Our slopes in East Texas can add drainage problems to otherwise beautiful landscapes. Rapid water runoff can cause severe erosion and be detrimental to the soil.
When the slope is gentle construct a series of terraces on a grade to the lowest elevation. These can be made of landscape timbers, railroad ties or stone. When using stone be sure to back the stone with soil cloth. Add plantings on the up side at each step to beautify and cover the construction.
For more severe slopes, start at the top and form a berm on grade to distribute the flow of runoff evenly. Below the berm prepare a bed area and cover with soil cloth. There are several varieties of cloth available at our nurseries and hardware stores. Then plant a dense hardy groundcover through the cloth. As the plants cover they will protect the slope from direct rain.
Sunlight conditions will determine the type of plants to be used. Junipers are excellent in sun and fill in quickly. Asian Jasmine is another option and requires less sun. In shaded areas, ivy will do the best but it is slow growing and needs to be planted close together.
Mulch heavily with leaves or bark after planting and maintain the mulch if it washes after a rain. In a season or two the slopes should be beautiful and the problem solved.
Paul Ferguson, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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