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Sloped backyard design


15 design tips for a terraced garden |

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(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

There are endless possibilities when it comes to sloped backyard ideas – and rather than a challenge, sloping gardens can open up lots of design and planting possibilities to create unique spaces.

With a little creativity, strategic planning and the right backyard ideas, a sloped backyard can have a lot to offer. 

You can create a terraced garden of distinct areas, with spaces for entertaining, relaxing, playing and dining, offering different views for an ever changing perspective of your backyard.

Sloped backyard ideas

Understanding the site of a sloped backyard is key, and ‘terracing can create a usable garden where before only a slope existed,’ explains landscape designer Lorenzo Soprani Volpini of LSV Gardens .

A terraced garden can offer creative layout and planting options and there are a number of elements to consider in how to design a sloping garden.

‘Sloped gardens can often be viewed as “problem sites” but, in fact, can be ideal for formal terraced garden design. Formal Roman or Mediterranean garden characteristics can be reflected and recreated within a formal terraced garden setting – emulating geometric symmetry reproduced within the contemporary gardens of today,’ explains garden designer Karen McClure .

Whether you are looking for inspiration for the ultimate entertaining space or need backyard ideas on a budget, these sloping backyard ideas will take your space to new heights. 

1. Consider the view

(Image credit: Sara Jane Rothwell / London Garden Designer)

When deciding on sloped backyard ideas, start by considering the main view of the garden from the house. 

‘If your garden falls away from the house or patio, try to avoid large drops by opting for several shallower terraces or stepped beds, so you don’t need to install railings that can interrupt the view,’ explains designer Marlene Lento .  

‘For very steep gardens, mix sloping, more naturalistic planting design, with level portions to minimize tall retaining walls or too many steps. This is especially important if your garden slopes up from the house and you will be looking onto the face of those retaining features,’ she adds.

But do also 'consider views into neighboring gardens and privacy for all involved,’ adds Karen McClure.

In the above design by Sara Jane Rothwell the backyard that slopes up from the house was designed for a gentle meandering journey up via wide steps and discreet terracing, to avoid too many traditional steps and handrails.

2. Use natural materials for terrace walls

(Image credit: Michelle Brandon Garden Design)

To create a terraced garden, there are many choices of materials for retaining walls. Walls can be retained with natural stone or brick; timbers or sleeper walls create a rustic style, and for a country garden aesthetic, use natural, local materials wherever possible. The walls should tie in with the design of your other sloped backyard ideas.

‘Look to match or tie in with the house and existing structures in and around the garden. Using materials that are sympathetic to the local vernacular will sit much more comfortably in the wider landscape,’ says designer Ed Oddy .

The above terraced garden design by Michelle Brandon uses Knapp flint and sandstone walls, which feature regularly in the village where this garden resides.

3. Opt for a contemporary finish

(Image credit: Marlene Lento Design)

For a more tailored, contemporary look, cladding materials for walls, such as Corten steel and crisp render, provide a sleek finish and easy curves. 

'Do, however, consider the upkeep and how these materials will weather and age in the climate. I like to work with materials that enhance over time, and embrace the beauty of the ageing process,’ says Ed Oddy.

‘In all cases include drainage behind the retaining wall in the form of a land drain that either discharges into existing drains or into a soakaway,’ advises Marlene Lento.

4. Recycle materials

(Image credit: Cube 1994 Garden Design)

Retaining walls can be an expensive option, so investigate ways to mitigate costs of high level changes, as well as the environmental impact. 

Reclaimed timber and sleepers are more cost effective for creating a terraced garden. Landscape designer Sean Butler of Cube 1994 also explains how they have used Gabion cages for terrace walls, recycling existing hardcore on site from the old patios and steps as a backfill within the gabions. These are then front filled with more attractive stone for an aesthetic appearance. 

5. Soften steps with planting

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

You can soften the impact of the hard landscaping materials of steps and inevitable tall walls of terraced gardens, with planting and living wall ideas.

There are many options for vertical gardening ideas, either climbing up or trailing down the terraced levels.

‘Walls can create a great backdrop for small trees and architectural shrubs, and can be lit at night,’ says Samantha Brown.

There are many climbing plants that can scramble up and over terrace walls and levels, with some beautiful flowering climbers for seasonal color.

6. Layer planting 

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Layering your plants and knowing their ultimate height for flower bed ideas for your sloped backyard is very important.

Consider the maintenance of planting in raised garden bed ideas as part of your sloped backyard ideas. 

‘You want your plants, a mix of perennials and shrubs, to knit together quickly to block out homes for weeds and give the soil level an incline, that way your plants will grow facing forward and give you a better display,’ explains designer Michelle Brandon.

