Question
Our front yard has a sloping hillside that is covered with what the landscaping plans call 'sticky bark.' and ground covering that is slowly spreading. Over the course of this last year, the rains have washed much of the bark away and the jute netting is showing.What can I do? Where do I get this 'sticky bark'? Is there another alternative? Joanne

Answer
First in all my years I never heard of "Sticky Bark". My guess is that this is just a way that the designer described the type of bark he/she desired...ie "some kind of bark that will STICK in place" ergo "sticky bark".  However, if you slope is very steep the best bark is pinestraw or shredded hardwood. The more fiberous your mulch the better it will "stick" together and hold on the slope. If you have Jute netting, I am guessing its pretty steep. Stay away from bark mulch or mulch with clean woody pieces which tend to easily float or get carried down hill.

All you can do is replace lost mulch or add plantings. If this is not an area you need to use or holds some amazing view, then you should consider allowing the area to naturalize into woods and or wild flowers. Many people plant juniper but in my opinion this is a maintenance nightmare that will never go away and take years to actually cover the slope. Allowing native grasses, wild flowers and small sapling trees to take hold is the best solution in most cases of steep slopes. Grass and wild flower seed is also cheap and fast.
Best of Luck

Sean J Murphy

Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com