Effective Ways to Minimize Erosion & Draining

If you look at your lawn and feel like it is getting smaller each year, and not because there is more plant life or other decorative elements, then there is a good chance that erosion and poor drainage is playing a part. When a lawn is on a slope, or perhaps nothing has been done to retain the soil in the yard, then time and weather can cause your lawn to wash away – sometimes without you even realizing it! Erosion is not just the result of heavy rain. It can also be due to wind, or by having loose “unsecured” soil. Over time, these elements can cause a lawn to “shrink” thus affecting the overall landscape and property value. But you don’t have to watch your lawn wash away. There are a variety of actions that can be taken to ensure that your yard doesn’t loose ground. Even better, the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team can incorporate the measures in a way that adds new life and style to your existing lawn.

Ways to Minimize Erosion and Draining

Depending on the severity of the draining and erosion, there are various approaches that can be taken. Some are relatively simple and can e implemented quickly, while others will require a bit more work However, doing something to prevent erosion is better than doing nothing at all. Any or all of the following might be implemented – depending on the severity of the problem.

1. Adding compost or mulch around the base of existing tree or shrubs.
2. Planting ground covers and shrubs that thrive in tough conditions.
3. Doing a soil fertility or pH test to determine if the erosion can be prevented by making the soil healthier.
4. Adding compost into the soil to improve its health.
5. Sodding or seeding the soil, then adding a layer of topsoil and a new layer of straw.
6. Redirecting, and perhaps, capturing the run off using soil amendments, rain barrels, rain gardens, terraces of dry wells.
7. Building a retaining wall. This can be built from either, stone, concrete or even wood and be a wide range of heights. Our team will build a retaining wall that compliments the rest of your landscape so that it is not only functional but eye catching, too. Depending on the severity of the erosion, other types of walls that might be installed include cantilever walls, piling walls, anchored walls or gravity walls.
8. If your property is near a stream, lake or other body of water, sometimes the easiest solution is to install a draining ditch for run off. The ditch can be lined with rocks or gravel, and will be placed where it is as unobtrusive as possible.

If you are concerned about draining or erosion issues in your yard, now is the time to act. Contact the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team today. We will assess your yard and determine what the best approach is for your scenario.  

Tips for Your Yard