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Soil erosion and surface runoff occur as water moves down a slope. The more exposed soil on a sloppy surface means a faster rate of water flow and more significant damage – erosion. Whether it’s your backyard or any other piece of property, one of the most effective ways of mitigating the problem of eroding slope is to construct retaining walls or terraces. Besides, terrassiehitus allows you to have a great garden on a challenging or even impossible location.
How terraces reduce soil erosion
Think of retaining walls or terraces as simple steps in an embankment. A varying amount of soil is cut off the hillside to create the level landing area. For garden areas, the landing area isn’t entirely level. Note that slopped terraces must be graded by approximately 2 percent perpendicular to the incline to gently direct water towards the sides of the terrace.
The recommended spacing between slopes majorly depends on the slope where the terraces are being constructed. Generally, shorter slope length experiences less runoff as compared to terraces with longer slopes. Terracing, according to Malmerk Klaasium, is most effective when the entire slope is divided into different segments.
For more effective water management, your terracing contractor can successfully capture and redirect the excess runoff by installing a perforated drainpipe below the surface. This pipe should run across the direction of the slope. Also, this pipe should be positioned in a gravel bed and at a 2 percent slope.
During the terrace construction, the exposed side should be retained. Your contractor can use varying construction materials including railroad ties, stones, landscape timbers, interlocking landscaping blocks, or treated and weather resistant hardwood. Regardless of the material used, the terrace wall must be firmly anchored against the soil.
If your contractor opts to stack material, it should be angled back slightly towards the landing area. Remember, water has a very powerful force and its pressure can push out against the terrace wall especially in a freezing or thawing weather conditions.
Retaining walls, just like terraces, are an effective technique to slow runoff and prevent erosion. However, the basic function of retaining walls is to maintain and support an embankment. Unlike terraces which are created with a level surface, the surface behind a retaining wall can either be sloped or level. Remember, the construction of retaining walls or terraces must be handled by a landscaping professional for better results.
Both terraces and retaining walls can catch runoff water, let it soak on the ground, and channel the excess into the drainpipes are the bottom of a hill just like eavespouts on your house.
