Q. I live in Lakewood in a large, beautiful gated condominium community of 65 single story duplexes. It was built in a vacated gravel pit. On three sides of the development, we have steep banks sloping down to our units varying from 40 to 45 degrees. On one street in particular, which is the 45 degree slope, has a bulkhead varying from 4 ft. high, down to 2 ft. high. In back of the bulkhead, the 45-degree slope varies in the length of the slope from 10ft. to 15 ft. to our perimeter fence. This bank slopes up to the south. Our neighbors along the perimeter fence above have tall evergreen and leafed trees shading this area most of the day. The only thing that has been done to this area in the past is put down a rope type netting and bark on the rock, sand & gravel, then try to get ivy to grow, by only putting soil in each hole that a ivy plant was planted. The decayed bark slides down and over the bulkhead in places. The bordering evergreen trees shed their needles on this area increasing the acidity of the soil. I say that we have to remove the fluffy decayed bark, apply a good grade of topsoil and plant something that will develop a good root system to hold the bank, that does not need much sun, would enhance the beauty and be easy to maintain. O yes, I forgot, we have deer that do get hungry and are a nescience to our residents growing roses etc. I know that our problem is a challenge, but I know from my past questions, that from my former requests that you can handle this one. Thank you, Don Berglund – Lakewood, WA
A. Holy Rubik’s Cube Batman – You’d make the Riddler blush! One anomaly I notice is that you say that the slope is to the south and there are trees above which shade the slope. Do they overhang the slope? If my high school geometry is still intact the trees above should be to the north of the slope which should allow light into the area. I agree that Ivy grown in little pockets of soil will not provide the stabilization you may be looking for. I would lean toward soil stabilizing shrubs. Here are two ideas and caveats in order of my preference:
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) native evergreen tolerates shade, sun, moist or dry soil. It is also deer resistant. 3-7 feet tall. (Native)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea or C. stolonifera) great soil stabilizer and has beautiful red stems. Tolerates shade and won’t need as much water if partially shaded. It is susceptible to deer browse but this may not be too great of an issue since you will want to cut them back each season since they are grown more for their colorful red stems (which disappear with age) than their flowers. Each year it is cut back during the dormant season to maintain the red stems. (Native)