How to Protect Your Landscaping Against Erosion

COVID-19 has stalled many aspects of life, but one thing it hasn’t stopped is the apartment boom in metropolitan areas. The DFW metroplex is predicted to be the area with the newest apartments in 2020, despite temporary shutdowns and new safety protocols.

New commercial properties include more than brand new buildings; they also come with new landscaping and young trees and shrubs. However, as the property and the landscaping mature and facades begin to fade, communities can be faced with many concerns that affect the aesthetic value of the property. One of the most common is erosion.

At EarthWorks, we’ve been in business long enough to experience the life cycle of many DFW properties. The good news is there are ways to help your commercial property control erosion. Read on to learn what to look for, how your landscaping might need to adjust as your property ages, and when to call for a professional assessment.

Causes of Erosion

Erosion is generally caused when trees start to mature on a property. When a property is new and everything is small, it’s fairly easy to keep the property looking green and lush. As the property ages, trees mature and start to “choke out” sunlight in areas where water flows. Over time, this causes erosion. This usually happens around the 15-20 year mark, but can happen earlier or later depending on the plant material that is used.

How to Control Erosion

With any landscaping strategy, preventative care is the first line of defense. Ensuring trees are trimmed and properly maintained will ensure the better long-term health of your ground cover. It’s also important to use mulch and edging and regularly inspect irrigation systems to prevent premature erosion.

Once we see signs of erosion, it’s time to take more decisive action. There are generally two options for erosion control. The most straightforward strategy is to create a layout that doesn’t need sun. Many commercial properties choose xeriscaping as a long-term solution. While xeriscaping requires a significant up-front investment, it requires minimal maintenance and can also help the property save on water costs.

To maintain a greener appearance at properties, we can simply switch out the type of ground cover used. Shade-loving plants like English Ivy and Asian jasmine won’t require much sunlight, but they will need regular water and ongoing maintenance. As commercial water restrictions continue to tighten in DFW, we find more commercial property owners are choosing to incorporate gravel and cobblestones into their landscaping design.

Occasionally, a property will need more significant work to stop erosion. In those cases, we can install retaining walls for both erosion control and aesthetic appeal.

When to Call the Pros

It’s important to identify erosion early to take swift action. Early signs of erosion include small circles of mud collecting on sidewalks and drives after it rains. Over time, these will turn to large muddy patches as more dirt escapes.

The EarthWorks team monitors all our clients’ properties for signs of erosion. If you see early signs or suspect erosion, it’s important to point them out to your landscaping representative for a professional assessment. The sooner we catch erosion the better.

Contact us today to inquire about proper landscaping maintenance, regular tree trimming, and ongoing assessment for your commercial property.