Preventing Soil Erosion

A DIY homeowner can create soil composition issues on their own by removing shrubs, grass, plants and trees. These landscape features protect the topsoil. Without a protective topsoil layer in place, the ground underneath has a difficult time attracting and keeping any moisture. Because of this, the earth around the home can easily expand and contract. This places an enormous amount of pressure on your home foundation.  Continuous stress on your foundation will ultimately lead to cracking. If left untreated, you might experience problems with your roof, chimney, walls, flooring and doors.

Landscaping contractors focus on the visual appeal of the exterior of your home and structural systems they put in place. Most landscape contractors are not aware of the effects their actions may have on the soil. If you have a tree removed from the ground, eventually the root system below the surface will die. Once this occurs the soil will erode. Now, think of this on a different scale. If you have several shrubs removed from around the perimeter of your home and the root system is not backfilled, once again there is an opportunity for soil to erode and your foundation to shift.

Last, the extreme weather in the Houston area is great at eroding the topsoil if someone does not take proper precautions to prevent it. Flash flooding rains and periods of extreme drought all impact the condition of the soil surrounding your home. Ensuring that water moves away from your home when it is raining and moisture is kept in the soil during the Summer months are just a few ways to slow the effects caused by the Texas weather.