UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Erosion and drainage problems can cause major damage to property and can even lower the value of a home, says an urban forester in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"Erosion from drainage coming from higher elevations is the most common water problem homeowners face," says Scott Sjolander, Penn State Cooperative Extension urban forester based in Crawford County. "Erosion can be stopped if you know what to look for."

Sjolander says homeowners easily can check for current or potential drainage problems around the home.

--Flood plain maps. Every municipality should have flood plain maps. "If you own land or a home within a flood plain, there's a chance it will be inundated with water at some point," Sjolander says. "If you buy a home in a flood plain, banks require that you take out a flood insurance policy. Don't assume floods will never happen to you."

--Check for hydric (wet) soils. "Hydric," or wet soils can be detected by making a simple inspection of the property. Look for soil that is gray, blue or black. The soil also may emit a sulfurous or sour odor. "Because these areas collect water, they will be muddy, and they may be too wet to mow in the spring," Sjolander says.

"Certain types of vegetation, such as Kentucky bluegrass and trees such as junipers, cedars and white oaks may not grow well in these areas."

Sjolander recommends that homeowners watch where runoff water flows and exits on their property. If runoff occurs on a relatively flat area, homeowners can plant a vegetative filter strip.

"A filter strip can be perfectly suited for residential developments," Sjolander says. "Establishing a filter strip of grasses, shrubs and trees is the easiest and most effective way to curb erosion problems."

Placing plants in highly erodable areas is called critical area planting. Homeowners can use a variety of vegetation ranging from turfgrass to woodland plants. Sjolander recommends checking the surrounding area for naturally occurring plants to see which species seem the most vigorous.

"Homeowners should consider several factors when choosing a filter plant," he says. "Sun and shade compatibility, soil types, pH, climate and durability all can affect the success of the planting."

Sjolander warns that homeowners should avoid planting exotic species or competitive native species that could take over the site, pushing out other native plants. Exotic species, such as Phragmites, or the common reed, and natives such as black locust should not be planted.

If runoff is severe, Sjolander suggests building temporary or permanent barriers.

--Bale Barrier. A straw bale barrier should be entrenched and anchored across an area where erosion occurs. The temporary barrier prevents sediment-laden runoff and directs water elsewhere.

--Silt Fence. A simple barrier of geotextile -- a woven material available at hardware stores, home centers and lumber yards -- stretched across supporting posts also will provide temporary relief until a permanent solution can be found.

--Swale. "A swale is a permanent broad depression that can be built in your yard to carry water more directly where you want it," Sjolander explains. "Be sure the swale has enough downhill slope to prevent pond formation." Swales should drain into a creek, street, wooded area or drainage easement.

Sjolander says the swale surface should be sodded, and homeowners should consider staking the area for protection. "If water flows over a steeper grade, you may have to terrace the area," Sjolander says.

Sjolander says homeowners can "stair-step" an area by installing timbers to form terraces. The timbers should be anchored into the earth a minimum of 4 inches, tilted back upslope and fastened with steel spikes or reinforcing rods (rebar). "Water vents should drain at the wall base to prevent washouts from built-up water pressure," he says. "Timbers will rot eventually. You can replace them or allow the terraces to slump naturally as vegetation becomes established."

Sjolander says terraces can be built using rock, brick or blocks, but these materials require more preparation and look less natural.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Scott Sjolander at 814-333-7460.

Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax