What is a Berm?
A berm is a mound of soil that is often used in landscaping to create a variety of effects. Berms can be used to hold water in around plants, slow or direct water runoff on steep slopes, create natural looking raised beds, highlight focal points in the garden, or redirect traffic. Berms are often overlooked because they are designed to blend into the landscape, but they can be a valuable tool for gardeners and landscape designers.
How to Build a Berm in the Home Landscape
There are no hard and fast rules for building a berm, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the shape and design of your berm will depend on the needs of your landscape and your own aesthetic preferences. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow:
- A berm should be four to six times longer than it is wide.
- A berm should not be any taller than 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm) in height.
- Create wide curves that transition seamlessly into the landscape.
What are Berms Used For?
Berms have a variety of uses in the home landscape. They can be used to:
- Hold water in around plants: Berms can be used to create a raised bed around plants, which helps to hold water in and prevent it from running away from the roots. This is especially beneficial for plants that need a lot of water, such as tomatoes and peppers.
- Slow or direct water runoff: Berms can be used to slow down or redirect water runoff on steep slopes. This helps to prevent erosion and flooding.
- Create natural looking raised beds: Berms can be used to create raised beds that look natural and blend in with the surrounding landscape. This is a great way to grow vegetables and flowers in areas with poor drainage.
- Highlight focal points: Berms can be used to highlight focal points in the garden, such as a statue, a fountain, or a group of plants.
- Redirect traffic: Berms can be used to redirect foot traffic or bike traffic in the garden. This is a great way to keep people from walking or riding through delicate plants.
Plants to Grow on Berms
When choosing plants to grow on berms, it is important to keep microclimates in mind. Microclimates are small areas that have different environmental conditions than the surrounding area. For example, the top of a berm is typically drier and sunnier than the bottom.
Here are a few tips for choosing plants to grow on berms:
- Choose plants that are tolerant of the conditions on the berm. For example, if you are planting on the top of a berm, choose plants that are drought tolerant.
- Group plants together according to their water needs. For example, plant moisture-loving plants at the bottom of the berm and drought-tolerant plants at the top.
- Use mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How to Use Mulch on Berms
Mulch is a layer of material that is spread over the soil to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch can also help to prevent erosion on berms.
When using mulch on berms, it is important to choose a material that is appropriate for the plants you are growing and the conditions on the berm. For example, if you are growing drought-tolerant plants on a sunny berm, you can use a coarse mulch, such as wood chips or bark. If you are growing moisture-loving plants on a shady berm, you can use a finer mulch, such as compost or peat moss.
How to Design a Berm to Fit Your Landscape
The shape and design of your berm will depend on the needs of your landscape and your own aesthetic preferences. However, there are a few general tips that you can follow:
- Consider the overall size and shape of your landscape. A small landscape will not be able to accommodate a large berm.
- Think about the purpose of the berm. What do you want to use it for?
- Choose a location for the berm that will not interfere with other features in your landscape.
- Sketch out a plan for the berm before you start digging. This will help you to visualize the finished product and make sure that it will fit in with your landscape.
How to Create a Natural Looking Raised Bed Using a Berm
A berm can be used to create a raised bed that looks natural and blends in with the surrounding landscape. This is a great way to grow vegetables and flowers in areas with poor drainage.
To create a raised bed using a berm, follow these steps:
- Dig a trench around the perimeter of the desired bed. The trench should be about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
- Build a berm around the trench using the soil from the trench. The berm should be about 18 inches high and 24 inches wide.
- Fill the bed with topsoil and compost.
- Plant your vegetables or flowers in the bed.
How to Use Berms to Highlight a Focal Point in the Garden
Berms can be used to highlight focal points in the garden, such as a statue, a fountain, or a group of plants. To do this, create a berm around the focal point. The berm should be about 12 inches high and 18 inches wide. Plant a variety of flowers and shrubs on the berm to create a colorful and eye-catching display.
How to Use Berms in Golf Courses to Create Challenges and Hazards
Berms are often used in golf courses to create challenges and hazards. For example, a berm can be placed in the middle of a fairway to force golfers to hit over it. Or, a berm can be placed around a green to make it more difficult to putt.
How to Use Berms in BMX or Mountain Bike Courses to Steer Riders
Berms are also used in BMX or mountain bike courses to steer riders. For example, a berm can be placed on the outside of a turn to help riders stay on course. Or, a berm can be placed on the inside of a jump to help riders land safely.
How to Create a Berm for Water Conservation and Drainage
Berms can also be used to conserve water and improve drainage. For example, a berm can be placed around a rain garden to help collect and store rainwater. Or, a berm can be placed around a drainage ditch to help slow down the flow of water and prevent erosion.
