Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization in West Michigan
When rainwater starts washing away your soil, the damage can quickly become more than a landscaping problem. R&H Tractor Services provides erosion control, slope stabilization, riverbank restoration and related excavation and drainage work throughout Hastings, Barry County and West Michigan.
- Riverbank & Shoreline Erosion Control
- Hillside & Slope Stabilization
- Riprap & Boulder Protection
- Drainage, Grading & Soil Stabilization
Request an Erosion Control Estimate
Tell us where erosion is occurring, how long it's been happening and what you're hoping to accomplish.
Don't Let Erosion Take Your Property With It.
A little soil washing away after a heavy rain might not seem like a major concern. But when runoff repeatedly follows the same path, it can carve channels into your yard, undermine slopes, damage driveways and carry valuable topsoil away.
Along rivers, lakes and ponds, erosion can become especially serious. Moving water can gradually remove soil from the base of a bank, leaving the upper slope unstable and vulnerable to further damage.
R&H Tractor Services approaches erosion control as a complete groundwork problem. Depending on the site, the solution may involve grading, drainage improvements, excavation, boulder placement, riprap, soil reinforcement or hydroseeding.
Where Is Your Property Losing Ground?
Erosion doesn't look the same on every property. Understanding where soil is being lost and why it's happening is the first step toward an appropriate solution.
Riverbank Erosion
Flowing water removes soil from riverbanks, sometimes undercutting the base and causing sections of the bank to collapse.
Hillside & Slope Washouts
Rainwater flowing downhill creates ruts, channels and exposed areas that may continue deteriorating during future storms.
Lakefront & Pond Banks
Water movement, runoff and unstable bank conditions can gradually wear away soil along waterfront properties.
Driveway & Culvert Washouts
Concentrated runoff can carry gravel and soil away from driveways, roadside ditches and drainage crossings.
New Construction Erosion
Bare soil left after excavation, clearing or construction is vulnerable to runoff until it has been appropriately stabilized.
Drainage-Related Soil Loss
Poorly directed water from yards, slopes or drainage outlets can concentrate flow and wash soil away.
Restoring a Severely Eroded Bank Along the Thornapple River.
One of the most challenging and rewarding projects undertaken by the R&H Tractor Services team: restoring a riverbank that had been washing away into the Thornapple River for several years.
The project brought together excavation, sediment removal, drainage infrastructure, boulder placement, riprap and advanced slope stabilization materials.
Before Restoration
Years of Erosion Had Washed the Hillside Into the River.
Over several years, the slope had been washing away into the Thornapple River. R&H was tasked with removing approximately 180 tons of accumulated sand and silt from the river, restoring the damaged hillside and rebuilding the retention pond.
The steep terrain and proximity to the water made this an exceptionally demanding excavation and stabilization project.
A Complete Approach to Riverbank Stabilization.
Sediment Removal
Removed approximately 180 tons of sand and silt that had accumulated in the river.
Hillside & Pond Restoration
Rebuilt the damaged slope and restored the retention pond as part of the overall site work.
Boulder & Riprap Protection
Installed large boulders at the toe of the slope and placed riprap across the hillside for protection.
Drainage Infrastructure
Installed the drain outlet and a reported 19-foot-long, 4-foot drain structure.
Advanced Surface Stabilization
Finished the slope with turf reinforcement matting (TRM) and Flexterra FGM to support soil stabilization.
This is probably the hardest project our team has ever taken on and they absolutely nailed it!
R&H Tractor Services — Thornapple River Project
Dealing With a Similar Erosion Problem?
From steep slopes to washed-out banks, tell us about your property and the damage you're experiencing.
Sometimes Erosion Starts With the Wrong Grade.
When water flows across bare soil or becomes concentrated in the wrong area, it can carry soil downhill and create increasingly deep channels.
Regrading can help reshape the surface, adjust elevations and direct runoff along more appropriate drainage paths.
However, changing the grade alone isn't always sufficient. Some properties need additional drainage measures or soil stabilization to keep the problem from returning.
Boulders, Riprap & Shoreline Stabilization.
Along shorelines and steep banks, erosion can remove material from the bottom of a slope. Without adequate support, the upper ground may continue to deteriorate.
Depending on the site and applicable requirements, large boulders, riprap and retaining structures may form part of an appropriate stabilization plan.
R&H has hands-on experience placing large boulders and riprap on demanding erosion restoration projects, including the featured Thornapple River work.
Fix the Water Problem, Not Just the Washed-Out Soil.
Repairing eroded ground without addressing the source of the runoff may leave the same area vulnerable to future washouts.
Drainage systems and properly designed culvert crossings can help collect or convey water where needed. Outlet protection and surrounding grading may also be important to prevent concentrated discharge from causing additional erosion.
For driveway crossings, roadside ditches and rural properties, the right solution depends on water flow, elevations, soil conditions and any applicable permitting requirements.
Hydroseeding & Erosion Control Work Together.
Once grading and drainage issues have been addressed, exposed soil may still need protection while vegetation becomes established.
Hydroseeding applies a mixture of seed, mulch and other specified materials to prepared soil. Depending on site conditions, specialized erosion-control products may be needed to help protect vulnerable surfaces during establishment.
On the Thornapple River restoration project, R&H used turf reinforcement matting and Flexterra FGM as part of the slope stabilization work.
Explore Our Hydroseeding Services →Manage Runoff
Address the water movement contributing to soil loss.
