Erosion
Control
By Dale Norrington, Master
Gardener
Gardening practices throughout a watershed can affect the health of local
creeks as runoff from gardens, rooftops, driveways, walkways, and patios washes
into streets, gutters, and storm drain systems, and often, ultimately into the
creeks. This water can carry excess fertilizers,
pesticides, other toxic materials, soil, and seeds of exotic plants.
Gardeners, by helping control the quality and quantity of water washing from
the many gardens in a watershed, can play a vital role in the control of this nonpoint source of water pollution. The
following suggestions may help:
Ø
use
a flat shovel and a broom to remove soil and garden debris from walkways,
driveways, patios, and gutters before rain. If washing
with water is necessary, wash soil back into the garden, rather than into the
gutter,
Ø
cover
as much soil surface as possible with plants, mulch, or other materials
suitable to help minimize erosion,
Ø
maintain
irrigation systems to avoid leaks and gushers which can wash soil from the
garden,
Ø
where
possible, use permeable paving materials which allow water to move through them
and into the soil,
Ø
loosen
the surface of hard packed soil to increase water penetration, and decrease
surface runoff,
Ø
use
plants with root systems sufficient to hold soil in place on embankments, and
mulch to lessen the impact of water striking the soil surface.
Irrigate in time periods of short duration to minimize runoff, and
Ø
carefully follow directions on pesticides and fertilizers to minimize
excess application.
For gardens adjacent to creeks, bank stability, erosion control, habitat
conservation, exotic plants, and water quality may be at issue related to
placement of structures including steps, fences, and retaining walls, and other
modifications, on or near creek banks. California
Department of Fish and Game can provide relevant guidance and information.