Strengthening the break. How to strengthen the slope on the site: choose a reliable way to protect against landslides

Summer cottages can be of the most intricate shape, and not only in terms of their borders, but also in terms of relief. Often, these are not just flat areas on which you can build houses and plant plants, but also not very convenient, with hillocks, slopes and even serious cliffs.

If we talk about the standard six acres within the boundaries of the cooperative, then there are practically no such problems, but if the cottage is located outside the city, then it is often built near a forest or river. But here already the terrain can change very much. That is why DachaDecor.ru today talks about slopes and slopes that need to be strengthened.

Why reinforce slopes and slopes?

Many have bypassed this task for years, and nothing ... so those who are used to living in a classic summer cottage will say - come here for planting in the summer, and leave with the harvest in the fall, and until spring itself. Well, we are a little different, and our dacha should be not only fruitful, but also very attractive. It is also comfortable, safe and extremely practical. This means that everything that we build, create and even plant should be useful for many years. And sometimes this requires additional care.

Strengthening slopes, slopes and banks is one of such concerns, especially for summer residents who own areas with difficult terrain. Here, soil descents are possible, scree from the top point and directly into the yard or garden, erosion of the coast and washing out of the same lawn, snow falling with a mud pile during spring thaw, breaking plants. These are just a couple of reasons that already draw attention to the complexity of the problem. But it also happens that from a steep hill in the country house, not only a snow cap falls, bringing with it a little dirt and roots, but also multi-ton, extremely dangerous landslides that I would like to prevent.

It is clear that such precedents take place in mountainous areas, well, or in the territories of forests and even former construction sites, where there are hills, ravines, pits and other non-standards that lead away from a simple and even terrain. But in our dachas there are also those places that should be treated with caution. Therefore, let's study methods that will help to qualitatively strengthen the slopes with our own hands.

How to strengthen a small slope with plants?

If the slope does not exceed 8-10%, it is most advisable to strengthen it with plants with a powerful root system. Thanks to the planting of such - grasses, cereals, shrubs and small trees, a living reinforcement of the soil is created inside the soil, which prevents landslides and unauthorized distortion of the relief.

In this regard, you should not remove plants on the slopes, if any, in the country. For the first time after uprooting, changes may be observed, as you will break the bonding of the soil. But problems may arise in the future, when the lack of plants will give the slopes the opportunity to quickly collapse.

Retaining walls are an excellent choice for the summer resident who decided to combine the "repair" of the soil with decorating the site.

Strengthening slopes with biomats

Plants can also strengthen slopes up to 45%, but there are much more risks here. They exist due to the fact that plants form a root system for a long time, which should reinforce the soil. Atmospheric factors also work here - the presence of precipitation, wind, humidity associated with those located nearby or on the slope itself, as well as even tremors.

Biomats are laid on the surface of the cleaned slope and evenly fixed. Further, seeds of various plants are sown over the entire area of the material, which in the near future should create a single layer with biomats. It can be not only special flowers and herbs, but also plants for landscape design suburban area that you yourself have chosen.

Fixing slopes with geotextiles

Geotextile is a dense material based on polyester or polypropylene fibers. It is artificial, but great for a variety of jobs, as it is strong enough and has water permeability.

Thanks to geotextiles, it is possible to strengthen slopes of 173% or 60°. The geotextile is laid out along the slope and subsequently strengthened with special anchors. After the final laying and fixing, you can always plant plants on top of the material, or decorate the slope with stone, tiles.

We strengthen the slopes with geomats

Another way to make a high-quality and reliable slope is the use of geomats. This material, which consists of several layers of polypropylene gratings at once, is somewhat reminiscent of a washcloth.

But positive side in that, along with high strength, geomats are also permeable to air, water and plant roots. That is, laying geomats on the slope will not only strengthen it qualitatively, but also, as in previous cases, plant all the necessary plants on top of the material, which will soon create a uniform and fairly dense layer.

An additional advantage of the material is the possibility of using it on slopes up to 70°.

Geogrid application

The geogrid allows you to work with exactly the same slope angle. It is a material made of polyesters or glass, which is quite simple to work with.

The laying of the geogrid takes place as follows - initially, on a more or less prepared surface, the material itself is laid. Further, soil, sand or even crushed stone is poured into the cells of the geogrid. But it is most correct to lay in cells where you can immediately plant plants. This will make it possible to obtain the highest degree of strength for strengthening the slope or slope in a few months.

Geogrid application

Experts say that the geogrid is more reliable in use than the geogrid. This material is a cellular frame that is stretched over the surface. After laying on the slope, the geogrid can be fixed different ways, but the most popular is fixation with fillers. Interestingly, almost everything can be used - soil, sand, pebbles, crushed stone.

Further landscaping is also possible, but, as you understand, this is realistic with the use of almost any material to strengthen slopes and slopes.

Gabions at their summer cottage (video)

We strengthen the slopes with gabions

We have already talked about this topic, and also studied it in detail in other articles. We never tire of being amazed at the possibilities of simple metal structures filled with various materials inside. They are assembled quite simply, and can even be made independently in a summer cottage.

Regardless of the slope, gabion structures become a reliable fortification. The role is played only by the initial state of the slope, as well as its height. The larger it is, the more difficult the task is, but if we are not talking about mountains, but a simple summer cottage, then any problem is reduced to nothing by gabion structures.

