Good points overall, but have you thought about landscaping too? A neighbor of mine planted some shrubs strategically and it actually helped slow down water runoff...plus, their yard looks nicer now, haha. Might be worth a shot if you're already doing drainage stuff.
Landscaping definitely helps—I did something similar last year. Planted a mix of shrubs and grasses along the slope behind my house, and it's noticeably reduced runoff during heavy rains. Only downside was the upfront cost of plants and mulch...it added up quickly. Still, compared to installing a full drainage system, it was pretty budget-friendly. Plus, like you said, the yard does look way better now.
"Only downside was the upfront cost of plants and mulch...it added up quickly."
Yeah, landscaping can get pricey fast, especially if you're covering a large area. Did you consider using native plants? They're usually cheaper, easier to maintain, and handle extreme weather better. Also curious—did you do anything specific to prep the slope before planting? I've seen erosion mats or netting used sometimes, wondering if that's worth the extra effort or not.
Definitely agree that landscaping costs can escalate quickly, especially when factoring in slope stabilization. Native plants are indeed a solid choice—not just for cost but also for their deeper root systems, which significantly help anchor soil and reduce erosion risks. I've inspected several properties where erosion mats or biodegradable netting were used, and generally, they're effective if installed correctly. However, they're not always necessary—depends heavily on the slope angle and soil type. If your slope isn't too steep and you've got decent soil drainage, you might get away without them.
One thing I'd add is to consider strategic grading or terracing. I've seen homeowners invest upfront in terracing or retaining walls, and while it's pricier initially, it often pays off by greatly reducing long-term maintenance and erosion issues. Just something to think about if you're dealing with a particularly challenging slope...
Totally agree on the terracing point—my neighbor did that a couple years back, and honestly, their yard held up way better than ours during heavy rains. Wish we'd invested upfront instead of patching things up every spring... hindsight, right?
