

SLOPING BACKYARD WATERFALL SERIES
Not only does creating flat, descending spaces retain the downward angle of the environment, but it helps to prevent excess erosion and encourage water absorption.Īdditionally, a long series of flat, descending spaces can be turned into more than just a space to plant. Each of these sections will be held in by a shorter terrace or retaining wall.Ī tiered or terraced landscape design is one of the most popular solutions to landscaping on a slope for a few reasons. To do this, your contracting company will cut into your yard, creating large, flat, step-like sections. The first, and most common way to address a hilly backyard is turn a long, continuous slope into a series of tiered, flat spaces. There are a few tried and true techniques that will turn even seriously sloping spaces into functional yards for the whole family. Strategy and creativity are the two most important considerations when landscaping on a hill. Thankfully, there are creative design solutions you can employ to help keep topsoil in place and prevent the entire project from going downhill, so to speak. While beautiful, this not exactly a phenomenon you want at play in your own backyard. In the natural world, this can lead to rich, top soil filled valleys below. Over time, this leaves only larger particulates such as stones and rocks exposed, anchored to nutrient-poor soil. In uncontrolled settings, natural forces such as gravity and water work to pull away rich topsoil. Pair erosion and the forces of run-off rainwater together and what do you get? Poor quality soil! If you’ve ever been on a drive and noted the landscape of steep slopes, you have seen this phenomenon at work without even realizing it. Or, design your sloping space in a way that gives the would-be run-off a place to absorb before damage is done. Eventually, it will carry away small rocks, soil, and take plants with it.īecause of this, homeowners should form a plan to create good drainage solutions in their backyard. When water flows downhill, it works on the soil beneath it. Not only will runoff collect at the bottom of the hillside after larger rainfalls, but it will only contribute to the speed of erosion. As we discussed in our talk on hillside pool installation, hilly yards can quickly become an opportunity for hazardous runoff. Run OffĪfter erosion, the second greatest challenge for landscaping on a hill is run off.
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With some creativity and effort, you can minimize the effect erosion will have in your space. Get ahead of the issues by confronting the problem in the design rather than trying to work around it. Steeper grades tend to erode more quickly as well. The steeper the slope you are working with, the more erosion you will see. If you fail to take action to prevent erosion, you will see any design work being displaced and disrupted over time as more of the hillside begins to erode.

That is, unless measures are taken to prevent it. Due to the natural forces of gravity, erosion on a hillside is an inevitability. Over all else, a sloped landscape means one thing in the landscaping world: erosion. But knowing what you’re up against before you begin will help you avoid these problems before they occur. The effect that a steep grade has on the ground and soil can make planting difficult. The reason landscaping on a hill is so challenging has less to do with the incline itself, and more to do with factors related to the incline. Key Challenges of Landscaping in a Sloping Yard Here’s how know-how and some help from a team of professionals, can help you conquer any hill. By keeping the challenges of a slope in mind, you should be able to create a space that both functional and beautiful. What it does not mean is that your hilly property is doomed to lack front curb appeal, or backyard functionality.ĭon’t let a sloping backyard keep you from creating your dream outdoor living space. The challenges presented by a sloping space mean there is more for homeowners and designers to keep in mind during the design process. Landscaping on a hill or sloped yard is a whole new beast. Tackling a great landscape design can be challenging even on relatively flat or even ground.
