I am trying to reforest a large, sometimes very steep slope that was previously covered in weeds, brambles, and garbage.
I am using species native to the Pacific Northwest such as:
- Vaccinium parvifolium (red huckleberry)
- Mahonia aquifolium (tall Oregon grape)
- Amelanchier alnifolia (saskatoon berry)
- Gaultheria shallon (salal)
- Malus fusca (Pacific crabapple)
- Sambucus spp. (elderberry)
- Solidago canadensis (goldenrod)
- Chamaenerion angustifolium (fireweed)
This is not an exhaustive list, but is representative of the species that have been successful so far.
How can I directly sow these seeds over large areas? For the berry/fruit bearing species, will scattering the ripe fruit directly on the ground work, or does the flesh need to be removed to mimic digestion by a bird?
The slope is not bare soil, but a mix of cut brambles, woodchips, and fallen leaves from nearby big leaf maples. If soil is necessary for germination, will making balls of dirt and seeds (seed bombs) help?
