HILLSIDE EROSION CONTROL: A Guide to Effective Project Management

By Oz Tzalalihin, Cornell Graduate and Project Manager, Vitoli Builders

Hillside erosion can be a significant problem for homeowners and property managers in Southern California. While hillside erosion can occur naturally over time, the recent heavy rain has accelerated the problem, leading to damage of structures, loss of vegetation, and even landslides. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to control hillside erosion, including landscaping, gardening, and the use of retaining walls.

Vitoli Builders is a hillside specialist with an in-house engineering and project management team that specializes in local city codes and building methods to offer homeowners many solutions—from costeffective builds to building on challenging terrains. “Planning of projects is what sets Vitoli above other companies in our field,” shares Kyle Iniguez, project engineer at Vitoli. “We prepare all engineering documentation, reports, and schedules for our clients. When planning hillside improvements, we also pride ourselves in meticulous and careful consideration of the client’s concept. All aspects of construction are managed by the in-house team to provide a seamless delivery of the homeowner’s dream project.”

Oz Tzalalihin, a Cornell graduate and project manager, also believes that hillsides are not meant to be an eyesore but rather something that can contribute to the beauty and functionality of a home. “As a project manager at Vitoli, I guarantee that 90% planning and 10% proper execution leads to a smooth project,” says Oz.

Landscaping is one way to control hillside erosion. The use of plants, shrubs, and trees can help to stabilize the soil. For example, deep-rooted plants, like grasses and shrubs, can help to hold the soil in place, while trees can help to slow down the flow of water and reduce erosion. When landscaping a hillside, it is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

Gardening is another effective method for controlling hillside erosion. The use of terraced gardens can help to slow down the flow of water. Terraced gardens can also be used to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. When creating a terraced garden, it is also important to use plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

Retaining walls are another effective method for controlling hillside erosion. Retaining walls can be used to support the soil. There are several types of retaining walls, including gravity walls, cantilever walls, and anchored walls. Gravity walls rely on the weight of the wall to hold back the soil, while cantilever walls use a combination of the weight of the wall and the soil. Anchored walls are anchored to the soil behind the wall to hold back the soil.

Ultimately, hillside erosion can be a significant problem, but it can be controlled using landscaping, gardening, and the use of retaining walls. It is important to choose plants and wall types that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Moreover, it is important to consult with a professional engineer or landscaper to ensure that the chosen methods are appropriate for your specific site and that they are installed properly. n

Vitoli Builders, Inc.

23586 Calabasas Rd., #209

Calabasas

866.575.5795 vitolilandscapedesign.com

By Elyse Glickman