What to Plant to Prevent Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the degradation of soil composition. Rainfall, winds and the natural force of gravity, as with deep slopes, may erode the soil. Cracking, dryness and the appearance of gullies are indicative of this issue in residential and natural landscapes. Planting certain types of plants will help prevent soil erosion.

Flowers, ground covers, crops and herbs can prevent soil erosion. Densely planted, the resulting root systems anchor the soil while the foliage acts as an umbrella, protecting the soil surface from the elements.

GROUND COVERS: Ground covers carpet the area. These low-growing plants creep along the soil surface rather than growing upward. The root systems are dense and the roots themselves thick.

Types of groundcovers recommended for preventing soil erosion include lily turf, creeping Charlie, creeping thyme, scotch moss, catmint and European ginger. These plants may be considered invasive, however, and may be controlled through the use of retaining walls.

FLOWERS: Flower gardens add beauty to any landscape, but planting a flower garden on a slope can prevent that slope from eroding. Perennial flowers work well for soil support. Their roots grow deeper than those of annuals and in a densely planted flowerbed, the root system will establish itself quickly. In warmer climates, use perennials such as coneflowers, wildflowers, hostas and yarrow that can withstand the prolonged heat of the summer season. In cooler climes use cold hardy plants such as chrysanthemums, peonies, daisies and baby's breath.

GRASSES: Turf grasses, which act much the same as groundcovers, work well to prevent soil erosion. Their protective blanketing of the soil reduces the effect of rain and wind on the soil's surface. Unlike groundcovers, however, turf grasses need to be mowed and the soil aerated from time to time. In warmer climates, use Bermuda grass and rye grass, both of which withstand the extended growing seasons of the south and southwest. In northern climates, use fescues and bluegrasses. These dense grasses grow thicker, providing resistance to the heavier rainfalls.

CROPS: Vegetable plants can aid in preventing soil erosion, though they are more useful in this respect as compost than as plants. Their organic matter breaks down into highly concentrated compost. When dug into topsoil, the compost makes the soil more resistant to erosion.

Include perennial herbs in your gardens to aid in preventing soil erosion. Rosemary, thyme, sage and bee balm are perennial herbs that grow well in many types of soil. The roots of these herbs burrow deep into the soil, providing strong anchorage. These herbs are bushy in form and so act as a protective covering of the soil surface. Mix these in with your flower and vegetable gardens to aid in keeping topsoil in place.