Erosion Control in Lake Keowee and The Cliffs Communities
Erosion control in Lake Keowee and The Cliffs communities is a necessity, not an option. It may be one of the first things our project managers look at on your property.
Without proper erosion control measures, anything placed in the yard may eventually wash out. At Red Elm, we start at the essentials and build up to beautiful yards. Join us in this quick post of reasons why your Keowee lakeside or Cliffs mountain property could need erosion control.
Why Erosion Control Is Essential
- Protect the house from unwanted moisture – Erosion can negatively impact the foundation of your home. Whether it is shifting soil or gallons of water, the integrity of your foundation is of utmost importance. Eroding soil can create uneven settling, causing stress and cracking. Heavy water washing into one area can create voids that cause concrete to sink.Creating the right slope away from your home, directing drainage from gutters, and redirecting rainwater elsewhere helps prevent damage.
- Protect and preserve the property, trees, hardscape, and plantings – Nature doesn’t pick favorites.
- Prevent the loss of valuable, nutrient-rich topsoil – With the natural removal of topsoil, landscapes suffer a loss of nutrients and rooting space, causing trees, plants, and grass to weaken or die.
How to Spot an Erosion Problem on Your Property
Whether you are in the building phase on your Keowee Reserve lot or have lived in The Cliffs since they opened in 1991, spotting erosion trouble can be simple if you know what to look for.
- Bald patches where plants or grass can’t grow
- Small gullies or trenches formed from runoff
- Exposed tree roots on slopes
- Sediment collecting in certain areas such as grass thatch, leaves, mulch, and topsoil. This buildup can cause grass to struggle and weeds to thrive.
Our purpose is to stabilize the soil, absorb water, and direct runoff. We do this with form, function, and sustainability in mind. Any stones and plantings used are sourced for pquality and appearance.
How Red Elm Handles Erosion Control
Red Elm handles erosion in many ways, including building terraces, contouring land, installing paths, adding drainage, and laying river rock to capture and direct water.
Terraces, Walls, and Land Contouring
Breaking up downward slopes gives water a chance to be absorbed. Creating tiered yards with terraces and walls reduces the force of water flowing downhill. These features also provide flat areas for fire pits, pathways, steps, gardens, and pools.
Paths
Like terraces, flat hard surfaces such as paver paths, stone paths, and golf cart paths can help redirect water flow.
Drainage
River rock stands up to heavy washouts and is commonly used on steep slopes we service. Hidden drains are installed within river rock areas to capture large amounts of runoff. Red Elm can also connect drainage systems to your home’s gutters to move water further away.
Plantings
In susceptible areas, we focus on deep-rooted native plants, ground cover, and grasses to stabilize and protect slopes.
Final Thoughts
While we can’t fight nature completely, we can prepare for it. Installing erosion control measures is essential to the longevity and enjoyment of your property.
If you have questions about anything in this post, please connect with us through our contact form or through your Red Elm Community Leader.
