Slope Maintenance and Planting: Homes with large sloping areas in back yards and side yards must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that plants take hold and block out weeds. Regular maintenance includes checking sprinkler operation, weeding, fertilizing,  and replacing dead plants.

Maintenance is most needed when the slope is newly planted because plants are small and weeds grow quickly in open soil. A pre-emergent applied soon after planting kills weed seeds and reduces weed growth. Using the right plants on slopes minimizes the effects of erosion and reduces fire danger.