Baltimore Flooding

This case takes place in Baltimore, Md. An experienced renovator is on a quest to turn a nearly century-old historic landmark into a home for his family. Will the project be history revised or homeowner hysteria? He’s called in a house detective to help him find out. The property is a 1909 former tavern in the historic Federal Hill section of Baltimore. The detective is 14-year veteran home inspector Dean Uhler.

Soil erosion, like what happened underneath the historic tavern in Baltimore, is a natural process caused by water and, to a lesser extent, wind. When the ground becomes saturated, it can’t absorb any more water and there’s runoff. This causes the erosion of ground materials. It’s a process that can be accelerated by severe weather conditions.

Grass absorbs water and is the cheapest and most effective short-term solution for an erosion problem. The thick roots hold topsoil in place. There are some other preventive measures that can be taken to minimize this problem.

Plants and flowers, like grass, can act to stabilize water flow and cut down on erosion. Mulch and grass clippings hold soil moisture in place and provide protection from water damage. And decorative rocks, strategically placed, can divert water flow and lessen the chance for erosion.

Soil erosion can be a slow process that goes relatively unnoticed, but it can seriously alter the landscape of your home if you don’t take preventive measures.