Erosion happens and is a common issue that many homeowners face. Whether it’s the lawn or garden, a steep slope, gravel driveway or drainage ditch, erosion can cause serious problems that quickly put a dent in the household budget. There are a handful of easy DIY solutions that homeowners can do to prevent erosion from happening.
DIY Erosion Control Tip #1: Plant Native Trees and Shrubs along Steep Slopes
Trees and shrubs, once established, put out deep root systems to anchor themselves in the ground. These root systems help keep the soil above in place. When using this tactic to prevent erosion, we recommend planting native trees and shrubs because they are better suited to the growing conditions in your area and will be much easier to care for.
DIY Erosion Control Tip #2: Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is an easy way to prevent erosion. The garden can be large or small, sometimes consisting of only a few plants. We recommend going with native plants once again because they are easier to find, less expensive and easier to grow in your area.
In areas that erode due to excess water, plant vegetation with an absorbent root system. In areas where wind is a problem, go with vegetation that has a strong root system and plants that provide a windbreak. Below are links to reputable websites that list the best vegetation for erosion control – remember to choose varieties that are suited to or native to your area.
theodorepayne.org – Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, Inc.
dot.ca.gov – California Department of Transportation
northeastnursery.com – List of Erosion Control Plants for the Northeast
aces.edu – List of Erosion Control Plants for the Southeast
extension.umn.edu – List of Erosion Control Plants for the Midwest
ehow.com – List of Erosion Control Plants for the Northwest
nwf.org – List of Erosion Control Plants for Southwest
DIY Erosion Control Tip #3: Mulch
Putting down a layer of mulch is an inexpensive way to prevent erosion. Large quantities of mulch can be bought from landscaping companies and some general contracting companies and usually at a lower price found in stores. Some municipalities may charge a small fee for mulch or give a specified amount of it away for free per household.
Apply a layer of mulch about ½” thick in areas where erosion is a problem. You can even spread a layer of mulch between plants, trees and shrubs for even better erosion control. Applying too much mulch will make it more susceptible to being washed away during heavy rains. Besides helping to prevent erosion, mulch helps prevent weeds and keeps the ground below moist and warm.
DIY Erosion Control Tip #4: Install Erosion Control Fabric
Installing erosion control fabric is another way to prevent erosion. This type of fabric is slightly different from landscape fabric because its thicker and coarser. Erosion control fabric can be used on moderate to steep slopes, hillsides, gardens and in other areas where erosion is a problem. Here’s a free DIY guide to installing erosion control fabric.
If erosion is a serious problem, building a retaining wall at the base of a steep slope or installing drainage ditches along the roadway may be the best solution. Though these projects can be done by the adventurous homeowner with the right knowledge and physical ability, a qualified general contractor can be hired to get the job done.
Image: Volker Prasuhn/CC-BY-SA-3.0
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