You can install gabions vertically or lay them at the desired angle. But it is worth remembering that they have sufficient weight not only to hold back collapsing plumb lines, but also to independently slide along the surface at an angle. Therefore, it is worthwhile to reliably strengthen each structure, creating under the lowest emphasis in the form of a foundation.

Slopes and retaining walls

We will not dwell on this section for a long time, since an interesting thematic article has already been written on the topic. We will only point out the fact that retaining walls are an excellent choice for the summer resident who decided to combine the "repair" of the soil with decorating the site. It is also worth adding that they should only be used for slopes of low height, with low soil pressure.

Other options for strengthening slopes, slopes and banks

Often the situation itself dictates to us the choice of materials for work and the solution to the problem. The reasons may be money, time, available materials, the condition of the slope, its height, remoteness from buildings, water bodies, or the need to combine hard work and decor. Therefore, it is necessary to have many options at hand, by evaluating the features of which it will be possible to establish the most suitable:

If the dacha has a difficult relief area, its boundaries can be strictly defined by trees. Within a few years, their root system will "tie" a solid foundation, thanks to which the slope will remain in the state we need for a long time. But remember that fixing with biomats during tree planting will perform a good safety net;
Strengthening the necessary slopes can also occur with the help of logs that are dug to the required depth. Each individual case requires accurate calculations, and therefore we are not ready to declare the values for the installation depth and the diameter of the log now ... it's just one of the good ways;
It is also convenient to make a sloping slope in the form of steps by installing the same gabions or retaining walls in series, for example, along the slope every few meters. So you secure the slope and install the original curly design in the country;
Partial fastening with geomaterials is also possible, which are selected depending on the angle of the slope. Under them, small trenches are dug, on the bottom of which the geomaterial is laid. Further, the trench is filled up, and the edge of the material leaves the ground and goes upwards, as if hugging all the soil laid in the trench. At a distance of several meters from the trench, that is, above it, the edge is pinned. A year later, you get a dense layer, which is reliable due to reinforcement with the same mesh and plant roots.

There are many more ways, but today we have described the most popular and used. Therefore, take them into service and be sure to strengthen the slopes and slopes in the country, if any, on the territory.

Such work with relief is considered complex, and therefore requires a serious approach. We recommend that you draw up a work plan in advance and keep accurate calculations, making sure to choose only high-quality and appropriate materials for the soil strengthening process.

(markov_content)

Attention, only TODAY!

Residents of megacities who do not have a dacha imagine suburban areas in the form of a piece of paradise, on which stands a beautiful estate, around which green lawns are laid out, fragrant flower beds, brooks murmur, a swimming pool is equipped, beds are neatly laid out.
However, quite often reality is the exact opposite of a fairy tale. The piece of land you have acquired is in a ravine or a hill rises in the middle of it.
Don't worry about it: your problems can be solved, right strengthening the slopes and carrying out landscape decoration of the site.

Work to strengthen the slopes of the site

If you are not lucky, you have acquired a summer cottage with uneven terrain. Consider the positive side of these unpleasant surprises.

First, notice the advantages in the unusualness of the land:

Complete exclusion of the appearance of stagnation of rain and ground water in areas with some slopes.
The planes turned towards the sun are perfectly illuminated, as a result of which the southern slopes develop well. ornamental plants and vegetable crops.
The singularity of the area is a unique opportunity for original design personal plots.
Use of natural relief features suburban area will avoid the special construction of structures to create decor using waterfalls, cascades or alpine slides.

There are also disadvantages of relief land plots:

Plants planted on the slopes of hills need to be watered additionally and more often, since water almost does not linger in the ground.
Such a relief is not suitable for lawn lovers - it will be difficult for them to ensure that the inclined plane is covered with a smooth silky grass carpet.
Uneven terrain cannot be used for practical purposes: it will not work for a playground or a clearing for recreation, you cannot set up a bench or a table.
The main disadvantage of such a site is the additional cost of funds and time to strengthen the slopes and slopes, carrying out refining, breaking flower beds or garden beds.

But all these problems are fixable. In order to choose the right method for strengthening slopes and slopes, the following factors are taken into account:

Soil structure.
The degree of slope of a piece of land.
Ground water.
The possibility of natural influence: destruction - landslides, erosion, shedding of soil.

Assume that plants with a strong root system can be planted on gentle slopes. They will fix the soil with their roots, as a result of which the destructive processes will stop.

This will not be enough to strengthen steep slopes. A more serious approach is needed here: soil shedding can only be prevented by making special structures using biomats, stones, concrete blocks or geogrids. Having chosen the material, determine exactly in which zone to build the structure, and proceed with the preparatory work.

It is possible to turn even the steepest slopes into magnificent stone gardens - it is enough to lay out retaining walls. Using beautiful decorative tiles for this, and using paving stones for laying out adjacent paths.

The reinforcing structure can perform not only the same type and single-layer. The area of the site will visually increase if you build a staircase or terrace on it.

Strengthening slopes with plants

At an angle of inclination not exceeding 8-10 degrees, in order to stabilize the soil cover, plants can be planted: trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses, the flexible roots of which can penetrate deep into the soil, protecting it from landslides and erosion. Trees have a powerful root system, however, you should not plant only large plants on the entire slope.

