Erosion can be a pretty significant concern for property owners, potentially leading to wide-area soil loss and even landscape damage. However!: taking certain “proactive” steps can significantly slow down erosion and protect your land against the threat it poses. Whether you’re dealing with a a few square yards of backyard garden or a sprawling estate, implementing erosion control measures is an absolute lawncare must.

Read along below as we explore various strategies to combat erosion—and safeguard the health and luster of your luscious landscape in the process!

Harnessing the Power of Native Plants

A natural and highly effective approach to mitigate erosion is planting native species. These plants come equipped with extensive root systems to sufficiently “anchor” your soil, preventing it from being swept away. A well-maintained mix of grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees really can make a remarkable difference.

• Ornamental Grasses: With deep and fast-spreading fibrous roots, ornamental grasses provide excellent soil stability.
• Groundcovers: Rapid growth and widespread coverage make groundcovers not only tried-‘n’-true erosion fighters but also ideal for covering irksome bare patches.
• Sturdy Shrubs: Hardy shrubs discourage foot traffic, their density acting as a physical barrier for reducing human- and animal-induced erosion. (-After all, very few among us—human or otherwise—prefer “trouncing” as a go-to perambulation method…)
• Mighty Trees: Deep-rooted trees anchor soil layers and intercept heavy rain, slowing down runoff… mightily.

Plant Power!: Some Erosion-Fighting Champs

When choosing plants for erosion control, we recommend consideration of these as ten of your top options:

• • Eastern Redbud (-perhaps most effective of all)

• Azaleas

• Pine Trees

• Creeping Juniper

• Rockspray Cotoneaster

• Fir Trees

• Japanese Spurge

• Mondo Grass

• Periwinkle

• Spotted Dead Nettle

Shielding with Mulch, Rocks, and Matting

Mulch, rocks, and matting provide a protective layer that prevents soil erosion:

• Mulch: Retains water, regulates soil temperature, and prevents soil from being washed away. Opt for organic wood mulch for gardens, as it’ll more thoroughly nourish your soil.
• Mulch Matting: Ideal for slopes, it holds vegetation in place while allowing growth. Made from natural materials, it’s eco-friendly and replaces easily.
• Rocks and Pavers: Use these for pathways instead of letting rainwater cause man-made erosion. They stabilize soil and prevent its displacement.

Diversions: Redirecting Water Flow

Strategic placement of  “diversions” will steer water right where you want it to go:

• Sandbags: Placing sandbags can redirect water away from vulnerable areas.
• Crop Rows: Neatly planted rows tend act as natural channels for guiding water along preferred paths.
• Terraces: Constructing terraces with materials like cobblestone or gravel is a nifty trick to control water flow on or along slopes.

Soil Health Matters

Prioritizing soil health, of course, is imperative for erosion control:

• Avoid Compaction: Compacted soil leads to runoff. Prevent compaction is simple enough: just take care (and exercise reasonable moderation) in using heavy equipment on soil.
• Manage Grazing: Overgrazing can damage soil structure. Be attentive, and rotate grazing as needed to allow vegetation regrowth.

Boosting Soil Quality with Compost and Manure

Applying compost and manure enriches the soil, providing beneficial nutrients and attracting beneficial organisms, such as (for instance…) worms. These little guys are quite adept at breaking up soil clumps, thereby enhancing water absorption.

Summer Landscaping with Sposato Landscape

Sposato Landscape Co., Inc. is proud to be a leader in high-quality landscaping and hardscaping services for residential and commercial properties throughout Delmarva. We proudly service areas in Milton, Dover, Lewes, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Millsboro, Ocean View, and Dagsboro. From patio installation to turf nutrient management, Sposato Landscape professionals make every effort to complete projects in a timely manner, within budgetary guidelines, and with excellent customer service every step of the way. To experience the Sposato Landscape difference firsthand, contact us here or call 302-645-4773. To stay up-to-date on our projects and company news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.