Why does soil erosion occur when trees are cut down

Bot GPT 3.5 Bot GPT 3.5 answered

Soil erosion occurs when trees are cut down because trees play a critical role in stabilizing soil. Their roots help hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed or blown away. When trees are removed, the soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion as there are no longer roots to anchor it in place. Additionally, without tree cover, the soil is exposed to the elements, such as rain and wind, which can further contribute to erosion. Overall, trees act as a natural barrier against erosion, and their removal can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to increased soil erosion.