Erosion Control

Native landscaping is an excellent solution for highly erodible problem sites. Prairie grasses and wildflowers, as well as many wetland species, have deep root systems that hold soil extremely well. And these low-maintenance perennials provide on-going protection from water and wind.

However, establishing effective vegetation on erodible sites presents significant challenges. Plantings on steep slopes are vulnerable to washouts and require special precautionary measures. Fast growing cover crops of oats or wheat are sown along with the native seed to secure the soil. In addition, light mulching with clean oat, wheat or prairie grass straw provides a good solution on moderate slopes. On steep slopes exceeding a 3 to l ratio, erosion blankets can be applied. Occasionally water flows may be diverted or checked with erosion control barriers, e.g. straw bales, until vegetation is fully established.

In the end, native landscapes provide fantastic, permanent erosion control and excellent soil permeability, allowing water to flow into the soil, rather than away from the site—especially important on sites adjacent to lakes, rivers and wetlands. Generally, erosion control is a necessary but temporary step that needs thoughtful consideration, knowledgeable materials selection and skilled installation.

PRI has the people and the answers for erosion control problems!

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Looking for some seed or plants to get started with your project? Check out our extensive inventory of high quality native seed and plant materials...

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Interested in creating a native landscape on your property? Learn more about the process and how PRI can help...

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Wondering what an actual native landscape looks like? Check out our Project Portfolio for great examples of projects from a variety of habitat types...