A rolling landscape isn't always as nice as it seems. When heavy rains hit a hill or slope, the flow of water moves faster, and that speed pulls soil downhill. Well done, gravity.
Over time, this excess water runoff can wash away your topsoil, damage plants, and even lead to bigger landscape issues. Whether you’re dealing with a gentle slope or a larger hillside, there are a few simple erosion control methods to help keep your topsoil in place without having to be a landscaping professional.
1. Use Plants to Hold the Soil
One of the easiest ways to protect your topsoil from erosion is by planting the right things. Plant roots act like netting in the soil, helping to hold it all together. The thicker the roots, the better they are at keeping your layer of soil from slipping.
Ground cover plants are a great pick for this. These are low-growing plants that spread out and form a kind of carpet. They’re good at slowing down water and protecting the soil surface. In our yard, we use pachysandra and myrtle to do the trick. Deep-rooted grasses also work well to reduce the effects of erosion, especially on steep or severe slopes.
Shrubs, small trees, and native plants add even more strength to control slope erosion. Their larger root systems dig deeper and help anchor the slope. If you're not sure what plants to use, check with your local garden center for expert advice. They'll know what grows best in your area.
2. Try Terracing for Steep Slopes
If you’re dealing with a big hill, planting alone may not be enough to stop slope erosion. That’s where terracing comes in. To do this, you'll have to cut small, flat steps to create a gentler slope so it’s not one long drop. Each level of a terrace helps slow down surface runoff and gives plants a better place to grow.
Materials you can build terraces with:
- Wood or timber
- Stones or rocks
- Bricks or concrete blocks
Just make sure each terrace drains well. You don’t want water buildup creating other problems. Once the steps are built, make a terrace garden or flower beds, or put down grass seed or ground cover to help absorb water and prevent soil loss.
3. Add Mulch or Erosion Control Products
Even with plants and terrace gardens, rain can still hit the surface hard. That’s where organic mulch and erosion control blankets come in. These act as a protective layer for the soil, breaking the force of falling rain and reducing how much soil gets washed away.
Mulch is easy to spread and comes in all sorts of types—wood chips, straw, bark, or shredded leaves. Just make sure it’s spread evenly and not too thick.
For steeper slopes or places where planting isn’t an option yet, you can use erosion control blankets. These are made of materials like straw, jute, or coconut fiber. Lay them across the slope and pin them down. They hold the soil in place until vegetation grows in.
Quick Fixes That Help Erosion-Prone Areas
- Use compost or organic matter to improve soil quality or compacted soil texture and poor drainage
- Dig shallow drainage channels (called swales) to slow and guide runoff water flow
- Add small retaining walls or boulders for extra support
- Lay down landscape fabric under the layer of mulch for more protection
FAQ
Can I use rocks instead of plants to prevent erosion?
You can. Landscaping rocks can be an effective method to protect the soil from erosion, especially when combined with plants. Lining the slope with large stones or using them to form barriers can reduce soil erosion issues; however, bad news, using only rocks may not give the same long-term benefits as adding deep roots into the soil.
What’s the best plant to control erosion on slopes?
It depends on your region. In our area, some common vegetative cover includes creeping juniper, native grasses, or clover. These plants reduce erosion risk because they grow quickly, have strong root systems, and don’t need much maintenance once they’re settled in. We recommend focusing on native plants since they’re already adapted to local conditions.
Are there people who do this for a living?
Yes! If you don't want to DIY, find a professional landscaper or landscape architect to help determine the best erosion control measures. Depending on your situation, they'll also be able to recommend other solutions like french drains or underground channels to redirect water away from the slope.