Compositions that are free-standing low trees and shrubs look more attractive. To decorate the steep edges of the ravines, you can plant broom, elderberry, viburnum on them, Japanese quince, skumpia, barberry, bushes or wild rose.

They perfectly strengthen the slopes by planting ground cover plants, and the color variety and difference in height will hide some of the flaws in the relief. Thanks to the uneven relief, real picturesque masterpieces of decorative art can be created by combining stones of various shapes, bright and beautiful colors and water flowing over the ledges.

Decor elements are made in the form of flowering bushes and plants with long shoots and lush flowers, among which climbing roses are especially beautiful. But it is not recommended to make too bright cocktails from climbing plants. It is enough to plant 1-2 beautifully flowering species.

Sloping surfaces can be covered with groundcovers such as periwinkle, woolly weevil, ivy, and sunflower, which form dense carpets and provide a backdrop for larger plants.

Land owners who prefer to equip them with alpine slides and rockeries will be pleased with the uneven terrain that has elevations, ledges and depressions. It costs nothing to folk craftsmen using a bunch of stones, a few coniferous trees and different types flowers, create a wonderful decoration for your summer cottage. But before you arrange a flower garden, you need to think about creating favorable growing conditions - ensuring regular watering of plants.

Strengthening slopes by artificial means

Any slope can be decorated with plants - this is a natural way to protect it from shedding. However, it is possible to strengthen the slope in a summer cottage using artificial paths - using stones, logs and structures made of polymeric materials.

Most often, site owners reinforce slopes using retaining walls or stairs made of durable materials. In parallel, they serve as decorative elements.

Installation of stone or log fences

To keep a steep surface from landslides and other destruction, you can use an artistically designed fence made of various materials. Laying of stones or wooden elements is carried out from the outer sides of the slopes. They are fixed in different ways: cement or fixation (burrowing) into the ground. Laying in the form of a wall of limestone slabs, cobblestones, shell rock or granite is possible. The laying of wooden parts is made in the form of a ladder or a fence.

We use geotextiles to strengthen slopes

Strengthening steep slopes can be strengthened naturally by planting trees, flowers or grass. In this case, geotextiles are used, which are dense material composed of polyester or polypropylene fibers. It is able to perfectly pass water and has high strength characteristics.

Strengthening slopes with geotextiles.

The material is stretched over the uneven surface of the site, fixed with anchors and decorated. Decoration can be done using natural stone or tiles, planting flowers randomly in fertile soil.

Do not forget to remove the anchors that hold the geotextile after it is covered with soil. It is better to remove it when it is unfixed.

Application of geomatites and biomatites

These types of soil cover are used in order to effectively protect surfaces with a slope of up to 45%, or even up to 70%, when planting.

For the manufacture of biomats, coconut fibers or straw are used, which are fixed on a layer of cellulose. Geomats are multilayer gratings, for the manufacture of which polypropylene is used.

Since the development of the root system of plants occurs over a certain period of time, in order to instantly stabilize the soil, it is necessary to first lay the retaining structures, and only then plant the plants.

Biomats have the following advantages: their surface becomes green in just 2 months, and the soil is partially fertilized when this material decomposes.

Geomats are practical and relatively inexpensive material, which has many advantages, the main of which are ease of installation, high efficiency and durability.

Roll material is laid on the surface of the slope, fixing all the pieces around the perimeter, and then sowing flowers or herbaceous plants. Due to the loose fibrous structure of the material, the seeds are fixed and germinate, subsequently forming a thick grassy carpet with an invisible reinforcing layer.

Step-by-step installation of a geogrid

Strengthen small plot even a novice landscape designer can independently call the land, as the owner of a summer house can be called. If a ravine or a ditch with crumbling slopes is located on the summer cottage, you can use a three-dimensional geogrid - a modern polymer tape structure.

If you fill up the cells of the geogrid plant soil, you will prepare a great place for planting climbing or erect plants. Lawn grass or small shrubs will grow well on this site.

If country house or a Russian bathhouse is installed on a steep place, then better way than strengthening the geogrid with gravel, you can’t imagine to create an obstacle to the destruction of a steep slope.

Geogrid elements are welded together. The result is a lattice having large sections. Lattices are filled with heavy building material, for which crushed stone, sand, concrete are quite suitable. You can fill the grids with special nutrient soil in order to plant plants in it.

Use of a geogrid to reinforce slopes and protect them from collapse.

Slopes that consist of sand or other sedimentary rock are most often and quickly destroyed. They crumble from the action of wind and rain. If the ditch crosses the summer cottage, you can strengthen both of its slopes by creating an original stone stream, or by constructing an unusual type of rockery by planting coniferous plants and flower beds.

Before carrying out reinforcement, soil preparation is necessary. To do this, large plants are removed, the earth is leveled and compacted as far as possible.

Geogrid laying can be done in two existing ways:

For geotextiles. At the same time, geotextiles are spread along the entire slope, acting as a draining layer, on top of which a grid is laid.
Directly on the ground - direct installation of the mesh is carried out, which is laid on the prepared section of the soil.

Geogrid cells must be placed along the entire slope. The material for them is chosen according to the basic principle: a wider tape is used if the slope is steeper. Lattice segments are stretched in different directions and fixed along the perimeter with the help of anchors or specially planed pegs.

