Common signs include washed-out gravel, ruts after rain, standing water, soil loss on slopes, exposed roots, ditch collapse, or water running across your driveway or yard. If the issue worsens after each storm, professional erosion control is recommended.
Most erosion is caused by improper drainage, steep grades, compacted or clay-heavy soil, lack of vegetation, or water flowing too quickly in the wrong direction. Stormwater naturally follows the path of least resistance, leading to soil displacement unless corrected.
Rip rap (large rock) is the most effective material for high-flow areas such as ditches, culvert outlets, creek banks, and steep slopes. For driveway or yard erosion, #57 drainage stone, chert fill, and crusher run are commonly used to rebuild, stabilize, and improve drainage.
Small surface erosion may be treatable by hand, but most meaningful erosion—especially washouts, slope failure, or ditch collapse—requires machinery to reshape grade, rebuild base layers, or install rip rap. Using the wrong tools often leads to the problem returning.
