Preventing soil erosion is one of the keys to successful lawn maintenance. When soil washes away from heavy rain and wind, it loses essential nutrients that contribute to lush, healthy grasses, plants, and crops. Home and farm owners often use more water to make up for nutrient losses, which affects conservation. If soil flows into nearby waterways, it contributes to clogs that can cause rivers and streams to overflow. The following are ways to stop soil erosion and subsequently preserve your property and environmental health. 

A Guide to Preventing Soil Erosion

1. Plant More Vegetation 

Beautify your landscape with colorful vegetation featuring strong root systems that fortify the soil. Among the best options are fast-spreading groundcovers, such as creeping juniper and myrtle varieties, as well as hardy border and black mondo grasses. Interrupted fern and rockspray cotoneaster also provide erosion control due to their robust, fast-spreading root systems. 

2. Add Mulch

Apply organic mulch such as grass clippings and bark chips that weigh down the soil to keep seeds, young plants, and saplings in place. Mulch prevents soil from absorbing too much water and washing away and stops plants from becoming waterlogged. Organic materials also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. 

3. Utilize Geotextiles or Matting Materials

Protect against erosion with geotextiles or mesh fabrics that allow water filtration without compromising soil. Matting provides an effective alternative to traditional weed barriers and consists of organic materials such as straw, bark mulch, and coconut fibers held together with biodegradable netting and spikes. Like mulch, matting breaks down over time to provide the soil with extra nutrients. 

4. Install a Retaining Wall

Improve lawn maintenance efforts with a retaining wall. The structures can be built to accommodate different sizes, heights, and materials, including natural stone, wood, and brick, and are ideal for sloped properties. These walls are often installed at the base of the slope or hill to provide a solid foundation that prevents soil collapse and loss. Terraced retaining wall systems offer protection and space for various landscaping opportunities since different vegetation can be planted on each level.  

Work with the lawn maintenance experts at Emerald Coast Landscaping to keep soil where it belongs: on your property. The residential and commercial landscaping company serves clients throughout Orange Beach, AL, and Baldwin County. From irrigation systems and landscaping to stunning retaining wall installations, you can rely on them to improve your outdoor areas. Call (251) 269-8128 to make an appointment, or visit the website for lawn maintenance service details.