3 Surprising Reasons You May Need To Address Erosion On Your Property

Erosion is something that many homeowners never consider, especially if they don't live on the coast. However, erosion isn't just a problem for beaches. Rainfall can cause erosion nearly anywhere, leading to drainage issues or damaging landscaping. In severe cases, erosion may create new water channels that can threaten foundations, driveways, or other structures.

While erosion is a natural process that doesn't necessarily require human intervention, it can also be an unexpected consequence of landscaping or construction decisions. If you've recently made any of these three changes to your property, you may need to take steps to address and prevent erosion.

1. Clearing Ground Cover

A nice lawn can make a property look great, but it's more than just an aesthetic decision. Groundcover such as grass helps secure soil against erosion by absorbing water and anchoring the loose topsoil. However, well-manicured turf isn't the only ground cover that serves this function. Heavy weeds, grass, and other forms of wild ground cover serve a similar role.

If you've been clearing away overgrown parts of your property, you may inadvertently create the potential for erosion. Leaving sections of topsoil bare provides a path for water to wash away the surface, potentially even causing damage to other parts of your property. If you don't immediately replace this cover, it may be necessary to repair any erosion before using the newly cleared land.

2. Changes in Foot Traffic

Can walking on your lawn lead to erosion? Surprisingly, the answer is "yes." While using your lawn won't cause the soil to erode, a substantial change in foot traffic can have an impact over time. For example, if you've started to walk directly over a portion of your lawn every day, you may gradually wear a small footpath that can create a channel for water.

Unfortunately, even small changes such as this can lead to substantial property erosion. You may notice puddles forming near the area of excessive foot traffic or even water beginning to wear away your lawn or other plants. While installing a proper pathway can help prevent this issue from recurring, you'll typically still need to repair any existing erosion caused by the change in water drainage behavior.

3. Ignoring Signs of Trouble

Erosion can occur on even wall-maintained properties, but spotting and addressing problems can often prevent the most severe damage. However, many people may ignore these early warning signs, like puddles or streams forming during heavy rains. These symptoms typically indicate a problem with drainage or grading, both of which can rapidly cause soil erosion.

Even seemingly small amounts of water can carry away a surprising amount of soil if you wait long enough. As more soil washes away from your property, erosion problems will gradually worsen. Once you begin to notice these issues developing on your lawn, it's critical to repair any erosion they've already caused and fix the underlying issue as soon as possible. 

Reach out to an erosion restoration service to find out more.

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