Landscape Development, Inc. works with homebuilders and developers throughout California to help prepare projects for changing site conditions and the rainy season. From pre-construction planning and underground infrastructure to LID improvements, biobasins, drainage and erosion control, the right landscape construction partner can help get sites ready before the rain begins.
For California homebuilders and developers, preparing for the rainy season starts long before the first major storm arrives. Active construction sites can be especially vulnerable to heavy rainfall, where exposed soil, unfinished slopes, changing grades and incomplete drainage systems can create challenges with erosion, sediment, stormwater runoff and site access.
An El Niño winter can make proactive planning and site preparation even more important.
Start El Niño Preparation Before the Storm
Rain preparation should begin while conditions are still dry.
For active developments, that means looking beyond the finished landscape plan and considering how water will move through the site during each phase of construction.
Where will runoff travel?
Which slopes and exposed areas are vulnerable to erosion?
Are drainage systems ready?
Are future landscape areas properly sleeved before hardscape goes in?
Are LID and stormwater features being installed at the right stage of construction?
Addressing these questions early can help avoid unnecessary rework and keep landscape infrastructure coordinated with the rest of the project.
LID and Biobasin Construction
Low Impact Development, or LID, has become an important part of stormwater management for California developments.
LID strategies help manage stormwater closer to where it falls. Depending on the project design, these systems may slow runoff, capture water, filter pollutants or allow water to infiltrate into the soil.
Biobasins and bioretention areas are common components of these systems.
Proper construction matters. Grades, soil profiles, drainage components, planting and connections all need to work together for the finished system to perform as designed.
LDI can coordinate landscape-related LID improvements with grading, civil, irrigation and other site work so these features become an integrated part of the overall development.
Control Erosion and Sediment on Active Sites
Heavy rain falling on exposed soil can quickly create erosion and sediment movement.
For homebuilders and developers, proactive erosion-control measures can help stabilize vulnerable areas and better manage runoff as construction progresses.
Depending on site conditions and project requirements, preparation may include:
- Straw wattles and fiber rolls
- Erosion-control blankets
- Slope stabilization and planting
- Temporary and permanent drainage measures
- Soil stabilization
- Protection around drainage inlets
- Strategic grading and landscape improvements
- Restoration of disturbed landscape areas
The goal is to prepare the site before heavy rainfall creates a larger problem.
Plan for Stormwater Runoff
Water follows grade, regardless of whether a project is finished.
During active construction, constantly changing site conditions can affect where stormwater travels. Temporary grading, unfinished landscape areas and exposed slopes may create runoff patterns that differ from those of the completed development.
Landscape construction can play an important role in managing those conditions.
Drainage improvements, swales, biobasins, planted areas and other stormwater features can help move, slow or capture runoff according to the project’s design.
Early coordination between landscape construction, civil engineering and site contractors can also help identify conflicts before they become costly field corrections.
Don’t Overlook Sleeving and Underground Infrastructure
Rainy-season preparation isn’t only about what is visible above ground.
Sleeving and underground coordination are critical during pre-construction and active construction.
Installing irrigation and utility sleeves at the appropriate stage can help avoid cutting newly completed paving, sidewalks, driveways and other hardscape later in the project.
For large residential developments, coordinating these installations across streets, common areas, model complexes, slopes and future landscape areas can make a significant difference as construction progresses.
Planning ahead becomes even more valuable when wet weather begins limiting access to portions of the site.
Prepare Slopes Before Heavy Rain
Slopes deserve particular attention before the rainy season.
Exposed soil and newly graded slopes can experience significant runoff during storms. Concentrated water flow can create rills, erosion and sediment movement and may damage areas that will eventually receive permanent landscaping.
Early slope preparation may include drainage coordination, erosion-control measures, soil stabilization and installation of appropriate landscape materials.
Getting ahead of these conditions can help protect completed work while preparing the site for its permanent landscape.
Pre-Construction Coordination Makes a Difference
Some of the most valuable rainy-season work happens before landscape installation begins.
Bringing the landscape contractor into the conversation early gives the team an opportunity to review landscape-related infrastructure and coordinate with other trades.
For homebuilders and developers, that may include reviewing:
LID requirements. Biobasins. Drainage. Sleeving. Irrigation infrastructure. Slopes. Erosion control. Stormwater runoff. Landscape phasing.
This coordination can help identify potential conflicts before crews are working around finished streets, completed hardscape or occupied phases of a development.
Keep Your Project Moving This Rainy Season
California’s rainy season doesn’t stop construction schedules.
Preparation can make the difference.
Landscape Development, Inc. works alongside homebuilders, developers, general contractors and project teams from pre-construction through final landscape installation.
Whether your project needs LID and biobasin construction, drainage coordination, erosion-control measures, straw wattles, sleeving, slope preparation or complete landscape construction, our teams can help prepare the site for the conditions ahead.
Don’t wait for the first major storm to discover where your site is vulnerable.
Prepare now for the rainy season with an experienced landscape construction partner that understands California development from the ground up.