For small slopes, especially if the area is arid, where drainage can be dispensed with, it is enough to lay one geogrid - additional insulating materials are not needed.

Each cell is filled or fixed using sand or gravel for this purpose. If you plan to plant flowers, trees, grass or bushes in this place, fill the cells with fertile and fertilized soil.

You can fill the grate with earth or sand using construction vehicles, a garden wheelbarrow or a simple bucket and shovel.

This is the easiest option for strengthening the slope at their summer cottage. With the included fantasy and use various ways decorating, you can turn any crumbling slope into a beautiful and original flowering garden.

For some people, a house on a hillside is a pipe dream, while for others it is a harsh reality. On the one hand, such a location for any building allows you to successfully beat it. On the other hand, such natural soil folds as hills are places of increased risk of soil shedding. Such a problem threatens to destroy the house. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the slopes.

Video about laying out terraces on a slope

Choosing a way to strengthen the slopes on the site

There are various ways to prevent soil shedding. For this, special systems and structures are used. They are made from the following materials:

biomats;
lawn grids;
gabions;
logs;
stones;
concrete and ceramic blocks.

Strengthening small slopes with stones

The choice of a particular method depends on such factors:

degree of slope of the hill;
proximity to groundwater;
soil features;
the likelihood of undermining the site if there are water bodies nearby.

The most important aspect is to determine how big the slope is. For example, if the hill is low, then even such measures as planting trees and plants can help. It is necessary to choose the right vegetation, giving preference to the one that has a developed root system. It is seated in cells, creating a reinforcing structure. Intertwined in the soil with fastening elements, the roots prevent the occurrence of landslide processes and erosion.

Scheme of organizing the strengthening of the slope by plants

Before proceeding with the strengthening of the slopes, it is necessary:

calculate the total earth pressure;
choose a reinforcing material;
determine the zone of fortification.

Fence as a retaining wall

Very often, slopes are reinforced with a structure such as a fence. It can be made from materials:

sandstone;
limestone;
brick;
concrete plates.

Organization of site fencing with narrow terraces

All of them are durable, strong and perfectly resist destructive factors. environment. Care for such materials is minimal, and they will last more than one year.

In the construction of the fence, first of all, care must be taken that its foundation is very strong. After all, it not only gives stability to the structure, but also strengthens the slope.

Fences have the advantage that they do not interfere with plant growth. Because through their structures, the stems can freely germinate, intertwining with each other, and their roots keep the soil from shedding.

In the design of fences, it is necessary to adhere to the following ratios:

the height of the structure must be at least 1 meter;
the thickness of the base must be at least a third of its height;
the fence should taper upward;
it is best to install structures in several rows, from higher to lower;
a slight slope towards the slope is required.

One more important point- arrangement of the drainage system. Since water will drain from the slope, it is necessary to prevent the undermining of the base of the structure. For example, ground drainage can be poured fragments of broken bricks or crushed stone. Underground, you need to lay a drainage pipe in a geotextile material, which is sent to drainage well.

The fence is also convenient because it can be successfully beaten by fitting it into the landscape. For example, niches and flower beds are arranged in it. Originally designed stairs also act as decorative elements.

Enclosing structures made of stones and logs

On large and small slopes, enclosing structures made of stones are effectively used. To do this, they dig deep into the slope or dig into the ground. The choice of a specific location is made based on the condition of the surface and the type of soil. It also takes into account how stones or logs fit into the landscape. Don't forget about drainage. This role can be played by special trays that will direct the flowing water in the right direction.

We strengthen slopes and slopes with geotextiles

Modern technological material geotextile can be recommended for use on slopes. It has high strength, which helps to prevent soil shifting.

Organization of slope reinforcement with geotextiles

Visually, geotextile is a non-woven material that is made from polyester and polypropylene fibers and is produced in rolls. Among its advantages are:

water permeability;
the ability to protect the soil from freezing;
properties that prevent mixing of soil layers when waters descend;
resistance to fungi and mold;
high stretch;
puncture and tear resistance.

Geotextiles are light and compact and easy to install. For example, the material is easily cut by a chain or hand saw. In order for this material to serve as efficiently as possible long years, it is important to follow the sequence of its installation.

first level the soil;
we lay out geotextiles on the ground;
from above we fill the material with crushed stone or gravel;
then we put another layer of geotextile;
now you can pour sand;
upstairs we lay out paving stones, decorative tiles or stone.

If layers of geotextiles are superimposed one on top of the other, they are fastened with special staples or crutches. You can just pour a little crushed stone or gravel on these areas.

It is also important to lay the material immediately before the aggregate is laid on it. Because the wind can blow away geotextiles.

Geomats to prevent landslides and erosion

A polymeric material with a waterproof structure is known in everyday life as a geomat. It is made of polypropylene gratings, which are superimposed on each other in layers, and thermally bonded. Speaking figuratively, the geomat looks like a washcloth.

This material has the following advantages:

not afraid of aggressive substances;
UV resistant;
non-toxic;
withstands temperatures from -30 to +100˚С;
does not violate the natural beauty of the landscape.

Geomats are very easy to install. This does not require special skills, which saves on the construction of fortifications.

Trees and various plants will then sprout on these geomats.

