We may often think that soil erosion is a problem in areas that are sloping, deforested, or prone to flooding. These tend to be agricultural land or similar industrial locations, so the impression could be that erosion control isn’t something ordinary people need to be concerned with. While it’s true that erosion is a more pressing matter for businesses, homeowners also need to take certain measures to prevent the adverse effects of soil degradation on their property. Here’s what you can do.
Know the land
The potential impact of soil erosion on your property will largely depend on a few inherent factors. These include the type of soil in the area, its position and degree of slope, and the activities done or ways in which it’s used. While most residential properties lie on a gentle slope and aren’t subject to extensive use, there are always exceptions.
If part of your property has a steep incline, for instance, re-vegetation to help maintain the soil can be difficult or improbable. Structural barriers such as terraces may be needed to keep the soil in place.
Poorly managed or excessive landscaping projects can also lower soil quality. Get to know your land, and you’ll be better prepared for the potential problems as well as the feasible solutions at your disposal.
Ensure proper drainage
How much precipitation do you expect to deal with regularly where you live? Water is the most powerful agent of erosion, and it may carry additional debris with its flow — these larger objects will scrape and tear loose particles of soil. Over time, the effects may be pronounced enough to impact even the soil underlying your foundation.
In places with a high volume of stormwater runoff, cost-effective techniques, such as mud jacking for concrete repair projects, are frequently employed to lift sinking slabs as a result of erosion.
In addition to basic grading, which should be undertaken at every property, you can limit the impact of water-driven erosion with good drainage measures. If you live near the bottom of a slope in the general vicinity, the force of flowing water can be much greater. Diversion ditches will redirect that water away from your property. Runoff from the roof, as well as pooling stormwater in your yard, can be drained into a rain garden where it will dissipate harmlessly.
Maintain adequate cover
Soil cover is an essential means by which any homeowner can reduce the effects of erosion. Planting more vegetation, especially leafy and resilient native species, is an excellent technique — the roots of plants will hold the soil in place. At the same time, the leaves absorb the physical impact of precipitation and wind.
For slopes above a 3:1 incline, mulch may be more feasible. Covering the bare ground with a layer of heavy, inorganic mulch will help shore up the vulnerability of any patches where vegetation can’t seem to take root.
In addition, paving the most frequently used areas, such as a driveway or walkway, will save those spots from the high degree of constant wear and tear to which they are exposed.
Erosion can have a significant, negative impact on your property over the long term, even if its daily effects are negligible. Using these measures, you can avoid having to deal with major erosion-related headaches over the years.