I have seen this on decks surrounded by unfinished landscapes. If the lawn has grown in around the deck, that should take care a lot of the tracking of mud/ dirt into the deck. Perhaps the lawn has not filled in completely? Grass usually takes at least 1 year to fill in completely. If dirt from the lawn is still being tracked onto the deck by feet and shoes, consider putting a landing at the bottom of the steps with a rug to wipe off feet before entering the deck. It is also possible the dirt from the hillside is being blown onto the deck. If that is the case, you need to get that hillside planted ASAP. In the meantime, cover the hill with mulch or seed with an annual crop seed that will cover rapidly. Use an erosion control blanket if seeding. Regardless of your approach, you may have to be patient. New construction always leaves a mess for a while, until everything fills in.

Do you have any suggestions for a grass seed or plants that may help sooner rather than later. We live in southern OH, near the Ohio River. It is in a Valley and most of the dirt is actually a clay mixture. Thanks for the help!

I would use a grass seed mix with high percent of annual rye grass for rapid coverage. If the slope is too steep to easily maintain via mowing, consider using low-mow/ low-grow grass seed mix or a professional quality prairie grass and wildflower mix. Whichever way you go, make sure you use the annual rye grass. Also, use a wood fiber erosion control/ seed blanket to reduce exposure of soil until the plants fill the area. Alternatively, use sod for immediate coverage.

Awesome! I’ll look and see what i can find. Thank you!