Landscape Erosion Control Methods 101: Barriers and Baffles
Regardless of the erosion control method of your choice, all of them aim for the same goal, which is stabilizing the soil, and controlling its movements, especially when it comes to slopes.
Barriers, also known as baffles, are a blunt method of placing an obstruction in place to either divert or slow down water flowing downhill. These tend to work fine for small to midsized slopes.
Strategically Add Mulch
When it comes to moderate slopes, you can use some mulch to mitigate the effects of erosion. If you’re confused about what sort of slope include would be considered ‘moderate,’ that would be a slope with a less than 33% incline.
Start by putting pine needles or wood chips at a depth of two to three inches. This will protect the soil by increasing the surface area, as well as improve the water penetration rates. If you’re worried about anchoring the mulch, you can use some gravel, stones, and even river rock to keep it in place.
Mulching flower beds and shrubs will provide additional protection against landscape erosion.
Carve Terraces on the Slope
Another way of combating soil erosion would be creating a stair-step shape up the slope. This will increase the flat surface area, and provide you with extra space to plant on the individual terraced levels.
Once the water comes roaring through, the plants on the terraces will urge it to soak through, instead of running down the slope. Also, if you’re dealing with steep slopes, you’ll want to put some retaining walls for extra stability. Make sure to go for high-quality concrete walls like the ones Fitzgerald Concrete Construction has on offer.
You’ll want the terraces to slope around 2% so the water won’t just collect at the back part of the terraced portion.
Ready to Protect Your Yard From Destruction?
Sadly enough, most people only start taking environmental precautions after dealing with an issue themselves, and gaining some painful first-hand experience of the damage when things go wrong.
Thankfully, after reading our small guide on the different methods for landscape erosion control that you can take, you’ll be able to prevent any natural travesty from occurring to your landscape and its beautiful design.
For now, just make sure you’re aware of the slopes in your home’s landscape before choosing the method that’s more convenient for you.
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