How To Prevent Soil Erosion on Steep Slopes

Erosion threatens to wreak havoc on construction jobsites and completed commercial properties, especially if they’re on uneven ground. To prevent heavy rain and wind from weakening the foundation, learn how to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope

What Is Erosion?

Erosion is a natural process in which soil and rock, or dissolved materials from the earth, move from one place to another. This transportation of eroded materials can ruin the foundation, so it’s unable to hold the soil in place. Erosion occurs anywhere there’s land, but steep slopes and embankments are more prone to the issue. Since construction sites and property developments with bare soil are vulnerable to these harmful effects, property managers must prioritize erosion control on steep slopes.

Why Should Businesses On Steep Slopes Practice Erosion Protection?

Usually, soil in flat areas will stay put. However, sediment control becomes challenging on hillsides where elevated land gradually slants downward. Naturally, the ground becomes muddy after heavy rainfall. The runoff water travels quickly down the slope since the soil is no longer solidified. Erosion is problematic because topsoil must remain firm during the building process, or the land is too weak and unstable to bear the weight of the development, forcing construction workers to start over and rectify the damage.

Additionally, topsoil has contaminants that ruin the local water supply, putting residents and nearby wildlife in danger. If property managers fail to protect surrounding areas from runoff water, they violate Environmental Protection Agency codes (EPA) and, as a result, could face hefty fines. Erosion control on steep slopes must be taken seriously for these reasons.

How To Mitigate Erosion

Natural erosion control methods keep property managers from ruining their site’s progress and prevent them from tarnishing their company’s reputation. Professionals take pride in their work and follow simple protocol that makes all the difference at their construction site or commercial building. The good news is multiple cost-effective, non-toxic methods protect construction workers and surrounding inhabitants.

Leverage soil stabilization and control by using one of the following erosion control methods:

Plant Grass Seed and Supplements

Since environmental elements like wind and water wear down topsoil, it helps to plant grass seeds and supplements, which work together to keep the area strong and hold soil in place. Since grass has fibrous roots that spread quickly and take root, they hold firm to the soil.

While the seeds expedite grass growth, supplements keep soil healthy and firm during the building process. Construction can take weeks, months, or even years. There’s no telling how many times it’ll rain during the building process or how strong the winds will be. Grass seed and supplements stabilize your steep slope jobsite for the long run.

Build a Terrace

Some steep slopes and embankments are so elevated that grass and plants won’t suffice on their own. In these cases, building a terrace and planting seeds and supplements slows down erosion during vegetation growth. Building terraces, also known as retaining walls, can be made out of anything, such as wood or concrete blocks and include constructed ridges or channels across a slope.

Terraces prevent rain runoff water from accumulating by reducing the velocity or speed at which it travels. While the grass takes root, a building terrace blocks water from escaping the jobsite and keeps the soil firm.

Install Erosion Control Blankets

Erosion control blankets, or mats, are another simple and inexpensive erosion control method. This ground cover protects the environment and the jobsite. Erosion control mats are biodegradable, preventing runoff water from contaminating the local water supply. Plus, they’re biodegradable, so they provide nourishment to the land as they deteriorate.

Depending on the jobsite’s expected completion time, property managers can choose either a temporary or permanent erosion control blanket. Temporary erosion control blankets last for a few months, while permanent control blankets withstand all kinds of weather and are UV-resistant. Therefore, they’re designed to remain in place for as long as you need them.

Use a Super Silt Fence

Super silt fencing is a commonly used erosion control method that separates the jobsite from the surrounding area. This perimeter control is made of a fabric barricade held up by wooden stakes with the support of a backfill and metal fencing. While water seeps through the fence, fine soil particles stay in place, preventing sediment contamination.

While industry professionals trust super silt fencing, its functionality depends on proper installation. If they’re placed incorrectly and suffer from a lack of maintenance, they won’t perform to the best of their ability. In some cases of non-professional installation, super silt fences can fail due to heavy runoff water seeping through the fence without filtering the topsoil’s sediment.

Some people who are not skilled in this area of expertise may attempt DIY erosion control methods, which may be hit or miss. It’s wise to hire professional commercial landscapers to install super silt fencing or perform other erosion control methods to save you the time and hassle later down the road.

Don’t attempt to take on more responsibility than necessary. Varsity, Inc. can maintain your commercial site with care and professionalism.

Call Varsity For Natural Erosion Control Methods

Don’t jeopardize your jobsite. Hire Varsity, Inc. to perform top-of-the-line erosion control methods that keep your construction site or commercial property in order. We have over 40 years of experience in the commercial landscaping industry, with a specialized approach to erosion protection. If you’re unsure how to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, leave it to our professionals. We don’t just know how to mitigate erosion, but we also know how to keep your grounds healthy and looking professional year-round. Call us today for a free proposal.

We look forward to working with you!