Erosion in your home's landscape is typically caused by flowing water or high winds. It can destroy your yard and even de-stabilise buildings. Fortunately, there are many methods available to help control erosion.
Vegetative Controls
In residential environs, vegetative controls are often preferred simply because they create a nice landscaping effect. If erosion is due to wind across the terrain or from water down a gentle slope, then installing turf grass can be the answer. Hydroseeding technology is one way to ensure that grasses root quickly so that the ground is stabilised without delay.
Native revegetation of slopes and gullies on the property is another option. Native plants often have well-adapted root systems to the soil environment, which means they do a better job of anchoring the soil and not suffering stress when compared to non-native and exotic plant options. Further, choosing natives for erosion control revegetation projects creates a better environment for local birds and wildlife.
Diversion Techniques
When water runoff from rain and irrigation is the problem, then diversion techniques may be necessary. For example, you may not be able to control water wending its way onto your property, but it can be diverted into a storm drain system with the aid of trenches and underground perforated drainage lines. This will contain runoff and minimise erosion.
Dry creeks and rock-lined gullies are other techniques to minimise erosion in a larger yard. A gully is dug out and lined to prevent weed incursion, then a gravel bed is added. This is all topped off with additional larger rocks, which prevent the sides of the gully from collapsing while also making it an attractive landscape feature. It's installed in a location that encourages local surface water to run into it during times of heavy rainfall.
Stabilisation Options
Sometimes stabilising the soil to guard against wind and rain erosion is the best option. Temporary options like coir logs, which are filled with biodegradable coconut fibres, or erosion mats can be used to create dams on erosion paths. These are typically used to stop erosion while more permanent vegetative options take root.
More permanent stabilising options may also be used. Chemical soil stabilisers may be mixed into the soil to prevent movement, particularly in areas where the building will take place. Stabilising grids, which are made of hard plastic and buried in the soil, can prevent erosion while still allowing grass to grow through.
Contact an erosion control service to learn about the many available options.
