Reseeding a Slope

The Problem With Slopes

• Slopes are more prone to erosion problems because water naturally flows downhill, carrying soil, grass and other materials with it. If grass seed simply is scattered over the slope, rain and even general watering can wash the seed down the slope. This can cause problems, ranging from uneven seed distribution to the loss of almost all of the seeds from your desired area. If the grass is intended to prevent erosion, this also can cause some or all of your slope to be left unprotected.

Preparing the Soil

• Preparing your soil before reseeding increases the likelihood of your seeds staying where you want them on the slope. Aerate the slope with a core aerator to loosen the soil and provide more surface area for grass seed to penetrate. If the existing grass is thin or bare, you also may roughen the soil slightly by dragging a metal rake over it to further improve the likelihood of successful germination and growth.

Reseeding the Slope

• Once the slope is prepared, determine the total amount of seed required to reseed your lawn by consulting the seed packaging for distribution rates. Divide the seed in half, applying one half to the slope by seeding up and down the slope surface and the other half by seeding back and forth across the slope. Once you've distributed all of the seed, rake the area lightly and go over the slope with a lawn roller to press the seed into the soil. Applying a layer of mulch after seeding will help prevent the seed from washing or blowing away as well. Water the slope frequently while the seed germinates, keeping the soil moist until new grass growth is visible.

Things to Consider

• Even with proper preparation, some seed may be washed away, depending on the angle of the slope and the volume of water moving over it. It may take multiple reseeding attempts to achieve the grass density that you want in your yard. Keep in mind that grass alone may not prevent all soil erosion, especially with new grass, Grass has shallow, fine roots, and these roots are unlikely to overcome severe erosion or add significant sheer strength to the surface soil.