The material is laid in the following sequence:

the slope surface is leveled and cleaned of debris;
the soil is rammed;
a trench is dug along the edge of the slope;
the material is laid with a smooth side to the soil;
the edges of the geomats are fixed in the trench.

The variety of fortifying structures makes it possible to protect almost any hill from a landslide, and soils from erosion. Also, most of them also perform a decorative function. Therefore, the dream of a house on a hill can easily be made a reality. The main thing is to choose the right way to strengthen the slopes.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE SLOPE

Beauty, if you got a piece of land with a perfectly flat relief, plus, next to it there are no landscape flaws in the form of ravines, embankments and high hills. Live on such a plot for your own pleasure, build a house, plant a garden, plant flower beds, in short, do whatever your heart desires. But if this site has a slope, and even with a rather steep one, the question of how to strengthen the slope becomes one of the most important. This knowledge will also be needed for those whose site itself is flat, but located at the foot of a steep hill. This hill, although it is not your property, will have to be strengthened so that the earth does not slip from it to the beds during floods, stones and any natural debris do not fall. Consider how you can strengthen the slope of the summer cottage itself or the slopes adjacent to it.

TERRACES

If you have taken ownership of a piece of land to engage in gardening, or to build a house on it, set up a flower garden, equip a recreation area with a lawn on which you can put a table and sun loungers, the most reasonable, but also incredibly time-consuming strengthening of the slope on the site - this is the construction of terrace steps with the installation of retaining walls. This method is not particularly popular with Russian summer residents, but in those parts where there are few flat areas (for example, in Greece or Italy), 80% of the land has the form of such terraces. They grow vineyards, build villas with swimming pools, plant olive groves. So creating terraces is a very real thing. These designs have significant advantages, which consist in the most rational use of the area of the site, in ease of maintenance and in the spectacular appearance of its appearance.

If the entire area is more or less level, but it has a single hill, it is also wise to arrange stepped terraces on it, rather than leveling it with the ground. On such steps it is simply ideal to cultivate strawberries. Some gardeners, who do not have hills in the territory, even specially pour them for growing strawberries.

So, how to strengthen the slope with stepped terraces? First you need to determine the angle of inclination of the site. The smaller it is, the fewer terraces will have to be made, and the wider they will be. It is desirable that their platforms do not have a slope at all. Otherwise, the upper ones will begin to destroy the lower ones over time or during heavy rains. But a small slope up to 3° is allowed in extreme cases. The height of each such "step" should be within 60-65 cm (maximum 80 cm), because from the side of the hill it will experience considerable soil pressure.

After measurements and calculations, we proceed to the construction of our terraces. Strengthening the slope on the site is carried out in the following sequence:

1. It is necessary to divide the site into future flat areas (terraces) and mark their boundaries with pegs. For convenience, you can stretch a string between them horizontally.

2. Starting from the bottom, select excess soil on the first future terrace (it can be used for decorative ramparts) until the site is level.

3. From the side of the hill, a sheer earthen wall should be obtained, perpendicular to the site. It needs to be strengthened immediately. External design can be anything - facing tiles, tuff, decorative rock, but internally it must be executed according to certain rules.

Strengthening the slope on the site with the help of terraces with a step height of more than 50 cm requires fixing the retaining wall with beams and pillars. The easiest way is to make them wooden, but before use, do not forget to treat them twice with an antiseptic, mastic or bitumen. Whoever has the opportunity, cover the posts and beams once with coal creosote, as railroads are treated. sleepers. The strength and stability of the tree will be ensured for 50 years.

4. Ready supports to hammer into the ground in close proximity to a sheer earthen wall. It is advisable to drive them into the ground by about 20 cm. The distance between them depends on the height of the step. The larger it is, the more supports are placed. Strengthening the slope in a section of not very steepness, where low supporting walls (up to 30 cm) can be made, does without supports.

5. Driving in the posts, attach the beams to them.

6. Along the entire length of the terrace, pour a strip of screenings about 15-20 cm wide and about 20 cm high.

7. On top of the screening, make a concrete base, and on it a stone or brickwork to the upper level of the supporting wall or slightly higher. Some owners of the plots leave everything like that, others decorate the masonry, creating an incredibly beautiful design.

When the first terrace is ready, all that remains is to cover it with a layer of fertile soil.
The rest of the terraces are made in the same way, and a storm drain is arranged on the top to protect the site from water flows.

Now let's look at how to strengthen the slope of the site on which gardening is not planned. In this case modern technologies offer to use various artificial, semi-artificial and natural materials. All of the methods below do not change the landscape of the site, do not reduce the angle of its slope, but only protect it from destruction.

ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

This is the easiest, cheapest and least laborious way to strengthen slopes, but it has an important drawback. The fact is that you need to use only plants that form a powerful root system. This property is mainly trees, and they grow for a long time. Therefore, while they begin to work as a strengthener, your slope will have time to give you a lot of unpleasant moments. Use for strengthening slopes only herbaceous plants gives only short-term results.

REINFORCED CONCRETE PLATES

Their advantages are durability and high operational reliability. Their disadvantages are the complexity of the work and the high cost. Before laying reinforced concrete plates need to make the slopes perfectly smooth. In principle, they have to be leveled when using other materials, but for reinforced concrete slabs this is the most relevant. Such material usually strengthens the inclined walls of irrigation canals, elevations near bridge supports, and steep banks of reservoirs. Strengthening the slope on the site with the help of reinforced concrete. structures are sometimes combined with terraces. Then it is possible to make the supporting walls of the steps not perpendicular to the ground plane, but with an inclination of up to 45 °.

