Slope re-vegetation is important for many reasons, but the two main reasons are the stabilization of the slope and the reduction and filtration of storm water runoff.

• Slope stabilization - proper re-vegetation will create a web of plant roots to hold the hillside in place.  Once exposed soil is covered by grasses and the deeper soil is tied together by plant roots, sheet runoff will not be able to erode "ditches" into the hillside.  If re-vegetation is not established prior to the rainy season, these "ditches" will get deeper and wider, eventually causing a failure of the slope.  These failures can be as minimal as a few feet, or in extreme cases, can wash away roads and buildings in extensive mud slides.  Unfortunately, the extreme is becoming much more common because of extensive development growth coupled with outdated erosion control techniques.
• Reduction and filtration of storm water runoff is accomplished be re-vegetation as well.  As grasses and plants get established, they create individual barriers for water, diverting it multiple directions and allowing it to evenly penetrate the hill , rather than finding a common path down the hill.  This greatly reduces the creation of water "ditches" and failures.  The root systems of the re-vegetated slope will also absorb a high percentage of the water.  This reduction in storm water run-off reduces potential mudslides and flooding. 

For customized slope re-vegetation solutions, contact Applied Organics, Inc. at (425) 844-9292.