We lost, a couple of years ago, 30+ pine trees to pine beetles. They were at the top of a hill above our house.

When those went, we started to feel the impact of NOT having a grassy hill above our house -- the suddenly hard rains (back then) hitting on what had become just dirt under where the trees had been removed flowed with mud.

We need something there to slow the rainfall before it hits the dirt, because I refuse to plant grass.

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for a low to medium height NATIVE evergreen tree or tall shrub that will grow well in part shade with HARD clay soil?

Thanks