BIOMATS

They are made from natural materials:
straw;
coconut fibers;
straw-coconut mix.

To improve performance, they are attached to a layer of cellulose and stitched with a polypropylene thread. As a rule, biomats already have grass seeds located in the middle between two layers of fibers. These sandwich structures are produced in three varieties:
-stitched (the most popular, but the seeds germinate unevenly in them);
- made by needle-punched method (the most expensive and most convenient);
- with a layer of seeds attached with special glue (the cheapest, but seeds germinate in them for a very long time because of the glue).

How to strengthen the slope with biomats? Basically, it's easy. The algorithm of work is approximately the following:

1. Dig a shallow groove at the top of the slope. You can not do this, but with a groove, the mount is more reliable.

2. Prepare the slope - level it, remove stones and unnecessary vegetation, compact the soil.

3. If the surface of the slope is too stony or solid clay, it is necessary to lay a layer of soil on it, which must be compacted, for example, with a hand roller. Then the grass will grow better and, accordingly, it will be more reliable to reinforce the slope.

4. Start laying biomats. This is done with a cellulose layer to the ground. Place the first roll with the free end into the groove, securely fix it there.

5. Roll the roll down the slope to its foot.

6. Cut off.

7. The whole, laid module should be properly fixed (nailed to the ground) with stakes, iron brackets and other clamps. In order to get a working strengthening of the slope on the site, it is necessary to ensure full contact of the surfaces of the biomat and the earth.

8. Fasten the edge of the second module in the same way as the first one in the groove.

9. Roll the roll down the slope to the foot. At the same time, he should lie with an overlap on the first one by about 20-30 centimeters.

Thus, the entire slope is covered. Next, the biomats are sprinkled with earth a little. You can water. Grass seeds treated with special growth stimulants should sprout within a week. They grow directly through the fibers of the mat, securely fastening it to the ground.

The positive quality of biomats is that flowers or even shrubs can be sown on them in the future. This type of reinforcement is used on slopes with an inclination angle of 45 °, and if the inclination angle is 30 ° or more, experts recommend laying a geomat on top of the biomat, attaching it well to the ground, and pouring about 2 cm of soil on top.
In addition to biomats, there are biogrid and biofabric on sale.

GEOMATES

This material is a three-dimensional (three-layer) structure of randomly woven fibers of synthetic polymers. This design allows you to very reliably (for centuries) reinforce the slope and fix the roots of small plants (herbs, flowers). Strengthening the slope on the site with geomats is carried out in the same way as with biomats. The difference is that the seeds will need to be sown on their own. Important - lay this material with a smooth surface to the ground. The advantages of geomats are in their high resistance to all chemical solutions, including salt water, resistance to microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation and critical environmental temperatures. Important - geomats do not decompose and do not rot, so they will lie on your site until you remove them yourself. They allow you to strengthen the slopes at an angle of inclination of 70 °.

GEOTEXTILE

Sometimes the slope is strengthened in the area with geotextiles (the second name is geofabric), which structurally differs little from geomats. This material is light, well cut with improvised means, does not pass water, is resistant to aggressive environments, withstands high mechanical loads, is able to resist stretching (120%), does not pierce or tear. With its help, it is possible to strengthen the slope on a site with an angle of inclination of 60 °.

How to strengthen the slope with geotextiles? Some authors suggest doing this on the same principle as the reinforcement with geomats. However, the technology developed by specialists is somewhat different. It is necessary to lay geotextiles on the prepared slope, fix it, install formwork along the perimeter, pour sand, evenly and accurately distribute it over the surface. Lay a second layer of geotextile on top, cover it again with sand (or gravel). Further, the entire structure is covered decorative material- tiles, stone and similar materials.

GEOGRID

This is a construction of glass or polyester threads intertwined in the form of square cells. The geonet is on sale in rolls. The threads from which it is woven are very strong, resistant to chemical and mechanical damage, and do not decompose in the ground. Their thickness may vary. Unlike geomats, which have a solid texture, the geogrid allows you to plant a wider range of plants, including shrubs, on the slopes reinforced by it. How to strengthen the slope with a geogrid? The algorithm is this:
1. Level the slope.
2. Lay out the geogrid modules on it, making it butt-to-butt.
3. Fix the cells on the slope by driving special hooks or anchors into the ground. 4. Pour soil into the cells.
5. Smooth out. If seeds are sown immediately, the soil is watered.
The geogrid allows you to strengthen slopes with a slope of 70 °.

GEOGRID

This material is made from strips of geosynthetics bonded in such a way as to provide very high performance in protecting slopes from erosion, slips and landslides. How to strengthen the slope with a geogrid?
1. Drive anchors into the ground along the slope. The marking is made along the perimeter of the stacked module.
2. To ensure maximum reliability of slope reinforcement, lay geotextile under the geogrid, but you can not do this.
3. Fill the cells of the geogrid with the selected material (soil or stones). A geogrid can strengthen a slope with an inclination of 70 °. In operation, it is more reliable than a geogrid.

