How to Stop Erosion on a Hill or Slope

Did you know that 111 million acres of land are eroding at a rate of 5 tons of water every year? While you can’t control erosion, you can certainly control your response to it. 

Erosion comes from water runoff or from wind, and it can cause problems for your home if it isn’t dealt with effectively. You might experience flooding or landslides, both of which cause major damage. 

Don’t worry; there are steps you can take to prevent this. In this article, we’re going to highlight how to stop erosion using a few of the best methods.

1) Use Plants

This method is simple and natural. Plants are some of the best defenders against rain and wind because of their natural ground cover and root systems.

Cover crops are planted for this exact purpose. If you’re thinking about how to stop erosion, you should consider using any of the following as cover crops:

• grasses (ryegrass, barley)
• legumes (alfalfa, clover)
• brassicas (turnips, radishes)
• broadleaves (flax, spinach) 

Other plant options include trees, which have deep root systems and canopies that will provide some protection against rainfall. Plants are a simple solution for erosion and have been used for centuries. 

2) Make Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are arguably the most effective form of erosion control. Using rocks to prevent erosion is an example of this method. All you have to do is stack rocks or stones together to create a barrier.

This method also allows you to create multiple terraces and stop erosion on a slope. Plus, there are many aesthetic benefits to using retaining walls. You can easily turn them into functional garden beds or create a connected stone staircase to move up a hill easily. 

3) Sandbags

You can use sandbags in much the same way as stones or rocks. For example, stacking sandbags in a stairstep pattern creates an effective wall that stops erosion on a hill. 

However, there is one caveat when it comes to using sandbags – they offer a temporary solution. Sandbags can quickly break down when exposed to too much water, so keep that in mind if you choose to use this method. 

4) Create Diversions

Another method for controlling erosion is to create diversions. These come in many forms, including:

• gutters
• pipes
• ditches
• predetermined paths

Just like in your home, pipes and gutters can drain water to a safe area. If you’re wondering how to retain soil on a slope, installing diversions on a hill does the trick by allowing you to control where the water empties during a storm. 

Now You Know How to Stop Erosion

These techniques can halt erosion in its tracks. However, there’s still more to learn. If you have additional questions on how to stop erosion, feel free to contact us.

Our team of experts at Advanced Construction Services is happy to help you with any problems related to soil, foundation repair, and concrete. Don’t let erosion cause problems for your home, stay proactive and create a plan for your home’s sloped landscape today!