Erosion and water runoff cause soil to move out of beds, down slopes, and into walkways or waterways where it doesn’t belong. As water removes soil over time, plant roots can be exposed and yards can become uneven, with low spots where more water can gather, creating muddy or waterlogged areas. What’s more, soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and soil amendments also get washed away into drains, sewers, and streams, where they can impact water quality and wildlife.

In the fall and winter, continual freeze/thaw cycles can loosen soil, making it vulnerable to washing away in the rain, and when the ground is frozen, a heavy rain or snow that melts quickly is more likely to flow away than be absorbed. Areas with little vegetation are also at risk because the soil lacks structure and security from plant root systems that can help keep it in place.

In situations like these, retaining wall systems are the key to preventing erosion, managing runoff, and creating proper drainage. Keep reading to learn how installing a well-planned retaining wall this fall can solve erosion and drainage issues in your yard.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Tackle Erosion Problems

The best time to correct erosion and runoff problems is as soon as you notice them, but for many homeowners and contractors, fall is the ideal time for several reasons:

• Having a drainage system in place now gets ahead of freezing, thawing, and flooding in winter and spring.
• Cooler temperatures make outdoor work easier for homeowners and contractors.
• In fall, soil is moist and compact but not saturated and not frozen, making it easy to work with.

How Do Retaining Walls Help Prevent Erosion?

A retaining wall system is an efficient way to prevent erosion and reduce runoff. These structures are commonly used in areas that are sloped, creating one or more terraced or stepped sections. Walls are often made with blocks of natural stone, or other materials that are strong enough to hold soil in place. By changing the geometry from a slope to more of a squared-off shape, a more flat and usable space is created. As a result, the ground is more stable, which is particularly important if building or structure foundations are nearby. 

Drainage is Key for Erosion Control

Good retaining wall design also incorporates a system for drainage. While the wall holds soil in place, excess water still needs a way to escape so the soil doesn’t become waterlogged or flooded. On the other hand, if water drains away too quickly there’s a risk that soil will get carried away with it. 

Retaining systems are designed to slow down the flow of water and direct it away from the wall in a controlled manner. In addition to a compacted base of crushed stone, a portion of the area behind the wall is backfilled with crushed limestone, such as Class A #57 or 1.5 in. coarse stone. This encourages water to move down and through the ground rather than across the surface. One or more perforated pipes are positioned at points in the wall to collect the water and guide it to designated drainage holes so it can be directed away from the wall and nearby structures. In addition to managing water flow, these drainage systems prevent water from building up, freezing, and causing damage to the retaining wall. 

Other Ways to Encourage Proper Drainage

In addition to a retaining wall system, there are other ways to manage the flow of water in sloped or low-lying areas. Some DIY-friendly yard drainage fix options include:

• Filling in low areas where water collects or freezes with topsoil and/or gravel. 
• Installing a rock channel or other structure to guide water toward drains. 
• Adding a French drain or a stone trench near foundations to direct storm runoff. 

Depending on the severity of current erosion and runoff problems, the size of the property, or steepness of a slope, a DIY approach may not suffice. In these cases, consult professional landscaping contractors who have specialized experience with drainage and retaining wall construction. Encourage consulting professionals for large or steep terrain.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Project

In addition to solving drainage and erosion problems, retaining wall systems can add functional space and visual interest to the landscape. The wide selection of natural stone and manufactured products on the market today means you can choose from a variety of colors, textures, and sizes to create something beautiful and functional. 

It’s important to work with high-quality materials for a retaining wall project. That helps to ensure stones are durable, sized appropriately, and available in sufficient quantities to complete the project. 

At Minick Materials, we streamline this process with a large selection of bulk retaining wall stones along with crushed limestone, gravel, fill dirt, and topsoil mixes. This makes it easy to source everything you need and have it delivered directly to the site, which keeps your project on schedule.

Retaining Wall Materials from Minick Stop Erosion and Runoff

Fall is a great time to fix soil erosion, drainage, and runoff problems. If you’re considering a retaining wall, choosing top-quality materials rated specifically for this type of project means it’ll come together smoothly and look professional for years to come. 

At Minick Materials, we supply homeowners, contractors, and landscaping professionals with the same reliable, trusted materials, and we provide bulk delivery services nationwide. Contact us today for a quote on retaining wall blocks and crushed limestone for drainage today!