Imagine this scenario. all of the trees and plants are removed from a steep mountainside how would the removal of the trees and plants affect the soil on the mountainside

Landslides will occur due to the removal of vegetation

Explanation:

Due to the removal of plants and trees from the slope of the mountain, the soil becomes dry and loses its fertility. This dry soil becomes unstable and when it comes in contact with the water (from precipitation), it causes landslides and the materials are eroded along the slope of the valley. When there is vegetation in the slope it absorbs the water into their roots thereby making the slope stable. So vegetations also is an important factor in controlling slope stability.

The landslide refers to the downward motion of particles including rocks, soils, and debris. It occurs when the shear stress exceeds the shear strength of the material.

So a slope that lacks in the vegetation cover is more likely to experience landslide.