How to Grow Grass on Hillsides
Growing grass is not easy and growing it on a hillside may be a bit harder depending on the slope. While starting a lawn from plugs or sod provides more immediate results, growing grass from seed is the least expensive for the average homeowner. However, you need to incorporate some extra measures to prevent the seeds and young seedlings from washing away down the hill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a grass that is appropriate for the amount of sun the hillside receives. Bermudagrass, for example, needs a lot of sun, so do not plant this variety if you’re growing grass on the shady side of the hill. St. Augustine grass can tolerate the most shade compared to the most common grass types, so this may be a good choice for a partially shady hillside.
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Keep the rocks and plants in place if your hill is steep and erosion control is an issue. They will help keep the soil in place while your grass is becoming established.
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Rake the soil about 1/2 inch deep. Rake in horizontal rows going across the hill. This will help prevent the seeds from washing away down the grooves.
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Scatter the seeds on the hillside using the recommended rate listed on the label.
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Cover the seeds with straw labeled as weed-free. The seeds need light to grow so don’t cover them too much. About 1/2 inch of straw will suffice. You can also use a seed blanket available in nurseries or seed dealers. Straw and seed blankets help keep seeds in place, and they conserve moisture, which reduces the need for watering.
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Water the grass seeds with 1/2 inch of water. Keep the hillside moist the first couple of months, but do not saturate the area because the seeds and young grasses may wash away.
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Tips & Warnings
For hills that are difficult to mow, plant a ground cover instead.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
