What is the best choice for erosion control?
On steep slopes, where erosion is likely to be a problem, select a ground cover that will root firmly to hold the soil in place. From the mid US to northern Canada, one of the best species for erosion control is crown vetch. It is best grown in sunny, well drained areas. It is very winter and drought hardy. It is also a legume like clover so it will fix its own nitrogen. Crown vetch blooms prolifically with pinkish purple flowers. Once established, the site will explode into colour each summer. The main drawback to crown vetch is that it is very slow to establish. In the first year, you barely be able to see any. In the second year it will start to show. However once it is established, it will be very aggressive and over the next few years will likely colonize the entire area that you planted. Because of its slow start, crown vetch is best seeded with a cover grass. A mix of ryegrass (perennial or annual) and creeping red fescue works well. These grasses will hold the ground while the
