Whether your landscape is new or established, erosion control concerns commercial and home property owners. As rainfall washes away topsoil, it removes valuable nutrients plants need to thrive. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also lead to long-term damage and costly repairs. Understanding the core cause of landscape erosion and how to prevent it is the key to maintaining your beautiful landscaping for years to come.
What Causes Landscape Erosion?
One of the most prolific causes of landscape erosion is rainfall. When water falls on exposed soil, it loosens the dirt and washes it away. This is especially prevalent on sloped or hilly terrain. The steeper the slope, the more likely erosion is to occur.
Water can cause your landscape to erode in a few different ways.
- Splash erosion is caused by rainfall hitting the ground and bouncing back up, causing the topsoil to loosen and be carried away.
- Sheet erosion is when rainfall washes away topsoil in a more sheet-like fashion, taking large amounts of soil with it at once.
- Gully erosion is caused by water flowing down an incline, such as a hill, and washing away the land in its path. This can cause severe damage to your landscape and property.
Other causes of landscape erosion include:
- Wind
- Poor drainage
- Over
- Heavy foot traffic
- Construction
Prevent Landscape Erosion
Preventing landscape erosion is critical to getting ahead of the problem early on. There are several ways that you can do this, including:
1. Improve drainage
One of the best ways to prevent landscape erosion is to improve drainage on your property. This can be done by installing gutters, downspouts, and French drains. These will help redirect rainfall away from vulnerable areas of your landscape and reduce the amount of water that can pool on your property.
2. Build up the soil
If you have an area of your landscape prone to erosion, one way to prevent it is to build up the soil. This can be done by adding organic matter, such as compost, to the area. This will help to create a barrier that will protect the soil from being washed away.
3. Plant vegetation
Another way to prevent landscape erosion is to plant vegetation. This can be done by creating a living mulch, a layer of plants that helps hold the soil in place. You can also use groundcover plants, such as ivy, to help keep the soil in place.
4. Install rubber grass mats or ground protection
If you have an area of your landscape that is particularly vulnerable to erosion, especially from heavy foot traffic, you might consider installing rubber grass mats or ground protection mesh. These will help to keep the grass, root system, and soil in place and prevent it from being washed away.
5. Use mulch
Mulch is a great way to help prevent landscape erosion. It helps to hold the soil in place and can also help to reduce the amount of rainfall that is able to penetrate the ground.
Maximize Erosion Control with Grass Mats USA
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Please browse our selection of ground protection mesh, grass mats, anti-fatigue mats, and more! At Grassmats USA, we guarantee our customers the best experience from start to finish. Our commitment to high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and competitive pricing is unmatched. Request a quote or reach out with any questions today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your landscape goals!