preventing soil erosion

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by steph, May 21, 2005.

  1. steph

    steph Member

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    Location:
    Mill Bay
    We have a very steep bank leading to the sea front which has not had the native trees removed or disturbed. A narrow path has been there for several decades but with the natural lose of a few trees the bank now needs consolidating to prevent erosion and the collapse of the path. Can anyone recommend plants that would suit this habitat that have a root structure that would help keep the bank in place? The property is SE Vancouver Island, costal Douglas Fir zone.
    Thanks
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Location:
    WA USA (Z8)
    If you have a clay layer, over which the topsoil and vegetation are sliding, you may need a landscape architect or engineer. If do-it-yourself seem adequate, the soil will still have to be stabilized first so the plants can take hold. Maybe this can be done with jute erosion netting, Hold-a-Hill blocks, something like that.
     
  3. fish&ferns

    fish&ferns Member

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    Location:
    Pitt Meadows
    It is great that you have many native plants along the shoreline. They are very important in stabilizing the area and are valuable habitat for fish and wildlife along the shore. A good reference for shoreline owners is the Living by Water initiative that provides advice on how to reduce your impact on the environment while dealing with these tricky problems of erosion and native vegetation. Their website is located at www.livingbywater.ca/main.html (I can't seem to activate the link so you'll have to cut/paste) and they have additional information in their Shoreline primer. They have lists of native vegetation that would likely perform well for you.
     

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