Some landowners have just a driveway off of a main road, but many of us have longer access roads that could cause erosion problems in heavy rains. Unsurfaced roads, driveways, and even horse trails can accelerate erosion problems and contribute sediment to our rivers and streams. Water generally travels down a road just as you and I do. Roads actually collect and channel water, interrupting the natural drainage of water across the landscape. Four Basic Steps to Minimize Erosion Problems Protect bare soil surfaces.
Vegetation is the best protection because it both absorbs and uses water.
Mulches, such as straw and wood chips, are also effective to protect the soil surface. Be sure any straw is certified weed free or you could end up with an invasive weed problem. Don t concentrate water flow unless absolutely necessary. On undisturbed slopes, water percolates through soil slowly and uniformly. Even during heavy rainfall, runoff flows evenly over the ground into the nearest drainage.