Erosion Control
Water is definitely a powerful element, one that should not be underestimated. Here, when it rains, it rains hard. The ground is often so dry that the water runs off it and can cause a lot of damage.

This is something to consider when choosing a building site and when preparing the foundation. You do not want torrents of run-off getting in, around or under your home.

Other than foresight, plants are one of the best ways to control erosion. They’ll suck up water, and their root structure will help hold the earth together. Just look at the damage caused when large chunks of rain forest are cut down.

Trenches are another good way to divert water away from where you don’t want it, to where it can be useful. We have a trench system across our property, which carries water away from the buildings and into our outside garden. The garden is terraced, which slows down the flow and allows the plants to soak it up.

In this type of water diversion system, your trenches must be large enough to disperse an unimaginable amount of water, just in case.  We have seen rains of over 5 inches within an hour out here, and all of a sudden, the desert is flooded. Avoid sharp turns or drastic changes in slopes, as this will slow the water down.  You want the cleanest and most efficient path for the water to travel smoothly and out of the way.