The longer you live on your property, the more you will begin to notice changes in your landscaping. Erosion can have a significant impact on the exterior of your home, and rain or snowfall can slowly wear away at your lawn and other existing features. As runoff moves throughout your property, it will take soil along with it, harming landscaping and it’s grading. However, an experienced excavation contractor, through hardscaping and better drainage, can ensure that your home and your lawn stay pristine. 

3 Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion

1. Erecting Retaining Walls

These hardscaping features prevent soil erosion by blocking water from passing a certain point. By building a retaining wall—whether out of timbers, rocks, or concrete blocks—you can create a controlled drop in elevation. This way, the soil on the elevated surface behind the retaining wall isn’t drawn away by runoff in front of it. As such, whatever plants or structures are on top of this ledge will also stay in place.

2. Building a Trench

Another way of limiting erosion is not to block water but redirect it. By hiring an excavation contractor to create a trench, you can take advantage of gravity—allowing runoff to flow into the ditch and not progress across the landscape. The trench will be slightly sloped, so water rushes in a particular direction and doesn’t fill the channel and spill over the sides. This is a smart choice for those with level properties that don’t want to create two separate elevations.

3. Holding the Soil

On the other hand, you can keep soil in place by securing the earth. One of the easiest ways to do this is by planting vegetation with robust root systems. These should reach far down into the ground, as well as horizontally, locking the surrounding soil in place. You can also use geotextiles—woven or mesh-like fabrics that cover the ground and allow for controlled drainage. These can be used around existing plants as additional protection on top of their root systems.

If you believe it’s time to take action against soil erosion on your property, reach out to Simak Trucking & Excavating of Conneaut, OH. Since 1956, they have grown from a one-truck company to a full-service team. Their licensed professionals will take an individualized approach to your concerns and create an action plan to address your specific needs. This excavation contractor performs everything from land clearing to foundation digging and septic tank installation services. To learn more about their skills, visit the website, or call (440) 224-1992 today.