After all the care you’ve put into your yard and garden, the last thing you want is to have it washed away and ruined – especially if you could have prevented the damage.

While soil erosion doesn’t affect all properties, it can become an issue in an area that slopes. Fortunately, by taking some preventative steps, your yard can stay beautiful and environmentally friendly, even during heavy downpours.

Preventing erosion

Erosion is the natural movement of soil from one place to another and can happen on both a large and small scale. Eroded soil can become unsightly, can block stormwater systems and is an environmental concern.

Add a retaining wall

For properties with steep slopes, a retaining wall or terrace will reduce soil movement and add depth and dimension to a landscape.

Retaining walls help homeowners protect steep areas on the property. They increase the amount of usable land on the yard, have environmental benefits and can help protect against water saturation.

Retaining walls also add visual interest to a space. Other landscaping elements can be used in conjunction with a retaining wall to complement the feel and look of your yard. Fences can be added if the wall is on the edge of a property, plants can incorporate pops of color and stonework can add a graphic design element.

Incorporating native plants

One of the best and most effective ways of preventing erosion is keeping soil covered year-round. Exposed soil is susceptible to erosion caused by wind and rain. Adding shrubs, grasses or mulch can significantly reduce the risk of erosion on low-grade slopes. Native grasses have a deep root system and provide more soil stability in the topsoil and subsoil. They also help water absorb into the soil more quickly. Incorporating native plants will attract pollinators and encourage biodiversity, which in turn leads to a healthy yard.