Georgia Erosion Control Plants

Georgia Pines

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture highly recommends the Georgia pine tree for erosion control. It is a long-lived evergreen tree with long needles and scaly bark. Fully grown Georgia pines can stand over 100 feet tall, with correspondingly large root systems. This is part of what makes them so effective at erosion control. Growing these trees requires a soil with a high mineral content. Georgia pines grown outdoors grow approximately 10 feet every three years. Do not plant these trees in the shade or near other trees.

Rose Bushes

• Rose bushes are another native Georgian species. The Highway Research Board of the National Research Counsel recommends using rose bushes for erosion control in the Georgia area. The advantage of using rose bushes on your property is that they provide not just erosion control but also flowers that are both fragrant and beautiful.

River Birches

• River birches are among the most widely used trees for landscaping in Georgia. They are also good at controlling erosion. River birches grow well on slopes and on river banks (hence the name.) Growing very rapidly, these trees can reach heights of up to 80 feet. They tend to grow multiple trunks and have drooping branches reminiscent of those of weeping willows, making these trees a striking addition to your property. River birches need plenty of sunlight, and should therefore not be planted in shadow. They do best in acidic soils. Watch out for infestations of aphids and web worms.

Georgian Grasses

• Native Georgian grasses also work well at erosion control. For this reason, it is best never to mow your lawn all the way to the edge of a stream or river. Longer grasses develop deeper root systems, making them more effective at controlling erosion. If you are including grass in your erosion management system, plant the grass it in conjunction with trees, bushes of both.

Spiraea

• Spiraea is a flowering shrub that is used in erosion control that grows in Georgia. It produces tall clusters of small pink flowers and makes an attractive addition to any lawn or river bank.