I recently bought a fixer-upper in a hilly area of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and I'm dealing with some serious slope erosion issues in the front yard. The previous owners removed vegetation and left the hill a mess, trying to cover it with landscaping fabric and mulch, which hasn't worked at all; it just washes away every time it rains. I've attempted planting wildflowers, lavender, and ivy, but nothing thrives in the clay soil. I'm exploring various erosion control options, including Jute Erosion Control and Geo Web, but I'm curious about methods that others have used successfully on similar slopes. If you have tips or experiences, especially regarding native plants or erosion control techniques, I'd love to hear them!
3 Answers
Have you thought about installing terraces? I've had consistent success with terracing using retaining wall stones from home improvement stores. You don’t need incredibly high walls; just a few stacked stones can make a big difference. I’ve also seen it done with railroad ties, but be ready for some cutting and fitting.
I had good luck using cedar playground chips for erosion control; they held up for a few years! Ornamental grasses that are suited for clay soil can also be effective. We added some Lirope, which worked out nicely too. If you're looking for something that looks good year-round, Japanese holly could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind, they do require some trimming once a season. Adding 4"-6" river rocks in certain areas can help hold everything in place, too.
I’ve noticed some households with similar slope issues are using strips of sod, which might help reduce erosion. You could also consider planting small trees or shrubs in rows to break up the slope.