Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam erosion control on dam

seeking advice on what to plant on the back side of mid-Georgia dam will be in shade a lot--built last nov. seeded with rye---now when replanting this spring was thinking creeping red fescue/lovegrass or 75% creeping red fescue/25% centipede(centipede is expensive)--here is what i really need--- 1. low growing don't want to cut it if i can avoid it 2. holds soil well and grows in clay soil. 3. is hardy and drought resistant 4. grows ok in shade
5.non-invasive(don't want it spreading everywhere like bahia does). i don't know much about lovegrass but it sounds pretty good --will it grow in middle georgia in the heat and dry summer conditions? any other good options? all advice greatly appreciated.

no expert but seems on dams we encounter in middle ga the ones with Love grass holdup well and provide clumpy grass with little to no maintainence. Working on new pond in Jones county I will ask the builder his plans since you two are pratically neighbors.

How about Monkey Grass? Lirope is another name for it.

Of course, there is always kudzu!

I never heard of love grass, so I can't comment on it. Centipede is what I've planted along my shoreline, but realize it will take years to establish and do anything. The rest of mine is planted in Bermuda grass. It needs a fair amount of sun, but does OK with some shade.

St. Augastine would work great if there is too much shade for Bermuda, but you have to plant it. No seeds for St. Augastine.

One thing to remember is that you can save a bunch of mony on sod by planting it in a grid pattern and let it grow together. Even a few rows along the dam to stop erosion would give you instant results and fill in over time.

Good luck,
Eddie

thanks folks--the only time this grass will be visible is when you are standing on the edge of the dam and if i never have to cut it that will be fine too. --right now the love grass seems to be a good choice providing it is not too invasive --greg appreciate any info you can get from anyone tht used it. e.g. -grows well in shade, longevity, durability invasiveness?--i was thinking of planting a mix of lovegrass+fescue---based on what you have seen would you just plant the lovegrass by itself? i have emailed the guy that writes a column for AJC to get his opinion on what best to use. i a little time to research as i plan on planting in mid-april --the top of my dam and hillside over pond i will plant with bermuda (plenty of sun there). jersey --kudzu sounds great but i believe it is better suited for your climate and it's the gift that keeps on giving for sure-- getcha some.

I remember how once I thought I was confused when I learned our hayfields didn't have "grass", they had timothy and fescue and orchard and broom (brome) grass. Now you guys make it really complicated!

theo--you just think you're confused ---when i looked at lovegrass there are about 25 species--some native to ga--some that will not grow here--i am still looking for specifics on different types--thus far only have a u.s. map showing which types will grow where. i'm looking for anything that will do bahia's job without having bahia. i was forced to dig too much of that up when i was kid. ha.

am thinking now after reading some negatives on weeping lovegrass that i would be better served to just plant bermuda on top of dam and hillside over pond--then fescue on the back of the dam --even in middle ga. it should do ok---i suppose if seeding on dam that has lots of clay it would be best to seed heavy---(theo/bob)--any suggestions on favorite types of bermuda & fescue to try ---also seeding rates--we will most likely try to rake it in--especially in steep parts of dam. also am leaning towards planting two types of fescue (e.g. creeping red & combat extreme southern) & two types of bermuda trying to make sure i get something that works. advice?

GPR
Have you considered hydroseeding for quick coverage? I had my dam hydroseeded with bermuda. Send me an email if you want the guy's name.

Frank