Is it off topic to ask if anyone has noticed if there is damage done by trekking poles?

I ask this in good nature, because I'm trying them out (bad knees and swelling in the hands) - but have noticed big holes in the ground / ground kinda ripped up depending on the type of ground by trekking poles. This was more noticeable in the desert where one there were (_a lot_) more hikers, more poles and sandy/ish ground.

Sorry if not appropriate,

Heather