The two biggest causes of erosion to bare soil are wind and rain . If there are no roots present to hold the soil in place, runoff from rain along with the power of wind can move that soil elsewhere causing erosion.
Tree root systems are the perfect defense against erosion from water. When grouped together, larger roots will hold the soil in place and improve drainage. They also prevent soil compaction and provide water a necessary route to soak into the ground rather than drift to another location.
Foliage from trees helps to catch or intercept falling rain before it hits the soil. Rainwater then runs from the foliage onto branches then down the trunk where it is absorbed directly into the soil.
