Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried by water and deposited somewhere else in locations such as storm drains, stream or lakes. In addition to the soil sediment, runoff carries fertilizer and other pollutants with it. Runoff entering lakes and streams is water that is needed to soak through the soil to resupply our groundwater. Reducing erosion and runoff is important to protect both our garden soils and our water supplies. Erosion and runoff on the home landscape also create unsightly bare areas and deposit mud and dust on driveways and walks that is then tracked indoors.
Erosion begins when rain or irrigation water loosens soil particles.
With enough speed, this surface runoff carries away the loosened soil. Runoff from roofs and paved surfaces can also contribute to erosion when large amounts of water are directed to an area that is unable to absorb it quickly enough. Signs of erosion include the exposure of tree roots, small stones and rocks on the soil surface. Small rills and gullies begin on exposed soil, or soil will splash onto windows or walls as soil erodes. Eroded soil will also collect in low areas or depressions in paved areas.