Three Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion
Posted on: 10 April 2019
Soil erosion can occur in your yard if there is an underlying drainage issue with your landscaping design. Over time, your soil can be carried away, ruining the grading of your land and making it more likely that water will collect in your yard, which can cause damage to your plants and even drain into your foundation, which can cause damage and expensive repairs. Understanding some of the ways that you can alter your landscape to improve drainage and protect against soil erosion can help you maintain your landscaping design and save time and money on repairs in the long run.
Mulch
One of the simplest ways for you to reduce the risk of soil eroding in your yard is to lay down mulch in your flowerbeds and around the base of your trees and other plants. Mulch, especially certain types of materials like shredded bark or grass clippings, will absorb and hold onto water, slowly releasing it into the soil over time. This has the added benefit of ensuring that your plants are continuously supplied with adequate amounts of water, in addition to preventing the topsoil from being carried away.
Gutters, Downspouts, and Rain Barrels
Another way to reduce the risk of erosion in your yard is to change the layout of your gutter system. Gutters that are clogged with debris can cause water to overflow from your gutters, where it can sweep away soil in the flowerbeds next to your home. Improper downspout placement can do the same thing. Cleaning out your gutters and installing downspout extensions can help ensure the proper drainage of water without damaging your landscape. An alternative to installing downspout extensions would be to install a rain barrel, which will hold onto water that drains from your gutters and can be used at a later time to water your plants.
Retaining Walls
Finally, the last thing that you should consider if your property has a sloped landscape that is slowly being worn down by precipitation and the natural drainage of water in your yard is the installation of a retaining wall. A retaining wall, as its name indicates, acts to retain soil in a certain position and can effectively act as a barrier that holds a hill and your soil in place, with drains installed in its side that allow for a slower and more sustainable flow of water. Retaining walls can be made out of a variety of attractive materials, which means that they can be easily integrated into your yard.
Contact a landscaping service today to get help with your lawn.
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