Live on a hill and worry about erosion? In this episode of Weekend Gardening, host Maureen Gilmer demonstrates how strategic planting can save you from slippery slopes, mudslides and erosion, while beautifying the area at the same time.Erosion happens when water cascades down a slope surface picking up soil particles as it travels downward. Since the water travels quickly over the surface of the ground, it never penetrates the soil surface, leaving the soil dry and plant root systems unfed. Correcting erosion problems can require extensive digging and grading, but the key to preventing soil erosion is planting the correct types of plants: plants need to have both an extensive root system and foliage that spreads out over the top of the ground, slowing the flow of water.
The erosion problems on this slope are corrected using several methods. A diversion ditch is put in place along the ridge line. Terraces are carved out to use for planting beds and rustic steps are dug into the slope to give access to the planting areas, which are planted using the cut/fill method.
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