Steep slope planting solution

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Hi, I live down a lane which has a steep slope to one side. I currently have it covered in grass but finding it time consuming and difficult to cut. I'm looking for a low maintenance solution. The slope is about 70degree steep so covering in gravel isn't an option. Please help?

ponddigger · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 9:18 pm Post subject: photos

hi,any photos of your project, jack

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

I will post one tomorrow. Thanks

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Photos as requested

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Another angle

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Another angle

kindredspirit · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:27 pm Post subject:

Ground cover's going to be expensive for that area.

Best might be Lonicera Nitida.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=robo&va=lonicera+nitida

kindredspirit · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:30 pm Post subject:

Here's a pic of it on a bank.

http://www.hedgesonline.com/index.php/lonicera-nitida.html

Greengage · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:37 pm Post subject:

i would go for dogwoods of different colours and a couple of tree either rowan or crab apple

Sive · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 7:56 am Post subject:

Wouldn't an avenue of deciduous trees just look magnificent there ?

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Thanks for the feedback, so most are saying go with a hedge - I assume you mean at the bottom of the slope, but then would I not still need to cut the grass higher up the slope?

Not sure about putting trees in as that will make it even harder to cut the grass inbetween, this is what I'm trying to get away from, but I agree trees would look good.

Please keep those suggestions coming as I'm at a lose what to do that will look great but require less maintenance.

Thanks

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 1:38 pm Post subject:

If you want to plant Lonicera Nitida, then you plant ALL over the area, so that's there's no grass to cut. The idea being that no mowing will be involved. Have a look at the picture of it under trees. You'll only have to trim it at the edge of your drive, NOT further up as it stays at a constant height.

If it was sandy soil, then you could cover it with Gorse. Evergreen with a lovely golden flower display.

You can still plants trees if you like in the middle of the Lonerica. Something like Rowan for example.

Greengage · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 3:15 pm Post subject:

I would plant dogwoods and dog roses with a hedge on top and leave to dogwoods and dog roses to supress weeds, see pic

forest flame · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:45 pm Post subject:

another option would be to kill off the grass with rounup and in march plant a wild flower meadow which you would only have to cut once a year

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

I had thought about a wild meadow but reading online reports suggested the soil should be of poor quality. Unfortunately my soil seems to be good so was concerned the weeds wouldn't let the wild flowers grow.

When you say 'plant' or you referring to seeds or actual planting wild plants?

Do like the idea of a wild meadow as it would give a natural beauty and encourage insects.

Thanks