Before You Buy a House With a View, Think About the Potential for Erosion
Have you noticed how residential properties with a view tend to cost more than the alternative? This is because people love to live in an elevated house to see the surrounding countryside and enjoy more sunlight. Little wonder, therefore, that developers have built so many new housing estates on undulating land in your area, but if you are tempted to buy one of these properties, you may want to consider some of the consequences. In particular, look at the drainage and protect your investment from run-off.
Risk of Erosion
If you buy an elevated property with a view, some of the surrounding land may well sit at a gradient. If that land is still in its natural state, you will need to protect it as much as possible, especially when it comes to the rainy season in Australia.
Relatively unprotected land will quickly erode when exposed to wind and rain. This can lead to various problems that will affect not just your property but the surrounding area.
Areas of Concern
- The footings beneath a patio or driveway may come under pressure as the underlying soil starts to deplete. This can lead to cracking or worse and an inevitable bill if you're not careful.
- Your property will look worse for wear if you lose a lot of topsoil, and you may get into trouble with the HOA if they have certain rules related to appearance.
- You may find that silt and other debris starts to accumulate towards the lowest point of your property, and you may need to clear this away regularly if it interferes with access.
- What if the problem you experience at your home is duplicated throughout your neighbourhood? This soil may find its way into the drainage system and cause a blockage leading to a potential flood. It may also pollute local waterways leading to issues with wildlife.
Planting
There are many ways to deal with this situation. One popular choice is to use a specific type of plant to prevent your hillside erosion. When they take root, these plants will tend to bind the soil so that it cannot escape. Certain types of trees or bushes are beneficial, as the canopies will divert any heavy rainfall and, in turn, protect the underlying soil.
Terracing
Alternatively, you may choose to create a series of terraces that look like steps – that you can populate with plantings or other crops. This is an excellent solution as it will break up any slope and stop any run-off from simply flowing straight down to the lowest point.
Crafting a Plan
Get together with your landscaping expert for further advice on erosion control. They will help you choose the most appropriate plants to prevent your problems in the first place.