You might think soil erosion is a huge problem for farmers and their crops, but this has also become a landscaping problem for our yards.
Basically, erosion is a natural process when wind, rain, or flood waters wash over unprotected land, removing soil particles. In our yards, this usually affects the topsoil—the healthiest, most nutrient-rich soil in which to grow. And if you’re growing flowers or vegetables, soil erosion can be the main thing that can ruin your plants and prevent them from thriving. The lack of topsoil due to erosion also means that there is less soil for plant roots to hold on to, resulting in fewer or weaker plans.
Fortunately, there are some plants that can prevent soil erosion in your yard. These plants are best suited for their drought-tolerant qualities and wide, fibrous roots. This means that large foliage or ground cover can absorb some of the heavy rain, slowing the effects of erosion. Usually, these include some ground cover plants Or shrubs that are not only practical, but can add color and beauty to your garden.
Keep in mind that this will also depend on your location, and so it’s worth checking out the USDA plant hardiness zone map to determine if these are appropriate for your area. Anyway, these 7 best plants to prevent soil erosion in your garden will bring it back to life again. Additionally, you may want to consider these 5 ways to improve your soil for a healthier lawn.
1. Creeping juniper
This low-growing evergreen shrub is often used as a ground cover and thrives in poor conditions. Known for its column-like branches that extend horizontally, the foliage is blue-green in the warmer months, and plum-colored in the winter. These will send up networks of roots that help hold the topsoil in place, and control soil erosion.
Creeping juniper tends to thrive well in loamy, compact, and sandy soils where grass refuses to grow, making it finicky for any soil condition. These also adapt to hot, dry, poor soil fertility, and are generally low maintenance. Most importantly, they are drought tolerant, making them ideal plants to prevent soil erosion. Plus, it will add a lush feature to your yard.
2. Periwinkle
Periwinkle, commonly known as Vinca Minor, is another ground cover plant known for being excellent for erosion control. With their beautiful blue and lilac flowers, there are more than 30 species of this widespread plant. In fact, one small plant can spread up to 8 feet (2 m) across, providing decent protection against the elements.
It is usually drought tolerant and is often seen growing on hillsides and steep banks, providing green and attractive landscapes. Periwinkle plants grow best in part shaded areasAnd in acidic soil conditions, it will even suppress unsightly weed growth.
Before planting, just make sure you want to create a periwinkle plant in a specific area, as it is invasive and difficult to remove. You may also want to avoid placing them near other plants in your flower bed or garden, as they may quickly outgrow them.
3. Cutment
This popular plant has many uses as an ornamental plant, including folk medicine. However, the catmint is exceptional for preventing soil erosion. This is mainly due to its drought tolerant characteristics and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Mint’s habit grows quickly and spreads widely–making it the perfect ground cover for soil protection. Plus, with its vibrant purple flowers, it will add plenty of color and feature to your yard.
Moreover, mint scented leaves act as a great deterrent to pests that destroy your garden such as the cats . So it’s a win-win for everyone!
4. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle, with its cute-sounding name, is a hardy plant with plenty of surface cover. This type originates in woodlands, and both shrub-like and climbing honeysuckle grow best in partially shaded or sun-only areas.
Thanks to its deep root system to help keep the soil in place, it is the perfect plant to prevent soil erosion. In general, honeysuckle can tolerate a lot of soil types, and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. As the name suggests, its vine produces sweet nectar that attracts bees and other pollinators, thus keeping your soil healthy.
5. Russian sage
Russian sagebrush is another drought-tolerant plant that is effective at preventing soil erosion. Its deep root system will keep soil in place, and it tolerates clay and infertile soil conditions.
With its striking blue flowers and sturdy stems, Russian sage can reach 4 feet in height and will attract bees and butterflies to your yard. Which will make your garden more fun to enjoy! Russian Sage also does well in dry or gravel gardens.
6. Japanese spurge
With its broad, glossy leaves, Japanese Spurge is an evergreen that’s great for controlling soil erosion on slopes and woodland gardens. Usually, it spreads quickly under trees, forming large colonies. However, it will not grow upwards–usually staying less than 10 inches tall.
It is also a hardy plant well suited to city gardens, as it is able to withstand urban pollution. Although its appearance is mainly green foliage, it grows delicate creamy white flowers in early summer.
7. Forsythia (weeping form)
The weeping form of forsythia is a tall shrub ideal for preventing soil erosion on slopes.
Like most shrubs, forsythia will send up roots to hold the soil in place. Weeping varieties actually develop roots where their branches touch the soil, thus acting as ground covers. With its warm yellow flowers, forsythia is a fast-growing plant that can reach 10 feet in height once established.
Forsythia is generally low maintenance, and can tolerate poor soil conditions. They are also known to be salt tolerant and are ideal for areas near the ocean. This makes them an excellent choice for preventing soil erosion in your yard.
Other tips for preventing soil erosion
Besides certain plants, there are several other ways to prevent soil erosion
- Move your plants, shrubs, or trees that are on slopes or unprotected soil, and place them on flat sections of your garden or inside some shelters.
- Dig shallow trenches to divert excess water. This will prevent water from flooding your plants or plants, as well as a waterlogged lawn.
- Likewise, use logs or large rocks to divert excess water away from your garden and plants.
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