METAL GRID

On very steep slopes, as well as in mountainous and rocky areas where there is a high probability of rockfall, use a more expensive metal mesh. It is made by torsion of galvanized steel wire in the form of cells of various sizes. Galvanized mesh can be produced with a polymer coating that extends its service life.

GABIONS

This slope reinforcement is a metal wicker structure similar to large boxes. Inside they are divided into sections. The wire from which the boxes are made has a double twist, which ensures high strength and allows you to save the structure as a whole when it breaks in one place.
How to strengthen the slope with gabions? The technology is as follows:
1. Install the first row of boxes at the base of the slope.
2. Attach them to the ground with metal rods.
3. The next row is attached to the previous one with a hard wire. 4.Fill the installed gabions with stones so that the large ones lie in the corners and along the perimeter.
Such structures serve not only to strengthen slopes, but also to protect against rockfalls. You can use them on a slope of any steepness. After a while, grass and other vegetation appear in the gabion stones, which makes them even more reliable.

LAWN GRATES

These reinforcing materials are very easy to install, inexpensive and easy to use. They can be used where the angle of inclination of the surface is up to a maximum of 8 °. These gratings are made of plastic, which gives the grass surface of the lawn additional stability, but does not decompose in the ground. Lawn gratings are sold in separate modules 40x60 cm, which are fastened to each other with special latches at the work site.

How to strengthen the slope with such structures? First you need to prepare it by pouring a layer of earth or gravel up to 3 cm thick on it, level it, lay the lattice module on top, fill the cells with soil, sow seeds, water.

In conclusion, I would like to note that when strengthening slopes, depending on local landscape conditions, it is advisable to simultaneously use several different materials, for example, combine gabions with geomats and geogrids, geogrids with geotextiles, planting trees with biomats or other materials and structures that give a quick the effect. It will be somewhat more expensive in finance and more labor-intensive, but it will allow you to strengthen the slope with high reliability.

Landings on the terrace

Owners of sites with uneven terrain quite often face the problem of how to strengthen the slopes. The issue is solved in a variety of ways, including planting. At the same time, it is important not only to stop the destructive process, but also to fit the slope into the overall design of the garden.

Ways to strengthen

On relatively flat territories, there are ravines and hills, heterogeneity of micro- and mesorelief. In such areas, there are often problems associated with landslides and soil erosion from slopes. Both linear and planar water erosion can cause great damage to the soil cover. A special danger threatens unturfed slopes, which lack not only trees and shrubs, but also herbaceous vegetation.

There are quite a few ways to counteract erosion phenomena.

On steep slopes, a system of flat terraces with retaining walls is arranged.
One of the effective methods of strengthening slopes can be the creation of a rock garden or a rocky hill, while terracing the slope is complemented by planting soil-fixing ornamental plants.
At large angles of inclination, metal gabion meshes filled with stone, as well as geogrids, cellular geogrids and geomats, in which mixtures of lawn grasses are sown, help.

But still, one of the most environmentally friendly ways to combat erosion processes is to fix the slopes by planting trees and shrubs that form a well-developed root system. This method is most effective when the slope is less than 25–30%. However, even on steeper slopes, geogrid or geogrid plantings can be made, which further strengthens the soil.

The mentioned method is also used for afforestation of large areas in conditions of rugged terrain, and for strengthening slopes during road construction, and for landscaping park areas and household plots.

An example of the use of phytoplasty

Securing slopes with trees and shrubs- this is the area of activity in which there may be necessary knowledge in the field of engineering biology and ecology, landscape design and dendrology.

So, what plants will help fix the soil on the slopes?

Volumetric root system

First of all, these are tree species with a branched, fairly voluminous root system, such as

mountain ash,
rowan intermediate,
small-leaved linden,
ash is tall.

Strong fibrous roots that bind the soil well form:

bird cherry,
maple,
field maple,
ash-leaved maple,
maple red and some others,
most elms and beeches.

Under certain conditions, the fibrous root system is also laid common horse chestnut, drooping birch And downy birch And some conifers: common larch, common pine, some firs, although It should be noted that the nature of the root system in these species varies significantly.

A site with even a slight difference in relief can be transformed by a retaining wall decorated with perennials

IN lesser degree This problem can be solved by plants with a tap root system, although it goes deep into the soil, but is not very branched. These include:

pedunculate oak and some other types of oak,
alder black,
amur velvet,
nuts,
many hawthorns,
pseudohemlock Menzies,
on soils with a light granulometric composition - apples, pears and plums.

superficial root system

Species with shallow, underdeveloped roots effectively fix only the upper soil horizons on slopes, reducing erosion threats but little reducing the risk of landslides. This group of trees and shrubs includes:

many ate
poplars,
aspen,
red oak,
white acacia,
different types of irgi.

Shallow roots are also noted:

at Japanese purple,
maple silver,
ginnal maple,
cypress trees,
thuja western,
canadian hemlock,
at the goat's willow,
brittle willow,
white willow and many others but this “disadvantage” is more than compensated by their high coppice activity.

It's important to know

Plants with a flat, shallow root system are usually more susceptible to windfall, and may also suffer from a lack of soil moisture, which is often noted on slopes. All this somewhat limits their use for fixing the soil.

The organization of a system of trails on the slopes can replace terracing

shrubs

Quite a powerful and branched root system is distinguished by many shrubs:

honeysuckle,
fuckers,
and you,
spirea,
privet,
barberries.

