
The Best Way to Plant on a Slope!
FAQ
What is the best ground cover on a slope?
- Junipers like Blue Star.
- Lambs ears.
- Lily turf (liriope)
- Ornamental grasses.
- Pachysandra.
- Sedums, like Autumn Joy and Autumn Fire.
- Stonecrop sedums.
- Wintergreen.
What month is best to plant ground cover?
To get my ground covers started off on the right foot, I plant them in spring or early summer so they have a chance to root well and are less likely to heave out of the ground in winter. I make sure to take time to assess the conditions of my site and prepare the soil before planting.
What is the best cover crop for slopes?
Grow low sumac is likely the very best groundcover cover plant to use to erosion control (preventing soil was out) on steep hills, due to its dense stem growth habit and deep rooting structure.
How do you plant ground cover on a steep slope?
Before planting ground cover on a steep slope, it’s important to prepare the soil. First, banish any existing weeds by pulling them out or spraying them with an herbicide. Next, loosen the soil on flat areas by tilling or turning it with a shovel to a depth of six inches. Then, apply all-purpose, time-released fertilizer per package directions.
What is a good ground cover for a slope?
Japanese Pachysandra This low-maintenance plant thrives in dry shade and spreads rapidly. Blooms aromatic white flowers in the spring. It’s an ideal fast-growing ground cover for slopes because of its stunning, dark green carpeted lawn. What is the best plant to plant on a slope?
How to plant a ground cover on a slope & embankment?
To plant ground covers on a slope or embankment, use mulch to cover the soil between the plants. Mulch is essential as it helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents erosion. Use a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or bark.
Can ground cover be planted on a hill?
Yes, you can plant ground cover on a hill. By selecting plants suited to their specific conditions and preparing the soil properly, you can create a beautiful landscape. Choosing the right ground cover plants for a hill is crucial to ensure their survival and success. Here are some tips to help you make the right choices: 1.
How do I choose the best ground cover for a slope?
When choosing ground cover for a slope, consider the plants with extensive root systems as they are best for slopes. These plants prevent erosion and provide stability on steep slope conditions.
How do you plant ground covers?
To plant ground covers, first pop them out of their pots and plant them at the same depth they were growing previously if they are not root-bound. If the plants look root-bound, gently tease the roots apart before sinking them into the soil. After planting, water the bed thoroughly and mulch right after. Planting ground covers is an easy process.