Extremely steep bank (cliff) - Ask Extension
I have a home on a very steep hill. Excavation of site for house has left a very steep bank (approx. 60 to 70 degrees and 13 feet high) on each end o...
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Extremely steep bank (cliff) #395692
Asked April 24, 2017, 4:53 PM EDT
I have a home on a very steep hill. Excavation of site for house has left a very steep bank (approx. 60 to 70 degrees and 13 feet high) on each end of house. Bank consists of solid rock in places, sharp smaller rocks and subsoil. Erosion is a big problem that I would like to address with some kind of planting if possible. Moderate sun. Any ideas?
Lebanon County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi:
Would you be able to attach a picture or two? It might give me some ideas. That sounds like a rough spot.
Would you be able to attach a picture or two? It might give me some ideas. That sounds like a rough spot.
Hi:
I want to show a colleague the pictures. I'm not sure exactly what to suggest. You may have to put soil stabilization fabric down first due to the steep slope. There are different types of fabric to choose from.
I want to show a colleague the pictures. I'm not sure exactly what to suggest. You may have to put soil stabilization fabric down first due to the steep slope. There are different types of fabric to choose from.
Hi:
How many hours of sun does the site receive? Is it morning or afternoon?
How many hours of sun does the site receive? Is it morning or afternoon?
Approx. 6 hours in AM.
Hi:
Since this is a difficult site, I'm still working on what might work best. Are you looking to do this yourself, or hire someone? Ernst Seeds has mixes designed for erosion control. http://www.ernstseed.com/product-category/erosion-control-and-revegetation/
It is possible that a retaining wall needs to be built at the bottom. However, I am not an expert in this area, so that may not be necessary.
Since this is a difficult site, I'm still working on what might work best. Are you looking to do this yourself, or hire someone? Ernst Seeds has mixes designed for erosion control. http://www.ernstseed.com/product-category/erosion-control-and-revegetation/
It is possible that a retaining wall needs to be built at the bottom. However, I am not an expert in this area, so that may not be necessary.
Yes I plan to do work myself. Yes, a retaining wall is in planning (about 3 feet high).
Hi:
Have you had a chance to speak to someone at Ernst Seeds? I am hoping they may have some suggestions since they have dealt with situations like this more than I have.
Have you had a chance to speak to someone at Ernst Seeds? I am hoping they may have some suggestions since they have dealt with situations like this more than I have.
Hi Tim;
i havn't contacted anybody at earnst seed. Did check out their web site thro. Will phone and see if they can help me with this problem. I will give you a follow up.
i havn't contacted anybody at earnst seed. Did check out their web site thro. Will phone and see if they can help me with this problem. I will give you a follow up.
Yes, please let me know what they think. I really believe that you need a biodegradable fabric to go down with grasses and wildflowers embedded. I think if you just try to seed, you will get a lot of washout. Once those plants are established, you could plant woody plants (trees and shrubs, if desired).
