One factor you must consider with your lawn is the potential threat of topsoil erosion.
One factor you must consider with your lawn is the potential threat of erosion of your topsoil. While flat yards are less at risk, a sloped yard increases erosion challenges. Erosion can be caused by rainfall, wind, or melting ice that causes runoff to wash away topsoil. Some signs of erosion are bald spots in your yard, exposed roots, or swampy areas. There are several ways you can prevent erosion in your lawn. Before buying another bag of garden soil, let’s dig into what’s happening with your topsoil and how you can fix it.
What is Erosion?
Erosion is the movement of soil through water, ice, wind, or gravity. Water runoff from heavy rainfall dislodges and carries soil particles to a new location, like a river or stream. Erosion is a natural process that takes a physical toll on the land by removing the topsoil. If areas of your yard look like they’re slowly disappearing, that’s a sign of erosion. The most vulnerable yards have steep slopes and no vegetation.
Add Vegetation to Your Yard
This is a simple and common way to combat erosion on your property. Trees, shrubs, and flowers protect your yard from runoff and wind. The vegetation also stabilizes the soil by using its roots to soak up water. Planting vegetation around and in your yard provides a protective barrier around the topsoil, helping it stay put. If you have trouble keeping topsoil in place, consider planting some shrubs, trees, or flowers in your yard.
Mulch Your Topsoil
Mulch is highly beneficial for the soil and vegetation it is on. Since mulch is primarily organic matter, it increases moisture retention. It also regulates soil temperature and improves the overall health of the soil and vegetation. Mulching is also suitable for preventing erosion in the right spots since it covers the ground it is on. Whether you make or purchase your mulch, this will help your soil stay fertile.
Install Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are perfect in spots where the ground isn’t level. The walls are perfect for keeping soil in high places compared to surrounding spots. You can also use retaining walls with mild slopes between your garden beds and yard.
These structures also come in different designs, so you can build whichever you prefer. Retaining walls are often built to create the terrace garden effect, but they can also be a single wall that supports a small section of land. Some are made of stone, others of poured concrete, so you’re bound to find one that matches your style.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about protecting your topsoil from erosion, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
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