They are also successfully used to fix slopes:

caragana tree,
aralia,
vesicles,
derains,
wild roses.

The slope is decorated and reinforced with rose hips

To strengthen and decorate steep slopes and retaining walls, the planting of creeping and creeping shrubs is widely used, and in addition, thicket-type perennials that help create a dense or even continuous ground cover.

Among the shrubs, which in such an environment will look the most natural and decorative, one should opt for forms with a crown spread or pressed to the ground, such as, for example, creeping willow And rocky willow, cotoneaster horizontal And cotoneaster tiny, barberry Thunberg ‘Green Carpet’ or stefanander incised.

Important Details

The greatest anti-erosion effect is usually achieved with a row landing across the slope, however, for decorative purposes, trees and shrubs can be planted in separate picturesque groups.

It's important to know

It should be borne in mind that the nature of the root system of the same species varies significantly depending on the type of soil and soil on which they grow. Thus, many plants on soils that are light in mechanical composition develop a deeper, tap root system, and on highly compacted, as well as heavy, damp soils, they develop a superficial one.

There are quite a few tree and shrub species that form rooting shoots or root offspring. Due to this, they can relatively quickly fix the soil surface over a large area around the mother plant. This ability is:

derain white,
offspring deren,
sea buckthorn,
alder gray,
aspen,
other poplars,
bird cherry,
blackthorn.

The tendency of plants to form offspring increases significantly with mechanical damage to the root system, therefore, by loosening the trunk circle, this process can be strengthened.

In addition to the above plants, this feature also differs:

deer-horned sumac,
white acacia,
common raspberry,
sweet raspberry,
blackberry cut and
blackberry garden,
goof silver,
goof narrow-leaved,
some rosehips,
rowanberry,
buckthorn laxative.

A number of species of trees and shrubs take root easily when propagated by their green and lignified stem cuttings, as well as root cuttings. By planting them in rows or in a checkerboard pattern in the soil on hillsides, steep river banks, road slopes and dams, plantings can be quickly created that effectively delay the development of erosion. These plants include:

alder gray,
many kinds of willows and poplars,
common barberry,
barberry Thunberg,
less – forsythia intermediate, mountain ash, common hazel, mock orange, some turfs, lilacs and spireas.

Using mock orange ‘Aurea’ for slope decoration

creepers

Some creepers can also be used to design and fix slopes, relief differences and retaining walls, such as:

lemongrass,
parthenocissus,
wood pliers,
princes,
ivy (in the southern regions of the country),
climbing roses.

When grown on the ground, without tall supports, they will act as ground cover crops.

Many varieties of climbing roses, cultivated as creeping, as well as ground cover roses with arcuate, drooping or whip-like shoots. They, as a rule, are characterized by abundant and rather long flowering, and in addition, they are very unpretentious and frost-resistant.

Coniferous ground cover

A significant role in fixing and decorating embankments and slopes is played by rather unpretentious ground cover conifers. Nurseries now offer a large selection of species and varieties creeping junipers, pines, firs and other conifers, extremely diverse in the shape of the bush, texture and shades of needles.

These can be widespread:

juniper Cossack,
m. horizontal
m. scaly,
m. ordinary, for example variety ‘Repanda’,
pressed to the ground mountain pine cultivars, or
openwork microbiota cross-paired.

By combining plants according to the color of the needles, you can create an original colorful carpet based on contrasts of green, bluish-blue and golden yellow tones.

And all the rest

In addition to tree and shrub species, they are also planted on the slopes.creeping and ampelous perennials and shrubs, such as:

loosestrife coin,
periwinkle,
green lamiastrum,
creeping tenacious,
budra ivy,
waldstein trifoliate,
pachysandra apical.

Herbaceous plants, of course, have a lesser effect on the soil, but can be used as a useful addition to planted woody species. In addition, many perennials perfectly decorate the slopes.

Very effective, for example, creeping types of phlox:

Phlox subulate,
Douglas Phlox,
star phlox,
phlox soddy,
snow phlox,
Phlox dwarf,
their varieties, forming dense sods.

Silver spots diversify the appearance of slopes woolly stakhis, felt snail and Bieberstein sapling, speckled cyme, colored curtains of creeping tenacity, thyme, shaving, arabis, sedums and other prostrate and carpet perennials.

These plants, planted with their ecological characteristics in mind, are well suited for fixing, masking and decorating small mounds and slopes in gardens and cottages.

Choosing a style

It is well known that there are only two main garden styles: formal And free , and already within each of them separate artistic movements are formed. Therefore, in relation to the tasks of designing slopes, we can talk about two stylistic settings. We have no choice but to choose between regular and landscape directions or try to combine them within one project.

The formal approach was widely used even during the Renaissance, when terraced gardens became widespread in Italy. In most cases, they were a system of terraces, retaining walls, flights of stairs and ramps organizing the slope into a decorative architectural-sculptural-vegetative composition, often with the use of flowing water and numerous water devices. Modern options terracing slopes, in fact, are not much fundamentally different from those that have been tested for a long time.

Landscape style frames are perhaps more spacious. They allow the designer to work in a wide range from organizing the simplest group plantings of tree and shrub species or ground cover crops on slopes to designing the landscape of slopes. modern methods geoplastics.

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