Some months ago, I remember reading an online article about slopes. And important to remember when we are talking about slopes, they come in all shapes and sizes. Slopes can bring out the worst in us, a sense of antipathy even. So, this remembered article I was reading online was titled, “Can this garden Be Saved? I have a steep slope.” Without a doubt, the mentioned garden was a challenge, however, of course, the answer was yes. Look at some of the stunning Gardens that have been created/constructed, and in some cases “bolted” on the sides of cliffs and mountains surrounding the Mediterranean. See Monty Don’s Gardens of Italy for inspiring solutions. 

So, I asked Suzie Wiest, colleague, friend, and fellow plant nut, to give us some of her favorite choices for slopes, and this is what she came up with ... 

For slope plantings, where you’d like to provide more control of the runoff to prevent erosion, varied plantings are most effective. A mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers create layers of vegetation, reducing the force as rainfall touches the soil.  You can also add a layer of mulch to open areas to further reduce the surface activity. 

Your site analysis of the soil, exposure, and drainage will determine which plants will work best, but below are selections with a history of excellent performance on hillsides:

Trees with root systems that hold the soil well and take up more water

Arbutus ‘Marina’ — Evergreen tree with pendulous clusters of urn-shaped pink flowers in spring and fall followed by ¾” strawberry-like berries; As the bark peels away, the beautiful shiny red new bark underneath is revealed; Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant; 50 ft tall with a 40 ft. canopy; available in standard tree or multi-branch forms; Smaller shrub species of A. unedo compacta is only 7-10’ tall x 7-10’ wide.

Cercis occidentalis — Deciduous tree and a profuse bloomer with clusters of magenta pea-shaped flowers along bare stems in early spring prior to the emergence of heart-shaped leaves; Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant; 20 ft tall with a 10-20 ft canopy; available in standard tree or multi-branch forms. Hummingbirds love the blooms and birds love the seed pods. This is a favorite of mine too!

Quercus agrifolia — Evergreen tree with deep green holly-like leaves, a wide and open canopy, and massively strong trunk and branches; Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant; 40-60 ft tall with a 40-60 ft canopy; available in standard tree or natural low-branching forms. Native to coastal ranges, this is another excellent habitat tree providing shelter and food for wildlife!

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The Bay Area source for professional quality irrigation and landscape lighting supplies. For over 40 years, we have provided sustainable solutions to landscape professionals. We are proud of our commitment to education that has created long-lasting community partnerships.

Join us for an open-house fair in August and monthly webinars for the rest of the year. Our newsletter sign up link is https://www.urbanfarmerstore.com/newsletter-signup/

Learn more about this APLD CA Gold Sponsor at https://www.urbanfarmerstore.com/.

Bay Scenery specializes in delivering high-quality landscape construction services in and around Silicon Valley. Through the acquisition of well-known companies such as Harris Landscaping Company, we have cultivated a reputation for excellence in landscape construction for over 30 years.

This company was founded to re-purpose the woody materials that our parent company, Hamilton Tree Service Inc., was generating and sending to the landfill. We have designed a product that is environmentally preferable and ecologically friendly; all of our materials are derived from local tree and landscape companies and are processed right here in the San Francisco bay area (Martinez).

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