Soil erosion is the process by which soil washes away from a given area. There are two main factors that impact how much soil erodes off of a landscape: how long bare soil is exposed for and how much bare soil is exposed.
Erosion control services are designed to help mitigate soil erosion in landscapes, but even the best methods won’t work if they aren’t being applied where they’re needed. Here are some common signs that you may need erosion control services.
Bald Spots
Bald spots are a common sign of soil erosion. If the land lacks vegetation — especially if there was once a lot of it — it may mean the soil conditions are inadequate. Check to see if soil has built up downhill from the bald spots.
Cracks, Rills, or Floating Islands
If your property has a creek or stream running through it, you may notice that the water looks unusually muddy. You may also see cracks along the banks or small rivulets running across your property, heading toward the creek or stream. These all indicate that the soil is washing away.
Exposed Roots
Tree roots are meant to be underground, so when they become exposed, this indicates serious erosion problems. Roots may be exposed due to water runoff, but they can also result from extremely windy conditions.
Differences in Landscape
Unexpected changes in your landscape are a tell-tale sign of erosion problems. Erosion exposes things that are normally hidden underground, such as rocks and roots. If you begin to notice changes in your landscape, it could very well be a sign that you need erosion control services.
The Bottom Line
Soil erosion can be caused by a variety of factors including wind, water runoff, tilling, inadequate vegetation, and even the general topography of the land. When soil erodes, it detaches from where it is, moves, then deposits itself somewhere else (typically downhill or downwind of the original area). It can even end up in streams, creeks, and other water sources.
It’s important to keep an eye on your property for these common signs of soil erosion. If caught early, corrective action can be taken, and you can retain most — if not all — of the soil on your property. For more information on how we can help, please contact us today.