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Planting trees to hold stormwater and prevent erosion - loss of grass in the area #890238

Asked November 24, 2024, 4:24 PM EST

Our HOA has been working with our County to identify spaces where we need to plant new trees in our community to manage stormwater runoff and prevent erosion on slopes. Community members have voiced a concern that planting the trees will cause a loss of turf grass due to the tree roots using the resources in the area where they are planted. We are wondering if there are groundcovers we could plant in the areas where the trees are being planted? The trees are redbuds, swamp white oaks, red maples and river birch trees. Thank you!

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

Yes, you can plant ground cover around the trees! The loss of turf grass shouldn't be an issue, but ground cover will further help slow water in the runoff area better than grass will. It will also support native wildlife and insects as opposed to turf grass. 

You could plant the ground cover in the root zone area simultaneously when the trees are planted so that the tree's roots grow around the ground cover. You can also plant into a biodegradable erosion cloth if the slope is very steep and you are concerned that the ground cover could wash away before they are rooted in. If the budget allows, try to plant densely, approximately 12 inches on center, to help cover the surface as quickly as possible. 

Depending on the light requirement and deer presence, there are plenty of spreading native ground covers to choose from. You can visit our Groundcovers webpage to see a short list. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/ 

Let us know if you have further questions.

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied November 25, 2024, 1:07 PM EST

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