What is erosion control? How can property owners protect their property with effect erosion control methods? We will look at these questions in this article, presented to you by J & A Excavation Services, serving the Greater Fort Worth area with excavation services, land clearing, building pads, and land-preparation for future construction. Call us when the job requires a professional with tons of experience.
What is erosion control?
Erosion control is the science of reducing soil loss, which in turn prevents dangerous water pollution and protects valuable property.
Soil erosion causes immediate problems like exposed tree roots, bare areas on the lawn, and gullies forming in sloped areas on your property. Over time, erosion can leech vital nutrients from the soil, making it difficult for crops to grow. Silt could build up at the bottom of driveways, and generations of marine life might be killed off.
Effectively controlling erosion requires you to consider all the factors involved. The incline of the slope, soil composition, drainage, sun/shade, and irrigation can all determine which type of erosion control is necessary.
Five effect methods of erosion control
In truth, there are many more than just five methods of erosion control, but in this article we are going to mention five of the most common methods used by property owners and those in construction. Those five are:
- Planting vegetation
- Proper drainage after land clearing
- Applying mulches
- Building terraces
- Avoid watering
Let’s look at each of these briefly.
Planting vegetation is the natural approach to erosion control. Vegetation means soil stabilization. Vegetation provide root systems, and root systems bind the soil together, preventing it from washing away during heavy rains, or blowing away during heavy winds.
Proper drainage is a bit more complicated. It involves looking at the general slope of the land, looking at the soil composition and, if necessary, inserting drainage pipes to direct excess water away from the focus land to a safe depository.
Applying mulches is another way, like vegetation, to provide stabilization for the soil. Mulches soak up water, slowing the drainage process. It generally requires a yearly addition of mulch, but it an effective way to protect the soil.
Building terraces is a method which has been used by civilizations, literally, for thousands of years. If you have the space and available property to devote to this method, it is very effective in preventing run-off.
Avoid watering . . . this may seem like a no-brainer, but it is amazing how many property owners do not think of it. If you don’t add water to an area, and just rely on natural rainwater, you will go a long way towards maintaining a secure, solid foundation of healthy land.
Can the average property owner use these methods?
It is entirely possible for the average property owner to use these methods on a small scale. However, if the project in mind involved permits from the local government, the process will quickly become complicated. In addition, the larger the job, the better the chances that the property owner will not have the big equipment needed to do the job properly. Thus, many large property owners turn to a company like J & A Excavation Services to provide erosion control for their big jobs.
A final word about J & A Excavation
J & A Excavation is locally owned and operated, and our reputation is outstanding. Call us the next time the job requires the expertise and equipment necessary to do the job properly.