Erosion Control

Western Washington is known for its hilly and sloping landscapes, carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago. Today, much of the land we live on and recreate in is characterized by steep slopes, canyons, ravines, and streambanks. Managing and restoring a habitat with steep slopes takes some extra care to manage erosion, as these slopes combined with the high precipitation amounts this area receives are a recipe for runoff and land movement. We at Habitat Restoration Specialists are experts in erosion control work. We will create a restoration plan specific to your site, taking in all the factors of the slope, species present on site, factors up and downhill from your site, the weather conditions of the season, and the long term goals of the site. This allows us to design and implement a successful and sustainable restoration project for your unique landscape.

Erosion control projects may include:

The removal of invasive species on the slope that aren't effective at soil stabilization
Installation of jute fabric and coir logs (made from coconut fibers) that help stabilize the soil, provide a planting medium, reduce the impact of rainfall on bare soil, and are completely biodegradable and friendly to the earth
Installation of native species who's roots will stabilize the soil on the slope, help uptake moisture, and slow the impact of rainfall before it hits the soil

No obligation consultaion

Portfolio of Erosion Control Projects

Jute Fabric on Backyard Slope

This steep slope coming down from a West Seattle backyard was covered in ivy and blackberry, which when removed leaves behind loose vulnerable soil! We installed this jute fabric to stabilize the slope, and hopefully will plant into the fabric at a later time!

Coir Logs Staged for Installation

These are the coir logs we were preparing to install into the steep slopes of a ravine between some backyards near Carkeek Park

Finished Coir Log Installation

Here's a look at the steep ravine slope that is now stabilized by coir logs! This slope will be in great shape with the addition of some local native plants to further stabilize the soil and help prevent erosion.

Coir Logs on Slope

Here's a different look at that steep slope heading into the ravine near Carkeek Park! This project was a bit challenging as the ground wasn't very smooth and the culvert in place wasn't in great condition, but we're proud of how it turned out!

Slope with Jute Fabric and Plantings

This hillside saw the installation of erosion control fabric as well as native plantings to really stabilize this slope and improve the local ecosystem.

Jute Fabric with Live Stakes

This hillside is looking a lot better with the addition of jute fabric to stabilize and protect the loose soil land live stakes to revegetate the habitat!

Jute Fabric on Backyard Hillside

Here's another site we managed with the installation of jute fabric along with some native plants to revegate the slope!

In-progress Erosion Control

This is a streambank restoration project where we installed coir logs in addition to jute fabric, and then later planted hundreds osf native plants to restore this riparian habitat along Coal Creek!

Streambank Erosion Control

A more complete look at the installation of erosion control materials on this Coal Creek streambank! An expanse of blackberry, ivy, and other invasives had to be removed prior to installation, and we later filled the site with hundreds of native riparian loving species!