How can erosion be minimized in landscapes?

Minimizing erosion in landscapes is best achieved through strategies that enhance soil stability and vegetation growth. Planting ground cover is particularly effective because these plants create a protective layer over the soil, reducing the impact of rain and preventing soil from being washed away. Their root systems help bind the soil together, further improving its resistance to erosion.

Using retaining walls also plays a critical role in controlling erosion, especially on slopes. These structures provide physical barriers that hold soil in place and prevent it from moving downhill due to gravitational forces. They can create terraces that allow for better drainage and support a diverse range of plant life, which again contributes to soil stability.

The other choices do not effectively address erosion. Relying solely on hardscaping materials may provide a temporary solution but does not promote the natural erosion control provided by plants. Avoiding plant growth altogether removes the beneficial root systems that stabilize soil, increasing the risk of erosion. Increasing fertilizer usage does not inherently aid in preventing erosion and could lead to other environmental issues such as runoff and nutrient loading in nearby water bodies.