I would imagine this is a common issue:
What is the best remedy for non-sod sloped lawn having topsoil eroded
during heavy rains? I currently only add peat moss to topsoil but it
helps only a little. Any tricks of the trade someone wants to share?
Thanks
Lester

How about taking steps to thicken your grass? If properly seeded and cared
for, you shouldn't be losing soil.

1) How short do you cut the grass? In other words, if there are 5 height
settings on your mower, with 1 being the lowest, what do you have it set on?

2) Have you tried overseeding to thicken the lawn?

3) Do you bag lawn clippings, or mulch?

"Lester" wrote in message
om...
I would imagine this is a common issue:
What is the best remedy for non-sod sloped lawn having topsoil eroded
during heavy rains? I currently only add peat moss to topsoil but it
helps only a little. Any tricks of the trade someone wants to share?
Thanks
Lester

(Lester) wrote:

I would imagine this is a common issue:
What is the best remedy for non-sod sloped lawn having topsoil eroded
during heavy rains? I currently only add peat moss to topsoil but it
helps only a little. Any tricks of the trade someone wants to share?

What is a non-sod lawn? Do you mean you are trying to grow grass seed
on a steep place? An established lawn is sod. A new lawn can be made
by moving sod or by planting seed. A good lawn will prevent erosion.
Until the lawn gets established, you need something else to hold the
soil. Peat moss ends to absorb water but it also tends to float.

A grass such as annual rye can germinate quickly and help stabilize soil
while a mixture of perennial grasses gets established. A mixture of
perennial rye, tall fescue and creeping red fescue works well with the
annual rye. Compacted soil is a major contributor to runoff. Aerate if
possible, and add organic matter such as compost to promote a healthy
stand of grass. Getting grass seed to stay in place on slopes until it
germinates can be tough on steeper slopes. A covering of straw can help
secure the seed and reduce water runoff. On steep slopes you may need to
resort to hydroseeding by a landscape contractor.

Highway departments use hydroseeding. Hydroseeding is a process by
which seed, water, fertilizer, fiber mulch, and sometimes lime are
blended together in a tank and applied onto a prepared lawn area through
a spraying hose. Once sprayed, the wet fiber mulch will help create a
bond to the soil and provide the seeds with a water retaining
blanketing-coat while protecting it from sunlight, wind, and erosion. As
the grass seeds begin to germinate, the fiber mulch will slowly
decompose adding nutrients to the soil. Hydroseeding can be very
effective for hillsides and sloping lawns to help with erosion control
and quick planting. Hydroseeding will typically cost less than planting
with sod, but more than regular seeding.

If it is a steep slope, plant low growing groundcovers other than grass.
Numerous plants are available that will blanket the ground, protecting
it from erosion and remaining neat throughout the year with little or no
maintenance. Low growing species of juniper (prostrate juniper) will do
well in many sunny, drier locations. They spread rapidly and vary in
texture and color from blues to greens. In shady spots, the non-native
pachysandra often does well. This plant remains green throughout the
winter and spreads easily. Wintercreeper is another non-native but hardy
plant that grows in sun and partial shade. Varieties are available that
have white or gold variegated leaves. Yet another possibility is
periwinkle‹actually a Vinca species‹known for its blue or white flowers.
Check with a local nursery for species that are best suited for your
area. When planting groundcovers on slopes, try to avoid planting into
bare soil. This may not be possible with new construction. In this case,
mulch around the plants with an organic mulch to help retain water and
prevent erosion. If you have existing sod, it is preferable to kill the
sod and plant into it. This limits the potential for serious erosion
before the new groundcover becomes established. You may want to mulch
around the plants so the area looks neat. Providing extra water while
establishing your plants greatly enhances success during dry periods.

Terraces provide another option for steep slopes. Terraces provide
architectural interest as well as opportunities for extensive gardens.
They can vary considerably in cost--depending on the materials used and
the area to be terraced. Terraces must be installed properly to ensure
the stability of the slope. Check on local ordinances and building codes
if considering a terrace.

--
Pardon my spam deterrent; send email to
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA http://home.earthlink.net/~rhodyman

(Lester) wrote in message . com...

If your yard has a sharp slope you may want to look into terracing.

Patrick


I would imagine this is a common issue:
What is the best remedy for non-sod sloped lawn having topsoil eroded
during heavy rains? I currently only add peat moss to topsoil but it
helps only a little. Any tricks of the trade someone wants to share?
Thanks
Lester