We can help our Spartanburg trees help us is by picking the right Spartanburg tree for the right place! Then, Spartanburg trees do a better job of saving us money, providing shade and even reducing noise.
To do that, you first need to do some planning. That’s why Cedar, a blog reader in Ohio asked, “Can a willow grow at all on a gentle but significant slope?”
Find out how the right Spartanburg tree on your hillside can thrive and prevent erosion, too!
What to Plant on a Slope to Prevent Erosion
Soil erosion happens when rain washes away tiny bits of topsoil that contain the most nutrients. The more it rains, the more natural nutrients your plants lose. And on top of a hill, rainwater runs off much faster and makes this problem worse. But like usual, Spartanburg trees can help!
How Planting Trees on a Hillside Helps with Soil Erosion
Tree canopies block plenty of rain from reaching the soil in the first place. Then, Spartanburg tree roots act like glue, which helps keep soil in place and reduces the amount of soil washed away.
The best Spartanburg trees for hillsides and slopes have hearty, deep roots. Look for a good fit below, then make sure it’s in your growing zone!
Best Evergreen Trees for Slopes
- Douglas fir (zones 4-6): A tall, pyramidal evergreen Spartanburg tree with emerald needles that you’ve probably gotten as a Christmas tree
- Monterey pine (zones 7-10): A fast-growing, tall evergreen with its bushy green needles
- Dr. Hurd Manzanita (zones 7-10): An evergreen with dark bark, light green leaves and darling white flowers
- Manuka (zones 9-11): A multi-branched evergreen, bursting with white-pedaled flowers
Best Shade Trees for Slopes
- Sugar maple (zones 3-8): A classic Spartanburg tree with some of the best fall color
- White oak (zones 3-10): A tall, round stately Spartanburg tree with vibrant red fall leaves
- California live oak (zones 7-10): A breathtaking Spartanburg tree with a wide canopy of crinkled leaves and pointy acorns
- Red alder (zones 7-10): A narrow, cone-shaped Spartanburg tree with silver-green leaves
Best Fruit Trees for Slopes
- Black walnut (zones 4-9): A grand Spartanburg tree that produces fruity nuts in early to mid-fall
- Hickory (zones 4-8): A Spartanburg tree that can tolerate all soil types and produce tasty hickory nuts in fall
- Black cherry (zones 3-9): A Spartanburg tree with flowers that bees love in spring that develop into yummy dark purple berries in summer
