Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Monday - July 05, 2010
From: Kenna, WV
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Erosion Control
Title: Plants for bridge foundation erosion control in WV .
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
There is a stream on my property that I must cross to get to my house from the road (stream is about 6 - 8 feet wide, with 5 to 6 foot banks). I've recently had to have the bridge repaired, and the contractor poured a lot of concrete down the stream bank where it had washed away from the end of the bridge. What is the best thing to plant on the bank to disguise the ugly concrete mass as well as help keep the bank from washing away when the creek floods? The creek is at the bottom of a west facing hill in a narrow valley.ANSWER:
The foundations of bridges are very important to the structural integrity and safe operation of the bridges they support. You should consult with a structural or civil engineer about the foundation of your bridge to determine whether or not it is sufficient for the location and for the structure it's supporting.
If the foundation is adequate, then planting grasses and similar plants to minimize erosion is a good idea. Grasses are most often prescribed for erosion control because of their fibrous and extensive root systems. Native sedges and other grass-like plants are also very often useful in situations like yours. The specific plants you use will depend on local conditions.
More Erosion Control Questions
Plants to stop erosion on hills in Kansas
December 20, 2009 - I would like to plant some type of forage to stop the erosion on my hills & eliminate some of the mud in my turnout areas. It needs to be something that either horses won't eat or that can survive h...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for moist, steep hillside in Tupelo MS
July 01, 2010 - I have a very steep bank that I have pampas grass planted in spots. It must be a natural spring in the bank because it stays very wet and runs into the street below. Can you suggest something to pla...
view the full question and answer
Solution for erosion on steep slope in California
April 14, 2011 - Dear Mr.Smarty Plants,
I have a serious hillside problem in Santa Cruz County resulting from the recent deluge of rain. Steep to sheer now with no plants left on it after the hill slide washed to th...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control near creek in Kansas City, MO
July 26, 2008 - I'm looking for something to plant to help stop erosion on my property. The spot I have in mind is on a slight natural grade heading toward the creek at the back of my property. Any ideas on what t...
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing ground cover for creekside
May 18, 2014 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants.
I live in Austin Texas and am looking for an aggressively spreading ground cover or grass to plant along a small creek on the back of my property in order to help with soil er...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |