Question
I live in Florida where every thing stands of sand.  My back yard has a slight slope and I have a deck that helps reduce the visual effect, but not the physical.  Every time it rains more and more sand erodes away from under my deck.  I can't plant any thing to help with this problem so I thought I'd put it a tiered system to reduce the water flow. My only problem I am having with this solution is I don't know what product I should use on top of the sand and landscaping felt.  Should I use rubber mulch?  Or maybe put plastic to keep the water off all together?  I don't want water to pool up any were and I don't know if  building a tiered system will help of just increase the problem.  HELP please!

Answer
I do not support the use of any plastic or rubber products as mulch or barriers. They break down and end up in our environment polluting it for many many years and they really don't work any better than natural solutions. I suggest a thick 6" min layer of cypress mulch or 3 to 4" of peagravel. Peagravel may cost more but will be permanent. Cypress Mulch will require annual topping off to keep it thick since it slowly degrades over time.
Both will look good.

Best of Luck

Sean J Murphy, RLA,ISA,LEED AP
Amenity Architects
Southeastern Engineering, Inc. (SEI)