Artificial Ground Cover for a Steep, Sunny Santa Barbara Slope

Artificial Ground Cover for a Steep, Sunny Santa Barbara Slope

Attorney with 5 failed replantings on steep, sunny, drought-stricken slope. Asks about artificial ground cover.

Jute Netting (Not Truly Artificial)

• Biodegradable erosion mat—holds soil, seed, mulch.
• Allows planting through it.
• Available at landscape supply (contractor yards).

True Artificial Turf

• Synthetic grass—no water, no mow.
• Gets very hot in full sun.
• Requires compacted base, drainage.
• Cost: $8–15/sq ft installed.

Better: Dry-Stacked Rock with Pockets

• Terraces with drought natives (manzanita, ceanothus, salvia).
• Rock holds heat but plants shade soil.
• Drip irrigation establishment only.

Artificial turf is a last resort. Fix the soil/plant mismatch first.