The flow of water is one of the most potent forces on Earth, and even the most beautiful and well-maintained lawns can fall victim to its whims. While there's plenty you can do to protect your property, soil erosion is a problem that many homeowners will still eventually need to face. As with many water-related issues, quickly dealing with erosion is often the best option to avoid costly repairs.
Unfortunately, it's easy to miss the early signs that your property may be suffering from water erosion issues. If you aren't sure if you have a problem, keep an eye out for these three signs that your lawn may be washing away from under your feet.
1. You Have Conspicuous Bare Patches
There are many reasons why a portion of your lawn may turn bare or start to die, so you shouldn't immediately assume that erosion is the culprit. Instead, examine the area around the bare patch carefully. Are there grading issues? Can you see signs of water runoff away from the dead patch of lawn?
Erosion can reduce soil quality and also inundate other areas of your lawn with water, so bare patches may be located "downstream" from the actual site suffering from erosion. You should be particularly concerned if you notice dead patches of lawn on downslopes or areas where water typically runs since they may be a sign of excessive amounts of sediment traveling downhill.
2. You Have a Standing Water Problem
Everyone wants a perfectly flat and level lawn, but most properties are far from ideal. Your yard may have hills and troughs, so it's natural for water to pool in some areas, especially if you have heavy rainstorms. However, a correctly graded and properly draining lawn shouldn't create noticeable pools and ponds that don't drain away relatively quickly.
If you notice a standing water problem that seems to worsen, that's a good sign that erosion is causing parts of your lawn to sink. These areas may worsen over time, and the constant moisture can cause your grass to die or even affect how water drains away from your foundation.
3. You Have Muddy, Soft Ground
"Soft" landscaping features such as grass, trees, and other plants are critical for erosion control. These living anchors help keep the soil in place while absorbing excess water. If parts of your lawn are consistently muddy, soft, or unstable, that's a good indication that you may face significant erosion in the future if it's not already happening.
Muddy ground is susceptible to washing away, so it's essential to recognize and deal with this problem when you notice it. Developing a solution for your eroding lawn will help keep your yard looking good while also ensuring that your eroding lawn doesn't eventually threaten your foundation or other parts of your property.
For more information, contact a company like Drax Inc.
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