Denver weather plays a major role in the overall health of your soil. Spring thaws, summer storms, and excessive wind can lead to soil erosion, which can pose a whole host of problems. The loss of topsoil, water runoff, and even property damage can be the result of soil that’s been left to erode over time. Luckily, there are several solutions for keeping your soil where it belongs in your Denver landscape.

Understanding Your Landscape

Your property is unique and its slope, soil type, and drainage patterns will determine your erosion risk and what solutions will work best. Steeper slopes, for example, are more susceptible to erosion, because water travels downhill, taking soil along with it. Landscapes with loose soil can also be more prone to erosion. 

Start by observing your property and taking note of potential erosion risks. If you’re not sure what to look for, ask a professional arborist for help. We can provide solutions to keep your soil healthy.

Natural and Sustainable Solutions

There are several natural ways to protect your soil from eroding, like planting vegetation, mulching, and creating rain gardens.

Planting Vegetation

Planting shrubs, trees, and ground cover can keep soil in place. Their fibrous root systems grow into the soil and tie it in place, so it sticks around. Ground cover like creeping phlox and wild stonecrop are great choices for sloped landscapes.

Mulching

Denver’s hot, arid climate can dry out soil and make it difficult for your soil to absorb water. By adding mulch, you’re providing a protective layer to help with water absorption and keep water from flowing right across the dirt (which can lead to erosion.) Mulch also keeps weeds from growing in your yard and protects your tree’s roots from being exposed to the elements.

Creating Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are excellent additions to Denver properties. These depressed areas are filled with plants like grass and flowering perennials to soak up excess rainwater and runoff on your property. This keeps water from flowing across vulnerable soil and prevents erosion. It also serves as a beautiful focal point in your landscape.

Structural Solutions

Sloped landscapes and areas that are prone to more severe erosion need extra protection. Structural solutions like terracing, gabion walls, and slit fences can all help to protect the soil from being whisked away.

Terracing

Terracing creates leveled, short steps that are installed down a slope. This reduces the amount of runoff on sloped areas and keeps soil from eroding down the hill. A well-constructed terrace will ensure that your topsoil doesn’t wash away along with the nutrients underneath.

Gabion Walls

A gabion wall is a type of retaining wall that’s made from stacked stones that are tied together with wire. These walls keep your soil where it belongs while allowing water to pass through at a slow trickle. This effectively prevents erosion.

Slit Fences

Slit fences are a temporary fix during construction or when you’re planning out a more permanent solution for erosion control. Metal stakes hold a fabric upright to act as a barrier so that your topsoil remains intact when heavy rain and runoff occur.

Additional Tips for Erosion Control

Without a plan for erosion control, your soil and property can quickly become damaged. Here are some additional ways to protect your topsoil and ensure that your landscape is protected from water runoff:

• Direct your downspouts away from the foundation to keep water away. This prevents soil erosion around your house.
• Minimize the amount of foot traffic that occurs on bare soil. This is especially important on sloped landscapes.
• Consult a professional arborist for help in determining the best solutions for complex erosion problems.

Contact American Arbor Care Today!

At American Arbor Care, we’re committed to keeping Denver landscapes healthy and thriving. If you’re concerned about erosion on your property, contact us today. We’ll help you determine the best solutions for your unique space to prevent erosion for good. 

Trees are massive, and they require a lot of nutrients to stay healthy as they grow. Denver soil poses a few challenges that, with a little effort, we can amend, so our trees get the nutrients they need to thrive. At American Arbor Care, we know how to fix local clay-heavy soil and soil that’s low in organic matter. Let’s look at how you can amend your soil to improve the health of your trees.

Understanding Your Soil

Different plants require different types of soil to survive, and it’s important to know what type of soil you have in your yard. There are different types of soil, including:

1. Clay: This soil is heavy, dense, and high in nutrients. This soil retains moisture and makes it hard for roots to grow.
2. Sandy: Sandy soil is dry, low in nutrients, and typically acidic. Roots grow easily, but moisture passes through too quickly.
3. Silt: Silt soil is light and easily compacted. It’s rich in nutrients and optimal for plant growth
4. Loam: Loam is a mixture of the three soils above.

Testing your soil can help you determine what you need to add for your tree’s roots to grow properly, for moisture retention, and for the right amount of nutrients to be present.

Improving Soil Health

Once you know what type of soil you have, how can you improve it? Let’s look at three of the main ways to amend your soil.

1. Add Organic Matter

Organic matter like compost, composted manure, and other organic amendments can instantly add nutrients to your soil that your plants desperately need. To determine what type of nutrients they need, ask your local arborist for advice. 

If you are just planting a tree, mix some organic matter into the soil around the hole where it will be planted. If your tree is already established, simply add a layer of compost around the base of your tree. Allow it to soak into the soil over time when it rains or the tree is watered.

2. Mulch

Mulch adds a protective layer around the base of your tree, so the roots remain at a comfortable temperature. Mulch also helps with water retention, which is especially helpful in areas with sandy soil. Place a layer of mulch, no more than 4 inches, directly on top of the soilcompost around your tree’s base to help it break down and feed the roots below. Make sure you choose the right type of mulch and apply the right amount to keep your tree healthy. Your local arborist can help you determine how much and what type you need for your particular soil and trees.

3. Aeration

Aeration isn’t always necessary, but it’s an excellent choice for compacted soil. A core aerator removes small plugs of soil so that water and air can get to the roots below. This loosens the soil and helps plants to grow and thrive. The best time to aerate is in early spring.

Additional Tips for Denver

Here are a few additional tips for Denver landscapes:

• If your soil is particularly sandy or contains a lot of clay, adjust your watering strategies accordingly. 
• Select tree species that are native or well-suited for Denver’s soil conditions.
• Use regular maintenance practices like mulching, adding organic matter, and aerating when necessary, to keep your soil healthy.

Got Questions About Your Soil? Contact American Arbor Care!

Denver trees require healthy soil to remain healthy and strong. A weakened tree is susceptible to diseases, fungi, and falling during a storm. If you’re not sure what type of soil you have or how to amend yours, contact the pros at American Arbor Care. Our arborists have extensive training in soil health and tree needs in Denver, and we’re committed to serving our neighbors, one tree at a time.