You have spent time and money landscaping your backyard. However, you have begun to notice that erosion problems are undoing all your hard work. There is no need to panic. Here are many ways to solve your erosion issues.
Plants and Trees
Trees and plants help to reduce the topsoil from washing away. Use native plants. Native plants tend to establish deep root systems. The root system helps to keep soil in place. Trees help to soak up water after a rain. Their root system also helps to keep the soil in place.
Gabions
Gabions are wire-meshed baskets filled with stones or rocks. Their purpose is to slow down the speed of water. Water gets filtered through the space created by the basket’s filling, causing it to slow. Once the water goes through the gabion, it is not moving fast enough to displace too much soil. Gabions are versatile; they have many uses, including stacking to create a decorative-looking wall.
A Rain Garden
A rain garden takes the idea of planting native plants a step further. A rain garden is a section of the yard devoted to deep-rooted plants. The garden will help help to soak up heavy rains and prevent runoff. The recommendation is to create a garden at least ten feet from your house to prevent water from seeping into your foundation.
Add a French Drain
A French drain is a trench containing a perforated pipe topped with stones. The rocks help to slow down the speed of the water. Water enters the pipe, and the pipe will redirect the water away from the yard. Usually, the water will go to the street, a ditch, or other locations on the property.
Plant Grass
Do not overlook planting grass as a method of erosion control. If there are places in the yard free of vegetation, consider growing turf-like grasses. They have deep root systems. Another option is grasses that germinate quickly. Grasses are perfect choices for slopes and hills. Both grasses will work to keep the soil in place.
Dry Creek Bed
A dry creek bed is simply a trench filled with river rocks. They help prevent flooding and erosion by slowing down water flow and redirecting it elsewhere. They are usually for the bottom of hills. Since river rocks come in different colors, you can make the beds look like a decorative element.
Build Step Terraces
Step terraces are retaining walls but with a decorative element. They are use built on steep slopes or hills. The idea is soil is flattened and, therefore, will not wash away. Another benefit to adding terraces is there is more space for small gardens. The gardens will help by giving water another place to go. Add plants or some veggies to create an attractive way to stop erosion.
A Quick Fix
While trying to decide which erosion control methods will work best for your yard, there are a few things you can use to stop erosion from happening. Barrier walls, sandbags, and erosion blankets can be a temporary fix.
