Few landscaping sights are more beautiful than rolling green hills. However, getting the hills on your property to stay green is usually easier said than done. Getting grass to grow on a steep slope can be surprisingly difficult. And when you can't grow grass, not only are you faced with an unsightly mess, but you also run the risk of your hill eroding under the harsh effects of the weather. Thankfully, there are a few fixes you can try if you're having grass problems with your hill. Here are three of the best.
Use Spray Grass
When trying to grow grass on a hill, most people run into the same problem: the grass seed won't stay in place long enough to take root and germinate. Thankfully, traditional turf grass planting methods aren't the only option out there. If you're having trouble, why not try spray grass? Also known as hydroseeding, spray grass is made from a mixture of grass seed, fertiliser, mulch and a solution that brings everything together. When this mixture is sprayed onto your hill, the bonding agents bind it to the soil instantly, keeping it in place while it grows. Plus, since the mixture is great at retaining water, the grass usually begins to grow in just a few days. Almost any type of grass seed can be used for spray grass, and the whole process is quick and affordable too.
Plant Perennial Shrubs
Another alternative is to plant foliage that takes hold more firmly than grass seeds do. Perennial shrubs (those that last for several years through all seasons) are a great option for this. If you choose colourful ground cover plants like aubrieta and creeping phlox, you will also bring a bright, fun feel to your hillside. Perennials can be purchased in pots with grown roots, which makes them much easier to establish on a hillside than turf grass seed. Once the roots are in the soil, they should stay in place and protect your hill from erosion. Just make sure you choose tough, low-maintenance varieties until you want to increase your landscaping workload.
Terrace the Ground
Terracing is another potential option you can try if spray grass or perennials won't work for you. Terracing involves levelling the hill out in sections so it resembles a staircase. Creating flat sections of ground makes it easier for grass to take hold and grow. However, terracing can be a very costly and time-intensive project, and it won't preserve the look of your hill as you know it. As a result, it's recommended as a last resort after trying other planting options.
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