Landscaping Ideas

There is a lot of information available on using different materials for landscaping on a slope. Landscaping on a slope can be daunting but it is possible to create a beautiful area in a place that was once boring. Your landscaping design should take into account any natural features present such as creeks, ponds, large stones, trees, and other such objects.

Landscaping on a slope will require a bit more planning and work than ordinary landscaping, in order to make sure the design works properly. Yards that have a grade of 4 percent or more can be quite daunting especially if you do not address some important maintenance issues before you begin your landscaping project.

A Few Problems When Landscaping On a Slope

Erosion is the largest problem to address when landscaping on a slope. Rain is your worst enemy as it can expose plant roots causing plant death as well as washing away topsoil. You can level up the grade of your slope in order to prevent erosion. Retaining walls that are both functional and decorative can be used to prevent erosion. Stones, railway ties, four by fours, and terracing are all feasible options; though remember to install drainage beneath the wall. You should consider staggering the wall to create terraces and display plants and remember not to make the walls themselves too high.

You will most likely need some sort of watering plan for a slope as the rainwater will not soak into the soil but run off. You need to make sure some water soaks in to the ground in order to irrigate any plants, shrubs and trees in the area.

Where you place plants is also important, as plants at the bottom of the slope will be supplied with too much water. Peat and sphagnum moss can be added to the soil to absorb water especially if you are not using terraces. These additives act like a sponge and hold rainwater. You should also add a dry creek bed or create another drainage source.

Adding fertilizer and mulch can also be a problem on a slope as the same problems associated with water also apply. Your fertilizer and mulch will end up at the bottom and those nutrients will not do their job, with all of the nutrients at the bottom of your slope. Lawn mowing can also be a problem as an overturned mower can be very dangerous; you may need to use a push mower instead of a riding mower.

A way to solve this fertilizer and mulch problem is to completely remove the grass and add ornamental grass or low-maintenance groundcover options. These types of cover will make your yard look lush and also solve many of the maintenance issues associated with landscaping on a slope. This will solve many a headache further down the road when implementing your landscaping design.

If you are planning on creating a truly unique Landscape in your backyard, there are virtually unlimited options and ideas that you can use to plan your project.

I was once in a customer’s yard in Maple grove that was almost 100% landscaped with almost no lawn.  He had a huge waterfall that flowed into a lagoon which was surrounded by a maintenance free golf green.  He had an outdoor fireplace which was close to an in ground spa.   This was a project that required the expertise of many different artisans.  I used the word “artisan” as it truly was a work of art!

Your project may not be as huge, expensive or time consuming as the “lagoon” yard, but most likely it will be what you have dreamed about and will be perfect for you.  The projects that I have seen that impressed me the most were the ones that turned the back yard into an extension of the indoor living space.

People that are avid golfers have created some very beautiful golf greens where they can practice their craft while their kids enjoy the swimming pool or sport court or while guests relax around the outdoor fireplace. The potential is limited only by your imagination and bank account.

If you are thinking about creating something more than a basic landscape project, you will probably want to contract separately with contractors for each feature in your yard.  A landscape contractor may say he can create a golf green for you, but the guys that do it every day will build you a much better green that will stand the test of time.

Additionally, almost all landscapers build retaining walls, but some specialize in boulder walls.  If you are wanting to install a natural looking boulder wall, you would be wise to contract with a company that specializes in boulder walls.  Creating a functional retaining wall with boulders requires special equipment and much more creativity than just stacking up keystone blocks.

I have also seen some wonderful landscape projects that even required the services of a good carpenter.  Cabana’s, pergola’s, gazebos and other features that use wood are best left for people that are used to saws and hammers.

Bottom line, spend some serious time thinking about what features and activities you want in your yard before you begin your landscape project.