Rhizome Grasses and Erosion Control

Drought-tolerant grasses can control erosion along roadsides.

Erosion occurs in areas left bare by construction, wildfires and other events. Rainfall washes away soil particles and creates gullies, which promote more erosion. Rhizomatous grass, which spreads along underground stems or rhizomes, forms a dense mat or sod that holds the soil in place and prevents erosion.

Types

You can establish rhizomatous grasses by installing sod or by seeding. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, establish in the spring and fall and provide erosion control in Northern climates. Drought-tolerant warm-season grasses, such as bahia grass, can provide erosion control along roadsides.

Time Frame

Sod establishes within 10 to 14 days and quickly provides erosion control. Grasses can take as long as 30 days to germinate from seed. Some species, such as ornamental eulalia grass, can spread as quickly as 12 feet or more each year.

Considerations

To ensure deep rooting and erosion control, install sod with soil that is similar to the soil at the installation site. For erosion control on a hillside, you may need to peg the sod in place.

References

• Purdue University Turfgrass Science Program; Establishing a Lawn From Sod; Glenn Hardebeck, et al.; March 1998
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service; Bahiagrass; Millie Davenport; October 2008
• Midwest Sod Council: Turfgrass Establishment; Tom Voigt
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Slowing Erosion With Native Grasses; Jeff Schalau; February 2009
• Ohio State University Extension; Ornamental Grasses; Ed Thompson