Erosion Control Methods for a Residential Property

Posted on: 23 June 2017

It's very important that a homeowner be concerned about erosion control, as losing too much moisture from your property's soil can make it soft and dusty; in turn, that soil may not be able to support the weight of your home, and the structure begins to shift and settle. This can cause cracks along walls, floors, ceilings, and even the foundation. It's also very difficult to grow any vegetation in soil that is overly dry, so your grass and landscaping my not thrive if you don't control any erosion on your property. Note a few methods for residential erosion control so you can discuss these with a landscaper as needed.

Compacting

Compacting the soil involves running a large roller or other such equipment over the top of the soil to make it more dense; less moisture will then be able to drain away. You may need to have this process repeated on occasion, as moisture causes the soil to eventually become loose again, but your contractor can note how effective the process will be for your property and how often it needs repeating.

Stamping concrete or adding rocks

You may not realize that moisture from your home's property is running over a concrete driveway or walkway, but these areas provide a smooth surface for water to flow. Stamping concrete refers to using a large stamp that creates an impression in the material, so it then looks like brick or stone. These impressions can help to slow down and even stop that flow of moisture, so the soil stays moist.

Adding rocks to an area of your property can do the same. You might dig a trench and then fill it with river rock, which slows down that water. This is called a dry creek bed, and it can be a very attractive way to control erosion on your property.

Plants

Certain plants will actually help to keep moisture in the soil and create a healthy environment for other vegetation. Cover plants include vetch, rye, and clover, and what are called baby tears. If you want plain grass on your property, choose wheatgrass or foxtail. Juniper and rosemary are also often planted to help control soil erosion.

If you do use plants to help with soil erosion, be sure you have a landscaper help you with proper placement and with rotating them around the property, if necessary. Each of these plants and grasses will need a certain amount of sunlight to thrive, and they'll need to be located in the best area for actually controlling erosion or moisture runoff.

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