When it comes to efficiently managing a commercial property, knowing how to control erosion, plan effective landscaping, and install proper drainage is very important. Erosion, landscaping and drainage may seem like very different concepts, but they actually all go hand-in-hand. Effective drainage systems help prevent erosion and they ensure success during any landscaping process. As your topsoil erodes away, it takes polluting pesticides and fertilizers along with it. We have a few suggestions of how to stop this erosion from polluting our water and stressing the wildlife in our waterways. Below are some natural erosion solutions for you to consider.
Watch For Tell-Tale Signs Of Erosion
Sometimes erosion problems are not obvious; so, watch for these signs:
- Bald Spots: The lack of vegetation, especially land where vegetation was once plentiful, indicates inadequate soil conditions. Look around to see if soil has built up downhill of the bald spots.
- Exposed Roots
- Rainwater On Paved Areas: Rainwater should be sinking slowly into the soil.
- Gullies: Gullies are formed if you see a ravine formed by the action of rainwater on sloped areas of your property
If you suspect erosion is stealing your soil, it’s time to consider an erosion control system.
Solutions
- Slopes: Slopes can be stabilized by adding a surface cover to the slope, excavating and changing (or regrading) the slope geometry, adding support structures to reinforce the slope or using drainage to control the groundwater in slope material. Techniques for steep slopes include wood retaining walls, interlocking concrete blocks, rock retaining walls, riprap (loose rock) areas, and terracing. If you choose wood, make sure the wood is treated with a wood preservative to prevent rotting. If you want to try a terraced system of native plants and groundcovers to break up the slope and slow down the water and have a shady slope a few suggestions for plants would be, fern, asters, viburnum, and wild ginger. If you have a sunny slope, plant black-eyed-susan, mint, moss phlox or milkweed.
- Hardscape: If you have a large, paved area around your industrial property, you might think you’re getting off easy. You don’t have any grass to mow or no areas to mulch. But the problem with pavement is that water runs off of it, not through it. And that causes some erosion challenges. If possible, think about gravel, crushed stone or pavers so the rainwater will go through it.
- Bare Soil: The effects of soil erosion go beyond the loss of fertile land. It has led to increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging waterways, and causing declines in fish and other species. And degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water, which can worsen flooding. So, keep your bare soil covered. Seed the area and cover the areas with mulch or straw until the grass grows in. Also use mulch in planting beds to deter erosion.
- Heavy Runoff: If you have heavy runoff from roof downspouts and neighboring properties, redirecting or capturing runoff can provide better control. These techniques will minimize the amount of water that accumulates or that causes erosion in the problem area. You can safely redirect runoff and then capture it and allow it to soak into the soil. Place stone at the base of your downspouts so splashing water does not wash away the soil. Use low sloping areas to move water from one area to another. Plant a rain garden in low areas of the property to encourage storm water to soak slowly and not rush into the storm drain.
Ultimately, by understanding the elements that may threaten the area and taking the initiative to fix any issues before they become a problem is the best answer. And by simply adding in grasses, mulches, and shrubs, you can help prevent erosion because rainwater and snowmelt will be better collected. If you need help with this, call a professional landscaping service to help you.
Contact us (859-292‐8556) today for a free consultation!
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About First Green Commercial Landscaping
First Green Commercial Landscaping is a locally owned leading provider of lawn care and landscaping services in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. We provide superior customer service and strive to build long term business relationships with our clients.
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