Erosion might not seem like a problem for a homeowner, but the topsoil of your lawn is what keeps it looking good. Besides that, soil erosion around the foundation can weaken your house’s support. That is why you should focus on erosion control methods for your lawn and home.
This is especially important if your property is on a sloping location, where gravity can aggravate erosion. Here are some tips that can help:
Plants are Your Friend
The roots of plants can hold on to the soil. That is why you will want to plant grass and shrubs on your property. A network of roots will keep the soil in position while also absorbing the water. The type of plants you will want for erosion control are those that cover large amounts of ground. The grass is a natural choice, so choose a variety that is hardy and has deep roots.
Lay Down Rocks and Mulch
It is not just plants that will help with ground retention. Covering up the topsoil with a layer of rocks or mulch is also ideal. This means the next rainfall will not be able to carry away more of your topsoil. For example, you can lay down some gravel and rocks from Utah and other places. The gravel is heavy and provides a layer of protection against the flow of water.
Do Some Smart Landscaping
The landscape of your backyard can affect how fast erosion happens. For example, a flat surface of soil does not erode as fast. You can use this to your advantage by creating terraces using small retaining walls. It can be time-consuming, but it greatly cut down on the amount of topsoil loss.
Another effective landscaping technique is to create natural pathways for the water to flow through. For example, a rain garden has channels and slopes that funnels the water on to stone-filled canals. These prevent top-soil runoff while also creating an interesting conversation piece for your backyard.
Implement Proper Drainage
Large amounts of water come from your roof’s downspouts. If you leave the drainage points near the walls of your home, you can expect the rainwater to wash things away. A better solution would be to add additional drainage pipes so that the rainwater leaves your property completely.
Have Proper Walkways
If you and your family constantly walk on the soil, it becomes more compact. The problem with this is that compact soil does not have the micro spaces between them to allow for drainage. You will want to invest in cement or stone paths so that you don’t contribute to the soil compaction process.
Depending on where you live, soil erosion might be a major problem. Even drier areas experience heavy rains that can turn a property into a muddy mess. The tips above should ensure that your property stays as beautiful and sturdy as possible. All it takes is a little investment of time, effort, and money so that you will have no worries about soil erosion again.