What Are the Best Landscape Supplies for Erosion Control on Sloped Yards?

Does your garden slope a little more than you’d like? If you’re constantly dealing with washed-away soil, exposed roots, or patchy plants, erosion might be the culprit. Sloped yards, especially in areas with heavy rainfall like Wollongong, can lose topsoil quickly if not properly stabilised.

In this blog, we’ll explore why erosion control matters, which types of soil and mulch help the most, and how quality local landscape supplies can support healthier, longer-lasting results.

Even gentle slopes can lose topsoil during rain or strong winds. On steeper gradients, the risk is higher—water doesn’t get absorbed as well and flows downhill fast, taking soil and nutrients with it. This creates uneven surfaces, exposes roots, and limits plant growth.

Beyond appearance, erosion can create safety risks, undermine paved areas, or lead to water pooling in undesirable spots. Taking steps early can prevent bigger issues later.



Erosion control isn’t just about stopping the soil from sliding away—it’s also about improving the structure of your garden, maintaining water balance, and supporting plant health in the long term.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sloped landscapes. The right combination of soil, mulch, and landscaping techniques can provide stability while supporting healthy garden growth. Below are some commonly used landscape supplies for erosion control in Wollongong and similar NSW areas.

Soil Types That Support Retention

Choosing the right soil is one of the first steps in erosion control. Not all soil holds water the same way, and poor-quality soil can worsen runoff problems.

• Loamy soil: This is often considered ideal for erosion-prone areas. It retains water well, supports plant growth, and has enough structure to stay put during rainfall.
• Composted soil blends: These enrich the area with nutrients and improve water absorption, reducing surface runoff.
• Clay-based soil (used sparingly): In small quantities, it can help bind loose soil, though too much may cause drainage issues.

If you're unsure what’s beneath your garden surface, a soil test can help identify whether you need to amend or replace sections with a more stable blend.

Mulch for Slope Protection

Mulch acts as a protective blanket over the soil. It slows water flow, limits evaporation, and adds organic matter as it breaks down.

• Organic mulch (wood chips, bark): A good choice for sloped areas. It helps retain moisture and adds structure.
• Straw or sugarcane mulch: Ideal for gardens with frequent planting or temporary ground cover needs.
• Pine bark: Breaks down slower than other organic options, making it suitable for long-term erosion prevention on steeper inclines.

Apply mulch at the recommended depth (typically 50–75 mm), but avoid packing it too tightly—this can lead to poor drainage and water pooling.

Mulch and soil amendments are only part of the solution. Selecting ground cover plants or turf varieties with strong root systems helps anchor the soil long-term. This is particularly useful in Wollongong’s variable weather conditions.

• Turf grass: Soft-leaf buffalo or couch grass is often used on slopes due to its dense root structure and coverage.
• Native groundcovers: Species like Myoporum or Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’ help keep soil intact while needing less maintenance.
• Ornamental grasses: Lomandra and Dianella provide root depth and a structured aesthetic.

Plant roots knit through the soil and reduce the speed of water movement. Pairing turf or ground cover with proper landscape supplies can create a resilient, low-maintenance yard.

Along with the right materials, the design and construction of the garden itself play a role in erosion prevention. These strategies work well alongside soil and mulch options.

• Terracing: Cutting flat sections into a slope can reduce water speed and create defined planting areas.
• Retaining walls: Often used with compacted backfill and drainage layers, these can physically block soil movement.
• Drainage channels or swales: Direct runoff water to lower, less sensitive areas of the yard.
• Jute netting or erosion mats: Temporarily stabilise slopes while plants establish root systems.



Discussing these options with your landscaper or soil supplier can help you determine what combination of supplies and design choices works for your slope size and budget.

When sourcing materials like soil, mulch, or turf in NSW, it helps to work with local suppliers who understand the region’s soil types and weather conditions. Choosing landscape supplies in Wollongong gives you access to:

• Materials suited to local slopes and drainage challenges.
• Shorter delivery times and more consistent product quality.
• Advice tailored to coastal NSW environments, including salt exposure and wind.



Using trusted local materials also reduces the risk of bringing in pests or weeds from imported soil blends.

Erosion control isn’t just about stopping loss—it’s also an opportunity to boost your landscape’s productivity and appeal. By choosing the right landscape supplies near you, you can help support:

• Long-term root development: Better soil means stronger plants that stay anchored.
• Nutrient balance: Local composted blends often suit native plants better.
• Healthier moisture levels: High-quality mulch keeps water where it’s needed most, especially in summer.



Rather than fighting erosion as a recurring problem, shifting to a preventative and plant-focused approach can improve your yard’s look and performance over time.

Find Quality Landscape Supplies in Wollongong for Erosion Control

Managing erosion on sloped yards starts with choosing the right landscape supplies. By using high-quality, locally sourced materials, homeowners can help maintain soil stability and encourage healthy plant growth. From organic mulch to stabilising soil blends, thoughtful choices can reduce runoff and support long-term garden performance



At Ryans Turf, we supply landscape materials suited to Wollongong’s unique conditions. Contact us today to find the right erosion control solutions for your yard.