Is your property located on a hill? Do you have an uneven landscape? Does your yard slope? You may have soil erosion issues if you answered yes to any of these questions. 

Higher elevations can wear away naturally. This erosion can cause numerous problems with your landscape, including limiting the ability of your greenery to thrive.

This article presents solutions on how to stop erosion on a hill. 

What Is Erosion?

Winds can blow away soil from the landscape if they’re strong enough. Similarly, water can carry soil from higher elevations to lower ones. This transportation of the soil is called erosion. Erosion is an environmental process in which the ground crumbles away by natural forces like wind or water. 

Erosion presents several complications, including the following:

  • Flooding. Soil erosion causes water to wear away the soil and run downhill. The deposit of water downhill can cause flooding in lower elevations.
  • Soil fertility issues. Soil erosion causes water to carry nutrients downhill, preventing vegetation on high grounds from absorbing sufficient nutrients to grow.
  • Hazardous conditions. Soil erosion may cause the ground on higher elevations to give way. These conditions are dangerous if the loose soil collapses on passing people, cars, or animals.
  • Increased presence of insects. Soil erosion can cause water to pool in one place after it runs downhill. These water deposits can then attract insects such as mosquitoes.

Read on for how to stop erosion on a sloped yard.

Tips for How to Stop Erosion on a Steep Hill

Consider the following methods to help stop erosion on your landscape.

Planting Greenery

Planting greenery around your landscape can prevent soil erosion. Typical benefits of planting greenery include the following:

  • Promotes compact soil. The greenery’s roots help to keep the soil together. Because the soil is more compacted, it does not erode as easily.
  • Eliminates open space. Open soil can become loose from exposure to raindrops and fall downhill. There is less open soil if you add more grass and plants, which prevents the soil from loosening from rain exposure. 
  • Provides covering. The plants provide cover for the soil. The leaves absorb falling water instead of the water being absorbed into the ground and loosening the soil.
  • Increases protection. The more plants you have, the more they block the soil from the wind. Without them, soil can blow away from strong winds.

A landscaping expert can help you choose the best plants to prevent soil erosion.

Using Sandbags and Erosion Control Blankets

You can place sandbags around your property. The sand will absorb any water, preventing the soil’s loosening.

An erosion control blanket helps protect the land against soil erosion by slowing the water flow and keeping roots and seeds secure. These blankets are biodegradable, which means living organisms can decompose them.

Construct Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a large, imposing structure resembling a wall around your property. The structure carries many benefits, including preventing soil erosion.

A retaining wall prevents water from flowing downhill, which prevents the water from removing soil from higher elevations to lower ones. Therefore, the wall keeps the ground intact.

Other retaining wall benefits include the following:

  • Increases your property value. Retaining walls can increase your property value because they prevent soil erosion. A retaining wall also carries positive visual aesthetics that can make your landscape look more attractive.
  • Requires low maintenance. Retaining walls can last a lifetime if properly maintained, and maintenance is minimal. The objective is to ensure the wall’s integrity is not breached or damaged.
  • Enhances your property’s curb appeal. A retaining wall can be a beautiful and stylish addition to your landscape.  
  • Increase absorption of nutrients. A retaining wall prevents water from running down and depleting soil on higher ground of nutrients. This water conservation allows for the promotion of nutrient absorption for all plants on your property.
  • Adds usable space. A retaining wall can allow you to use more of your landscape, especially the hills and uneven portions.

The cost of adding a retaining wall can vary depending on the size of your landscape and the type of retaining wall you choose. But the benefits can outweigh the cost. Ask a landscaping expert about adding a retaining wall to your property.

Ask the Professionals at Westside Grounds About How to Prevent Soil Erosion

Soil erosion can cause serious complications for your property. One of the solutions listed in this article may help solve this issue for you. Ask a landscaping professional about the most viable options for your landscape.

Westside Grounds has served the residents of Colorado for the past 25 years. We offer top-ranking landscaping and maintenance services. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of soil erosion and the methods to prevent it. Contact our office now and speak to a representative for a free quote.