Short term erosion control approaches?

[Ngidm]

Hi all,

When I repot most of my trees, I use a topdressing of ground up moss that I collect (driveways, etc.) Mixed with ground up sphagnum moss -- 50/50. This typically takes hold after a few months, looks good (I think), and most importantly it controls erosion -- the moss binds the top layer of soil particles, so I can water more quickly/heavily and my soil levels stay constant. However, that only works once the moss has established. Until it's clinging/growing, moss and the soil are at risk of washing away. Typically I don't have a problem with this, because I leave a little space below the lip of the pot. So as moss/soil washes around, it just swirls around in the pot and eventually everything roots.

However, I'm gearing up for a big tree that is going in a 19" wide pot (don't worry, I'll post pictures in the next week of when it happens!). It has to be in a wide pot because of a root chunk. And I can't afford a professional pot that wide, so I made one. It was a beast on the wheel, but I'm proud of it. One problem is that the pot is not terribly deep -- like maybe 4". I wanted something closer to 6", but it was all I could do to get this one made. Therefore, I'll have to mound the soil a little to accommodate the tree roots and new soil. Should be no problem once the moss is established, but until then erosion will be a problem, methinks.

So, now to my question. Does anyone have a short-term method of controlling erosion when mounding soil in a gentle arc? I was thinking of using pantyhose or cheesecloth or something porous/light that would let sun and water through, but I'd rather not have a mummy of a trunk base/pot for the next few months. Perhaps some drainage screen 5" high around the perimeter, but again I don't think that would look terribly appealing. But maybe I just have to love with something like that for a while.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

--Nick

 

[penumbra]

I use various types of mulch on many of my plants. Coco coir, shredded, is one of the best in my personal opinion.

 

[ABCarve]

Hi all,

When I repot most of my trees, I use a topdressing of ground up moss that I collect (driveways, etc.) Mixed with ground up sphagnum moss -- 50/50. This typically takes hold after a few months, looks good (I think), and most importantly it controls erosion -- the moss binds the top layer of soil particles, so I can water more quickly/heavily and my soil levels stay constant. However, that only works once the moss has established. Until it's clinging/growing, moss and the soil are at risk of washing away. Typically I don't have a problem with this, because I leave a little space below the lip of the pot. So as moss/soil washes around, it just swirls around in the pot and eventually everything roots.

However, I'm gearing up for a big tree that is going in a 19" wide pot (don't worry, I'll post pictures in the next week of when it happens!). It has to be in a wide pot because of a root chunk. And I can't afford a professional pot that wide, so I made one. It was a beast on the wheel, but I'm proud of it. One problem is that the pot is not terribly deep -- like maybe 4". I wanted something closer to 6", but it was all I could do to get this one made. Therefore, I'll have to mound the soil a little to accommodate the tree roots and new soil. Should be no problem once the moss is established, but until then erosion will be a problem, methinks.

So, now to my question. Does anyone have a short-term method of controlling erosion when mounding soil in a gentle arc? I was thinking of using pantyhose or cheesecloth or something porous/light that would let sun and water through, but I'd rather not have a mummy of a trunk base/pot for the next few months. Perhaps some drainage screen 5" high around the perimeter, but again I don't think that would look terribly appealing. But maybe I just have to love with something like that for a while.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

--Nick

I’m just trying this for the first time this year. I took bird netting, cut to the shape of the pot, cut out where the trunk goes and held it in place with 1” staples I formed from aluminum wire. It’s working great “so far”. My only worry is removing it when moss gets established.

 

[Michael P]

I use long fiber sphagnum, not chopped. I soak it in water then spread a layer over the soil in the pot or slab. Press it into the soil gently. For me it lasts many months. You want the long fibers to hold the layer together, and cover the entire soil surface with it.

 

[Shibui]

Top dress the soil with gravel/small stones. It can stay on long term or brush them off when the soil stabilizes.
Water more carefully until the moss gets going.
Just keep adding soil when it washes away.