When you take a little bit of time to protect soil and manage erosion in your yard there are big returns. Not only will soil stay where you want it, but you’ll use less water, the garden looks tidy, and plants flourish.The first step to managing erosion is to identify places where it may occur. Look to slopes, hillsides, paths of water after it rains, and places you’re actively watering. If you see exposed roots, runnels, puddles, or mud splashing up on surfaces there are a few easy steps you can take to stop erosion in its tracks.The basics of erosion control revolve around two simple principles:
When looking for ways to stabilize soil, first consider working with nature. If your yard is steep and hilly, terracing may be in order. However, some of the best solutions are often less labor intensive. Consider pine strawing exposed soil surfaces, overseeding your lawn, and strategically placing plants.Growing ground covers and other perennials will hold soil in place naturally. If your property is especially wet or working with clay soils, adding a dry creek bed is not only helpful but beautiful.
Target Where & How You Water
Even your best rain dance can’t control when and how much water falls from the sky, but where and how you water is a simple fix to reducing erosion. It begins by determining what needs water and targeting only those specific areas.
Where to Water
It’s best to plant in “zones” and to base these zones on specific plant requirements. Group water wise plants (plants that typically like well-draining soil that dries out between waterings) together, water loving plants together, etc. This makes it easy to give each part of your yard the right amount of water and keep the plants alive. It also allows you to focus attention on the areas of the yard that need water, letting the spaces in between go dry. With this method, you’re conserving water and reducing the possibility of erosion.Rotating Adjustable Sprinklers are a great tool for targeting where you water because it’s just that, adjustable. The amount and direction of spray is easily fine-tuned for nearly every possible watering need or zone in your yard.
How to Water
Landscape plants, perennials, grasses, and even many annuals need a good, deep watering every few days rather than a light watering every day. Watering deeply encourages root growth which further helps stabilize soil. Plan to water plants 2 to 3 times a week in warmer months, adjusting the frequency based on weather. If you’re experiencing an exceptionally rainy summer, then the need to water will be less and, vice versa.In general, it’s best to water in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., when wet foliage has an opportunity to dry through the course of the day. However, watering times will also depend on how you use your outdoor space, when you want to play on the lawn, and average daily temperatures. If you’re in the mountains or high desert where morning temperatures can drop to near freezing even in summer months, wait until later in the morning before watering to reduce the chance of plant stress.
