Which element of landscaping is often used for aesthetic and functional purposes, including soil retention?

The element of landscaping that is often used for both aesthetic and functional purposes, including soil retention, is the berm. A berm is an earthen mound, typically made of soil, which can be shaped and planted with vegetation to enhance the landscape while preventing soil erosion. The presence of vegetation on the berm can help stabilize the soil, making it an effective method for managing runoff and retaining soil in place.

Berms also contribute to the visual appeal of a landscape, as they can add structure and dimension to an area, serve as natural barriers, and create privacy screens. Through careful design, they can blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and provide habitats for wildlife while performing their primary function of soil retention.

In contrast, softscape refers to all the living elements in landscaping, such as plants, trees, and flowers, which can enhance aesthetic appeal but may not directly contribute to soil retention in the same effective manner as a berm. Hardscape includes non-plant elements like pavements, walls, and fences, often focusing on functional structures rather than soil retention or aesthetic qualities related to earth mounding. Lastly, drainage, while crucial for managing water flow and preventing flooding, does not serve a direct purpose in soil retention like a berm does.