How to Mulch a Slope

Mulch is made from many types of materials including bark, straw, leaves and rubber. Although mulch is often used to improve the appearance of the landscape and to protect plants, it is used for other reasons as well. When mulch is installed on a slope, it is often to reduce erosion from rainwater. Although the process for installing mulch on a slope is similar to installing it in a flat area, there are some important considerations.

Mulch
Shovel
Erosion control netting
Heavy-duty stapler
Scissors or carpet cutter

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of the desired mulch such as wood chips, bark or straw over the area, using a shovel to level out the surface as evenly as possible. Straw mulch is best spread by hand. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using 1 to 2 tons of straw, 5 to 6 tons of wood chips and 35 cubic yards of bark for every acre of slope.
- 2
  Dig a trench at the top of the slope 6 to 12 inches above where the mulch starts. Insert the end of an erosion control net into the trench and fold the top edge underneath itself by 1 to 2 inches. Staple the top edge of the netting together, spacing the staples at 4- to 5-inch intervals.
- 3
  Fill in the trench with the removed soil until it is level with the top of the soil. Step on the area to pack it down tightly. Unroll the erosion control netting all the way down the slope, being careful not to disturb the mulch.
- 4
  Stop when you reach the bottom of the slope and cut off the excess netting with a pair of sharp scissors or a carpet cutter. Repeat the process to install the netting on all surfaces of the slope.

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