Landscapes look best when they’re properly maintained. Practicing basic lawn care allows you to keep a close eye on the ground and resolve problems before they get worse. Among the most common is soil erosion, which can affect both the yard’s appearance and its long-term health. Here’s what you should know about this issue.

What Is Soil Erosion?

Erosion is an event that occurs when topsoil on the landscape loosens and shifts. It can occur due to natural events, like heavy gusts of wind or runoff from rainwater. The moisture irrigates the ground, essentially displacing the soil and all its valuable nutrients. Even improper gardening methods, like tilling erratically, can cause erosion. This problem can be aesthetically displeasing and take away from your lawn care efforts if you’re concerned with maintaining a healthy landscape.

How Does It Cause Harm?

The microorganisms and nutrients in topsoil contribute to the health and vitality of your landscape. They help flowers, plants, and trees thrive. When those elements are depleted, however, the quality of the soil weakens dramatically, and the health of your vegetation declines. Erosion can also impact the land’s grading, especially in more dramatic situations where drainage concerns are prominent. It also affects the environment, as runoff can potentially contaminate the water supply and harm wildlife and marine life.

Why Are Retaining Walls Helpful?

Installing a retaining wall is one of the most useful lawn care solutions available to resolve erosion. They’re designed to prevent soil from moving and are particularly helpful for landscapes where the ground isn’t level, such as slopes, where erosion is more likely to develop. These walls can also direct water in the right direction, preventing harmful runoff and contributing to an efficient drainage system that prevents oversaturation, flooding, and pooling water.

If you could use help with your landscape or have soil erosion concerns, turn to the team at DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care in Nekoosa, WI. Proudly serving clients throughout Wood County, the company offers a variety of lawn care solutions designed to improve the condition of your landscape. They install quality retaining walls to effectively prevent displaced soil. Visit the landscaping company online for more information about their services, or call (715) 325-5548 to speak with a representative.