When a cut or fill is required and there is not enough space available for just the slope itself, a retaining wall is commonly used for slope stabilization. Retaining wall with drainage pipes protects the road. The use of grass, shrubs, and trees is highly effective for soil stabilization purposes. When slopes are cut, the act or removing earth also removes the plant covering, and the surface soils are left exposed and susceptible to runoff and wind. Vegetation stabilizes the soil with its roots, minimizes seepage, and slows runoff.
Vegetation is multifunctional, self-repairing, inexpensive, and is relatively easy to install.
This method involves the application of a material such as plaster or masonry to create a surface which will prevent infiltration by rainfall, so that the slope can be maintained dry or partially dry. Concrete protects exposed slope. In cohesive soils that have low permeability, slope stabilization by drainage may not always be effective. In these cases, the method of soil hardening can be considered. These can be used singly or in combination.