How to Protect Your Property from a Landslide

by Matt Solis

If you think your property is at risk:

Learn about the history of your property. Areas that have experienced landslides in the past are likely to experience them again. Your city may keep records of past landslides, and you can also try this landslide inventory-mapping tool (in beta) from the California Department of Conservation.
Hire a professional to evaluate the drainage on your property. You may need to build channels to deflect flow around buildings. Be aware: you are responsible for damage to neighboring properties caused by water diverted from your own.
Plant ground cover on slopes—the root networks can help stabilize hilly areas.
Consider hiring a professional to build a retaining wall. Bear in mind that any retaining wall built to contain soil should be designed by a licensed engineering contractor and built either by the designer or an experienced contractor who’s able to follow the design precisely.
Have flexible pipefittings installed to avoid gas or water leaks in the event of a landslide.

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