What to Do About Lawn Erosion

Water Diversion

• Diverting the water so that it drains where you would rather have it is a key consideration. For instance, a culvert under the driveway that allows the water to freely run under the drive instead of over the top of it might solve the problem of soil next to the driveway washing out. French drains are a common way to move water from one part of the yard where there is too much, to another where it can drain without harm to the lawn. Sometimes a simple drainage ditch that directs water away from the lawn is all that is needed.

Retaining Walls

• Changing the lawn's slope by adding retaining walls and bringing in soil to level the area also is an option. Retaining walls can be made from concrete blocks, railroad ties or other large pieces of heavy material that will not wash away. Homeowners contemplating walls that are higher than 4 feet should consider consulting an engineer, according to John Wagner of the This Old House website. The amount of pressure that builds up behind a retaining wall easily can break a poorly designed or built wall.

Using Grass

• A strong and vigorous lawn is the traditional way to prevent lawn erosion. Water is diffused as it runs through the grass, like water running through a strainer, and loses much of it's force. Planting several varieties of grass is best for water runoff because the different root systems space themselves at different soil depths. This protects the soil. Extensive, extended water runoff in the area can leach vital nutrients from the soil, so the grass might require additional fertilization.

Landscaping

• Deep-rooted plants and shrubs help hold the soil in place when the water rushes past. The Nootka rose, evergreen huckleberry and kinnikinnick are among the shrubs recommended by the Washington state Department of Ecology for erosion control and slope stabilization. Many different types of willow trees also hold soil well. Using larger trees for erosion control will be counterproductive if they interfere with the grass growing within their drip line. Avoid trees that casts dense shade.