Soil erosion occurs when water or wind displaces the top layer of dirt. The scattered soil can wreak havoc on your property’s appearance, and since the top layer is the most fertile, erosion can slowly kill your grass and vegetation. It can also contribute to water pollution by distributing soil from your yard into nearby waterways. Here are three ways to prevent soil erosion, from planting trees to using a land clearing technique. 

How to Prevent Soil Erosion

1. Add More Trees & Plants

Plants help prevent erosion by acting as shields that absorb heavy rainfall before it can redistribute your soil. In addition, the roots cling to the dirt to keep it in place, reducing the chance of wind-related movement.

Trees offer excellent cover, as do creeping plants; these small plants, which include bugleweed, creeping thyme, and creeping myrtle, grow close to the ground, which means they provide more comprehensive protection than plants that grow straight up. 

2. Add Mulch 

Like plants, mulch reduces erosion by shielding your soil from heavy rainfall and winds. It causes water to enter your soil more gradually and prevents the fast, intense waterflow associated with erosion. As an added bonus, mulches that consist of organic materials like tree leaves and wood shavings will eventually break down and make your soil more fertile. 

3. Build a Terrace

Erosion often occurs on properties that feature a long, downward slope, which naturally accommodates water runoff. A land clearing company can reshape this slope into a terrace, which resembles a series of level steps.

These slow down and absorb the flow of rainfall so it doesn’t rush down your yard and cause erosion. In addition, they can serve as an elegant landscaping feature. 

Ready to prevent erosion with a strong, attractive terrace? Turn to the team at Gillum Excavating and Demolition in Chillicothe, OH. With over 50 years of experience, this family-owned and -operated land clearing company will restructure your yard to absorb water and keep your soil intact. Learn more about their services online, and call (740) 773-3425 to schedule a consultation.