Soil erosion can be a big problem in lawns. The slope of your land and they type of soil you have contribute to the potential for erosion. Soil erosion can make your property look unattractive, and it can also allow contaminants from lawn fertilizer and pesticides to flow out of your yard and find their way into local lakes. Stopping erosion is possible. Sometimes all that's needed is a simple fix. Other times, you may need to bring in a landscape engineer. Here are some tips for controlling soil erosion on your property.
Keep Bare Soil Covered
An important step is to keep bare soil covered. Don't allow bare spots to develop in your lawn. When your lawn is lush and healthy, the roots of the grass hold your soil firmly in place. You may need to add grass seeds to your lawn throughout the year to battle bare spots. You can even put down seed mats that cover the soil until grass can begin to flourish and fill in the area. If you have several plants and flowers in your yard, you can cover the soil that surrounds them with mulch. A few inches of mulch helps protect the soil from washing away too.
Put In Physical Barriers
It's always good to stay alert to the signs of erosion so you can take steps to control it before it goes on too long. It's not always possible to cover the ground with lush growth that stabilizes soil, especially on steep hills. If that case, you may need to put in a terrace or retaining wall. These hold the soil in place physically. Even something as simple as a curb can help keep your soil from washing into the street. You may need to install edging and borders around large trees and flower beds to keep soil from washing away from their roots. You can use temporary barriers around a vegetable garden such as straw bales or wood beams that hold the soil in place, so you don't lose valuable topsoil due to erosion.
Control The Flow Of Water
If water flows naturally onto your property from a higher elevation, you may need to control its direction, so it doesn't make gullies and wet spots in your yard. One way is to create a rain garden with large rocks and water-loving plants. The rocks can direct the flow of water into a drainage ditch or the street, so it doesn't harm your yard. You might even need to install an underground drain that catches the water and routes it to the street.
If you notice tree roots becoming exposed, wet areas in your yard, or silt and mud in the street or your driveway, then you may want to call a landscaper for help in stopping the soil erosion so you can maintain your topsoil for a healthier lawn. Contact a company like Holleman Hydroseeding & Erosion Control LLC for more information and assistance.