Opinion
4 Ideas for Solving Erosion Landscaping Issues on Utah Property
Utah is a state with several different types of soil. However, for backyard landscapers and gardeners, the most common soil is called mivida, a fine, sandy loam that is mostly sand mixed with a bit of clay and some silt.
Mivida is the “official state soil” of Utah. Keep in mind that Utah is home to several different types of soil. That means your backyard may be slightly different from Mivida soil.
The Erosion Challenge
Because of their somewhat sandy content and lesser ability to hold water, Mivida soils, and many soils of Utah, are not ideal for gardening unless modified or added to in some way. Remember, most of Utah is a desert environment.
For landscapers, however, a primary challenge when working in common Utah soil types is erosion. That means mostly wind erosion. Water erosion can also be a significant factor, however. Even so, neither wind nor rain has stopped Utah residents from creating fabulous backyard spaces and other landscaped areas for people-oriented activities.
There are four effective ways to counter erosion in Utah environments. They are:
1. Using Vegetation
Soil is protected by planting grasses and other plants that “hold” the soil and protect it from wind. Shrubs and trees are also effective guards against wind erosion.
Another type of plant, especially species of ivy and other “creeping” varieties, can create a protective layer above the ground. Ivy, for example, is great for creating dense coverings on slopes.
A final plant-based solution is erosion control blankets. They help stabilize soil and promote the growth of other protective species of vegetation.
2. Mulch
Spreading mulch made of wood chips or shredded bark provides good cover for the soil while also suppressing weed growth and bolstering erosion protection.
3. Retaining Structures
Building retaining walls from wood, stone, concrete, or other materials is a good way to provide protective barriers that make it less likely for wind and water to carry away soil. Many Utah homeowners also create walls from attractive stones or boulders. These can be configured to install drainage channels that control how water moves across a selected area and keep loss of soil to a minimum.
4. Managing Water Drainage
Speaking of drainage, water can be rendered less erosional to soil by creating terracing structures that hold moisture at specific levels along otherwise sloped landscapes.
Another way to manage water is by using downspouts and slope drains. This allows the user to get a better handle on where water is flowing, how it is flowing, and in what direction it will go. It’s a good way to direct runoff into street gutters or bioswales.
A special kind of drain, called a French drain, is effective in intercepting and directing water flow. They also prevent water from pooling and worsening the erosion factor.
Bonus Tips
In addition to the four suggestions above, another way to reduce erosion is to avoid compacting the soil. Hard, compacted soil does not drain well and results in greater levels of erosion.
Patios and paved walkways can’t erode because they hold no soil. However, they can contribute to more rapid soil erosion events because they allow for easy runoff of water.