Prepare & Stabilize
Grade and reinforce the surface as required by the project.
Establish Vegetation
Use appropriate seeding and stabilization methods for the site.
Different Erosion Problems Require Different Approaches.
The best solution depends on how water moves across the property, the severity of the damage and what needs to be protected.
Grading & Drainage
Used where poor slopes, concentrated runoff or drainage problems are contributing to soil loss.
Grading Services →Riprap & Boulder Protection
May be appropriate for certain banks, slopes and water-exposed areas requiring physical protection.
Boulder Wall Services →Reinforcement & Soil Stabilization
Turf reinforcement matting and other engineered products may be used to support vulnerable slopes.
See Our Riverbank Project →Hydroseeding & Vegetation
Helps establish vegetation on properly prepared ground as part of a broader stabilization approach.
Hydroseeding Services →See What Our Customers Have to Say.
Read feedback from customers who have worked with R&H Tractor Services on excavation and property improvement projects.
From Identifying the Problem to Stabilizing the Site.
Erosion-control projects vary significantly in size, complexity and site requirements. A practical plan starts with understanding the source of the damage.
Discuss the Damage
Tell us where soil is washing away, when it happens, and what structures or property features are affected.
Review Site Conditions
Consider terrain, drainage, soil, equipment access, waterways and any applicable project requirements.
Determine the Scope
Identify the appropriate excavation, grading, drainage or stabilization work and any necessary professional design or approvals.
Complete the Groundwork
Carry out the agreed work and prepare the site for its intended finished condition.
Experience With More Than Just Moving Dirt.
R&H Tractor Services is a family-run excavation and property improvement contractor based in Hastings, Michigan.
Erosion control can require several disciplines working together. Our Thornapple River restoration project demonstrates experience with demanding excavation, drainage, boulder placement, riprap and specialized slope stabilization work.
Whether you're dealing with a washed-out hillside, drainage-related soil loss or an eroding bank, we're ready to discuss the conditions on your property.
Request an Estimate →Real Riverbank Restoration Experience
Documented work restoring a severely eroded Thornapple River slope.
Excavation & Grading Capabilities
Groundwork services for reshaping and preparing challenging properties.
Drainage & Stabilization Experience
Experience combining drainage infrastructure with physical and surface stabilization.
Locally Based in Hastings
Serving property owners throughout Barry County and surrounding West Michigan communities.
Complete Groundwork for Erosion-Prone Properties.
Erosion control often involves a combination of services. Explore the related work R&H Tractor Services provides.
Erosion Control Services Throughout West Michigan.
R&H Tractor Services is based in Hastings, Michigan and serves Barry County and surrounding West Michigan communities.
From rural properties and residential yards to riverbanks and waterfront areas, contact us with your location and project details.
Erosion Control FAQs
Common questions about slope stabilization, riverbank erosion, grading, drainage and protecting exposed soil.
What causes erosion on residential properties?
Common causes include concentrated rainwater runoff, poor surface drainage, exposed soil, steep slopes and water movement along rivers or shorelines. Several factors may contribute to the same problem.
How can I stop soil from washing away on a hill?
The appropriate solution depends on the slope, soil conditions and water flow. Options may include regrading, drainage improvements, vegetation establishment, reinforcement matting, riprap or other stabilization measures.
Can grading help prevent erosion?
Yes, in suitable situations. Grading can help reshape the ground and manage surface runoff. However, steep slopes or concentrated flows may require additional drainage or stabilization measures. Learn about our grading services.
Do you repair washed-out riverbanks?
R&H Tractor Services has completed substantial riverbank restoration work, including a Thornapple River project involving sediment removal, slope reconstruction, boulders, riprap, drainage infrastructure and stabilization materials. Each new project requires review of site conditions and applicable requirements.
What is riprap used for?
Riprap consists of appropriately selected stone placed to help protect soil from erosion caused by flowing water or runoff. Its suitability, sizing and installation depend on site conditions and the intended application.
Can boulder retaining walls help with shoreline erosion?
In some locations, properly designed and installed stone or boulder structures may be part of a shoreline stabilization solution. Waterfront work can involve permitting and design requirements. See our boulder retaining wall services.
Does hydroseeding prevent erosion?
Hydroseeding can help establish vegetation, and certain specified mulch or erosion-control products can help protect soil during establishment. It is not a substitute for correcting major drainage problems or stabilizing an unstable slope. Learn more about hydroseeding.
Can a culvert help stop driveway washouts?
A properly sized and installed culvert may help convey water beneath a driveway or crossing. Outlet protection, ditch grading and other drainage work may also be needed to prevent erosion. Requirements vary by location and waterway.
Do erosion control projects require permits in Michigan?
Some projects do, particularly those involving rivers, lakes, wetlands, floodplains, shorelines or regulated soil disturbance. State, local or other approvals may apply. Requirements should be confirmed before work begins.
How much does erosion control cost?
Costs vary considerably based on the size and severity of the problem, access, excavation requirements, materials, drainage infrastructure, stabilization methods and any required design or permitting. A site-specific estimate is the best starting point.
Do you provide erosion control in Hastings and Barry County?
R&H Tractor Services is based in Hastings and serves Barry County and surrounding West Michigan communities. Contact us with your property location and a description of the erosion problem.
Let's Find a Solution Before More Ground Washes Away.
Whether you're dealing with an eroding riverbank, a washed-out hillside, runoff damage or an unstable slope, R&H Tractor Services can discuss the conditions on your property and the work required.