seeding on a bare steep hill

/ seeding on a bare steep hill #1  

yanmars

Veteran Member
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Nov 29, 2009
Messages
1,124
I have about a 1.5 acre hill that was cleared of invasive trees, brush, vines, rosebushes etc. That was with an excavator. Then a bull dozer to smooth it out. Bare earth now. Need to seed it in some fashion before Spring rains cause erosion problems. Soil has a lot of clay here in western Ohio. This is on a steep hill.
Thinking about frost seeding in late Feb or early March with some type of clover. I have had good luck with that on my flat spots but unsure if it can get going before rain issues. Would consider Whitetail Ladino clover or No Plow. Someone said hydro seeding but that could cost $5000 to $7000. Would rather put on more seed. Straw I think will be of little value over the seed.
Thoughts. I do have a drag rake and cultipacker but do not think I need that if frost seeding.
 
/ seeding on a bare steep hill #2  
A lot depends on how steep the slope is and how much sun it gets. Do you plan on mowing it? You may get continuous washouts before the seed sprouts, Could involve multiple reseeding depending on spring rains. Hydroseeding could be more cost effective in the long run.

I used seed matts on a difficult slope with good results. It was only on 1/4 acre though.
 
/ seeding on a bare steep hill #3  
I’d take my chances with a walk behind seeder, straw and straw bales and mesh seed mats properly placed to prevent wash-outs. I have done this many times on steep ground and 90% of the time, it works.
Hydroseeding won’t prevent wash-outs. I wouldn’t waste my $$ on it.
 
/ seeding on a bare steep hill #4  
Now is the time to seed!(well, after this storm passes) Then straw it down good to prevent/reduce erosion. New grass will begin growing in Feb. in our area.
 

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