When approaching landing sites, I do wonder what effect my (R44) downwash will have on items/debris near where intend to set down. I try to stay away from things like sticks, chopped wood and items that look like they don't weigh much and the most that usually happens is a bit of dry cut grass is kicked up, which I don't worry about too much.
When asking instructors, etc about the risks of objects flying up, I've generally been told that I wouldn't be creating enough downwash for anything serious to lift up and cause a problem.
Does anyone have any further thoughts or experience they can share on this?