Green Tip #3: Go with the Flow!
Go with the Flow!
Soil erosion is a common problem for many homeowners. Although the hilly terrain of North Georgia can be stunning, it can also mean uneven sloping for many yards. Water erosion is the most damaging and common type of erosion in Atlanta because our area annually receives 50-60 inches of rainfall. Most soil erosion and drainage solutions unnaturally redirect water. This can cause a landscape eyesore and is not environmentally friendly. However, eco-savvy homeowners are learning to go with the flow by installing dry creek beds which provide an easy-to-create and beautiful garden focal point as well as a landscape solution for soil erosion.
The Green Point of View
Dry creek beds allow water to flow over the tops of rounded, natural stones, as well as to slowly diffuse between stones and back into the ground. The course of the bed and use of multiple-sized stones helps to slow the flow of water and redirect the stream.
Garden Focal Point
In addition to being an innovative landscape solution, dry creek beds also provide a beautiful garden focal point. In fact, many homeowners choose to install dry creek beds even though they do not have a drainage or erosion problem.
Interesting Fact
According to a Cornell University study, soil around the world is being washed away 10 to 40 times faster than it can be replenished. The study cited that soil erosion is second to only population growth as the biggest environmental problem the world faces.
How Stone Forest Can Help
Stone Forest recommends using a combination of one part large river rock, two parts medium river rock and one part small river rock or gravel to create a natural-looking dry creek bed that will help homeowners control landscape erosion. In addition, dry creek beds are an easy do-it-yourself project and perfect for a DIY novice. The Stone Forest online dry creek bed project guide gives step-by-step instructions of how to install this easy landscape solution.