erosion control
Retaining Walls and Structures
Segmental Mortarless Concrete Block System, Concrete or Concrete Block (on concrete foundations), Pressure Treated Wood, Steel I-beam and Stone, are all possible types of retaining walls. Some of these are easily faced with stucco, stone and stone-like veneer. They may need to be engineered. Almost all walls would have a drainage system behind the wall to minimize pressure and drain off subsurface water; surface water is caught in a catch basin set at grade. Sometimes after re-grading, all that is needed to stabilize a slope is a small "toe" wall.
Slope Stabilization
Any changes on a slope require specific thought as to how to minimize future soil loss. Large storms, changes of uphill water distribution, grading and changes in vegetative cover all could weaken a hillside. Proper grading and compaction, water diversion and long-term vegetation establishment could then become critical. Low-water-requiring, often native, plants and grasses may be a direction to take. Annual grasses may be used first year to "lock" up the soil, before a more aesthetic plan can be implemented.
Segmental Mortarless Concrete Block System, Concrete or Concrete Block (on concrete foundations), Pressure Treated Wood, Steel I-beam and Stone, are all possible types of retaining walls. Some of these are easily faced with stucco, stone and stone-like veneer. They may need to be engineered. Almost all walls would have a drainage system behind the wall to minimize pressure and drain off subsurface water; surface water is caught in a catch basin set at grade. Sometimes after re-grading, all that is needed to stabilize a slope is a small "toe" wall.
 A wooden wall was required to stabilize this slope after a fire.
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 Small "toe" walls are often used to help stabilize a slope.
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 A concrete wall was used to regain house value after gullying and landslide near a residence.
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Subsurface Drainage Systems Subsurface drainage is the removal of excess water from the soil by drain systems placed below the surface. This removal has beneficial effects in terms of health of plants, water quality and drier house conditions. Solid pipes — these carry water from downspouts, catch basins and perforated pipe systems to a safe outfall location. Perforated pipes — these collect water from saturated areas or intercept subsurface water under slopes using filter fabric and crushed drain rock. |
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Slope Stabilization
Any changes on a slope require specific thought as to how to minimize future soil loss. Large storms, changes of uphill water distribution, grading and changes in vegetative cover all could weaken a hillside. Proper grading and compaction, water diversion and long-term vegetation establishment could then become critical. Low-water-requiring, often native, plants and grasses may be a direction to take. Annual grasses may be used first year to "lock" up the soil, before a more aesthetic plan can be implemented.
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Contour grading and compacting are important for longevity and natural appearances.
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Grading/Erosion Control Plans If your project is large, intricate, or requiring of City or County approval, a grading / erosion control plan would be suggested or required. These scale drawings pin down the details for all parties to understand, approve, and follow. 
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Hillside Irrigation Systems Even our most drought resistant plants need regular watering to become established. Most plants will perform much better with at least occasional summer water, even after establishment. Overhead low-precipitation sprinkler heads or a well-planned drip system will provide years of sustenance for healthy slope plantings. Liquid fertilization through the sprinklers is also a possibility. 
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 Erosion blanket and silt fencing
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