Native Plants

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Wednesday - May 27, 2009
From: Suffolk, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Erosion Control, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Will not cutting grass make its roots stronger?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live on a lake that has a hill. There is some problem with erosion on the hillside. Our association wants us to not cut the grass to stop the erosion. How does not cutting the grass help the roots get stronger to stop erosion or is this a farce?ANSWER:
According to Plant-Care.com your homeowner's association is right. Quoting them:
"The quantity of leaf surface combined with the sugar making process called photosynthesis helps determine how much food the root system will receive. More leaf surface help produce a root system that is healthier. ...When grass is cut root growth ceases temporarily."
This advice is echoed by many other lawn care experts (e.g., BetterLiving and Back to Nature Lawn Service).
The stronger and more extensive the root system, the better it can hold the soil in place.
More Erosion Control Questions
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September 07, 2009 - What plants could be used to plant on clay soil, Eastern exposure in full sun to stop erosion on a bay side hill with a steep grade?
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Need erosion control in Granite Falls, NC
October 11, 2010 - In Granite Falls, NC we have a sloping area at the end of the driveway that needs plants that will keep the ground from eroding. What do you suggest?
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Erosion control in New York
July 21, 2008 - I am in zone 5/4 New York and I recently purchased a house with two erosion problems- 1. a seasonal stream has cut a gorge about 20 'deep X 40' long.Mature hemlocks are toppling into this hole. it i...
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Stream Bank Erosion Control for Bryan/College Station
August 16, 2012 - I live in the Bryan/College Station area and need a ground cover to abate erosion on the bank of an intermittent stream. The bank is shaded. Do you have any suggestions?
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Erosion at edge of driveway in Abilene TX
August 26, 2011 - My lawn suffered a great loss of grass over the winter and the soil at the edge of the driveway is washing away with watering and the occasional rains that we have. I am trying to get the grass to gr...
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