Install an Erosion Control Blanket or Mat
Landscaping professionals place erosion control blankets on top of the ground to temporarily stop erosion. While you could leave the mats in place indefinitely, they’re usually used as a solution for halting erosion while other measures are put in place. For instance, you can use the mats to stop erosion while you wait for landscaping rocks or plants to arrive. Since they’re less aesthetically pleasing compared to a decorative rock garden, you’ll want to remove them once you’ve finished your landscaping design. Exploring eco-friendly options made from straw or bamboo can help you feel good about how you end erosion on your property.
Plant Ground Cover or Shrubs
Plants have root systems that can hold down the soil. But you’ll want to choose the plants you use carefully. Natural grass sometimes develops shallow root systems that fail at preventing erosion. If you opt to use plants, consider using native shrubs or trees that develop deeper and more extensive root systems. You may also need to surround the plants with additional landscaping materials to hold down the soil that isn’t impacted by the roots. In regions like central Ohio, which has variable weather patterns, pairing native plantings with decorative stones such as the Mexican beach pebble Columbus gardeners prefer creates a resilient landscape that withstands both humid summers and unpredictable rainfall.
Hold Soil in Place with Landscaping Rocks
Landscape pebbles and decorative rocks are the perfect solution for managing erosion in backyard spaces. Not only are the decorative rocks low maintenance, but you can also use them to level the ground by making decorative rock beds. Since landscaping rocks are heavier than traditional mulch, they’re less likely to slide out of place during wind or rainstorms. When erosion is a concern, you’ll want to choose slightly bigger and heavier decorative rocks than you would for a decorative rock bed on a flat part of the ground.
For homeowners dealing with hot, dry conditions like those found in north central Texas, smooth stones like the Mexican beach pebble Fort Worth residents favor can provide excellent erosion control while staying cool underfoot, even during scorching summer temperatures. You’ll also find landscaping rocks allow water to filter through them, which can manage runoff during storms.
Create a Retaining Wall for Steep Slopes
For steep slopes, you might need to explore more heavy-duty solutions. Retaining walls are an excellent option for creating more usable space in your backyard. At the top, you might set up an outdoor barbecue area or garden. Then you can use large boulders and stones to create a wall that holds the soil in place and stabilizes the rest of the landscaping. As you build the retaining wall, make sure to plan for proper water drainage to ensure erosion and runoff are well managed.
Are you ready to protect your sloped backyard from erosion? RS&P Rock Stone & Pebble offers premium landscaping rocks, Mexican beach pebble, and a variety of decorative stones to help you create a stable, beautiful outdoor space. Call us today to find the perfect erosion control solutions for your landscape design.
