stairwell safety hazard fix -- need suggestions.

[Larry Bowers]

What would you do to fix this for occupancy inspection? Inspector says that the dropoff around the stairwell is a safety hazard.

The solution needs to create a barrier at least 36” high with no more than 4" gaps from the grade anywhere there is a 30” dropoff, which would be 80% or so of the run around this stairwell. 

Inspector said either put up a fence, but plants put there would be sufficient. This is a C-level rental house, so cost wins over aesthetics. I'd say the plants would be the way to go. I'd probably buy the plants myself and have a handyman do it.