5 Signs You Need a Solution for Erosion Control Before Major Damage Occurs

Erosion is one of those problems homeowners don’t always notice right away, but once it starts, it can escalate quickly. Shifting soil, heavy rain, water runoff, and drainage issues gradually wear away the ground around your home or property. When left untreated, erosion can lead to major structural damage, water intrusion, slope failure, and expensive repairs.

The key is catching early warning signs before the soil around your property becomes unstable. If you address erosion early, you can protect your home, your landscaping, and your foundation with long-lasting solutions.

Here are the top five signs you need a solution for erosion control before the problem becomes serious. We’ll also discuss how products like ShoreSOX®, offered by Foremost Foundations & Construction, can restore stability and prevent future damage.

1. Exposed Roots or Bare Patches of Soil

One of the earliest signs of erosion is when healthy grass, mulch, or topsoil starts disappearing. You may notice tree or shrub roots beginning to show, patches where soil seems washed away, or areas where plants no longer grow. If you have turf, you may also notice that it thins after heavy rains.

When soil washes off the surface, it means water is carrying away nutrients and destabilizing the ground. Over time, this can cause sinking, shifting, and even foundation damage. Without intervention, erosion will continue to move closer to your home, driveway, or retaining walls.

2. Standing Water or Pooling After Rain

If water sits on your property long after a storm, it’s a clear sign that your yard isn’t draining properly. Pooling water often indicates soil compaction, grade failure, or runoff flowing toward your home. Poor drainage can then lead to hydrostatic pressure, which can push water into your basement or crawl space and weaken your foundation over time.

Bottom line: Pooling water doesn’t just erode the surface—it digs deeper channels that grow over time. This makes erosion worse with every storm.

3. Cracks in Your Driveway, Sidewalk, or Patio

When erosion occurs underneath concrete surfaces, the soil slowly washes away, leaving empty pockets below the structure. Concrete is heavy, and when that support disappears, the surface starts to crack, tilt, sink, or separate from surrounding areas. Even small cracks or seams pulling apart can be early warning signs that erosion is happening below the surface.

If you catch these signs early, erosion can be stopped before driveways or walkways become unsafe or require full replacement.

4. Slopes or Hillsides That Are Starting to Shift

If your property sits on a slope or even has a slight grade, you may notice:

• Soil sliding down the hill

• Ruts or grooves forming

• Mulch constantly washing away

• Retaining walls leaning or bowing

• Sinkholes or soft spots

Sloped areas are extremely vulnerable to erosion because water naturally flows downhill, carrying soil with it. However, without intervention, erosion on slopes can lead to landslides, retaining wall failure, and foundation settlement.

5. Soil Pulling Away from Your Home, Deck, or Foundation

If you look around the edges of your home and notice gaps between the soil and the foundation—or areas where soil seems lower than it used to be—it’s a sign of serious erosion.

When soil separates from your home, it means the support holding up your structure is weakening. This can result in foundation settlement, cracks in bricks or walls, crawl space moisture, or water intrusion. Addressing erosion at this stage should be a priority.

How ShoreSOX^® Provides a Long-Term Solution for Erosion Control

Foremost Foundations & Construction proudly installs ShoreSOX^®, one of the most effective and environmentally friendly erosion-control systems available today.

ShoreSOX^® works by creating a stable barrier that keeps soil in place, reinforcing slopes, stream banks, and yard edges so they stay secure. It prevents runoff from washing soil away, supports healthy plant growth, and protects the surrounding property from further erosion.

Unlike temporary fixes like straw, mulch, or sandbags, ShoreSOX^® offers a long-lasting engineered solution that strengthens the landscape while blending naturally into the environment.

It’s especially effective for:

• Slopes

• Hillsides

• Shorelines or creek banks

• Failing yard edges

• Areas where water runoff is severe

When combined with professional grading, drainage, or waterproofing services, ShoreSOX^® can completely stop erosion and prevent future damage.

Don't Wait for Erosion to Become Structural Damage

Erosion is easiest and least expensive to fix when caught early. The signs may start small, but over time, soil loss can threaten your home’s stability and lead to major repairs.

If you’re seeing any of the warning signs above, it’s time to act. Foremost Foundations & Construction offers ShoreSOX^® and other trusted erosion-control solutions designed to keep your property stable and protected for years to come.

Whether you need a full evaluation, slope stabilization, or a long-term plan to stop erosion in its tracks, our team is here to help safeguard your home. Schedule a consultation today at 601-405-1052.