Garden designer Nigel Phillips  suggests to add a layer of topsoil to terraced gardens to give plants a head start, and offers the following planting advice:

7. Ascend to greatness

(Image credit: Julie Toy)

As this option from multi-disciplinary firm RIOS proves, the simplest sloped backyard ideas and solutions can often be the most impactful. 

Here, a minimalist pathway traverses a large bamboo forest, complete with 85 different plants. The garden is designed to be experienced during the dramatic sunset light, while the landscape bathes the hillside below the house in warmth and an energizing glow. 

8. Level your land

(Image credit: Kendall Wilkinson Design)

San Francisco is known for its hilly landscape, so it’s no surprise that Bay Area-based designer Kendall Wilkinson has experience putting sloped backyard landscaping ideas into practice. Although Wilkinson wanted to have a leveled yard for her clients, the stone wall and fireplace seen here accentuates the angled terrain.   

'You can see how significantly the yard is sloping behind the wall that provided the perfect foundation to add the fireplace and seating,' Wilkinson explains. 'Being placed on this side of the property makes this patio very quiet, serene, and relaxing. 

'Paired with a metal pergola style roof, strategic lighting, and really comfortable matching sofas, wasted space becomes valued square footage.'

9. Go for a versatile vantage point 

(Image credit: Vessi Ves)

Garden designer Georgia Lindsay used a combination of hard landscaping and clever small back yard ideas to transform a dangerously crumbling slope into a multi-purpose garden with various terraces. 

The first terrace allows for a generous garden storage area for bikes and garden equipment beneath, while the lower part of the garden flows seamlessly from the house with hardwood decking to echo the internal flooring. A cozy seating zone and stylishly integrated outdoor lighting ideas complete the garden.   

'Sloping gardens can be great when it comes to lighting,' she shares. 'It's like an amphitheatre; you are able to enjoy your whole garden with one view.'

10. Fire up your sloping backyard

(Image credit: Camille Styles)

If you want to turn your sloped backyard into a liveable oasis, Camille Styles deftly bridged the gap between form and function. Here, the blogger built a handful of terraces, complete with seating areas and a fire pit. 

'When we bought the property, there was crumbling stone terracing that had been built by the original owner of the property back in the 1950’s,' she wrote. 'It was covered by overgrown vines, but it always reminded us of old European estates and we imagined restoring it to its glory.'

11. Play away in a sloping space

(Image credit: Lyndon Douglas)

If you want to find sloped backyard ideas that are appealing to the entire family, consider adding a play area to your space as backyard ideas for kids. Fortunately, it’s possible to infuse some childish wonder without compromising your home’s style.   

'Designed for a young family, the house features a sheltered lower courtyard space which provides greater privacy, and a triangular stepped landscape was proposed to manage the level change,' explains Mike Gibson of Eldridge London . 

'The repetitive triangular planning allows for a variety of activities while maintaining a clear consistent identity. The triangular modules form planting beds, steps, trellises, sitting areas, and include a slide and sand pit play area.'

The result: A playful yet sophisticated environment.

12. Plan for a water wonderland

(Image credit: Cuckoo 4 Design)

Another way to bring some fun to your sloped backyard ideas is by adding a garden pool ideas.

Cuckoo 4 Design blogger Julia Konya refers to her sloped backyard as 'essentially a hill'. 

By adding an above-ground pool, she is able to make the slope appear less severe, plus serve up some fun for the entire family. The wooden exterior takes inspiration from rock garden ideas and adds leafy greens to round out the look, turning this sloped backyard into a tropical oasis.

13. Plant fruit and vegetables on a slope 

(Image credit: Elysian Landscapes)

For a sloped backyard that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing, add a vegetable garden. Leslie Bennett of Pine House Edible Gardens decked out this space with wooden raised garden beds and pyramid-shaped trellises. 

The raised garden beds follow the slope’s natural path, creating designated areas to grow everything from herbs and tomatoes to spicy chili peppers. Not only does this tip make the most of occupied space, but it will also resemble a lush, nutritious salad when in full bloom. Small vegetable garden ideas really can be incorporated anywhere, even on a slope, or if you'e more limited in planting space in raised beds, try vegetable garden container ideas.

14. Blur the boundaries with a stairway on a sloped space

(Image credit: Rachel Weil)

An outdoor staircase might be an easy way to optimize a sloped backyard, but it can often feel jarring when juxtaposed with the lush greenery.  

Los Angeles-based firm Elysian Landscapes blurred the lines of the hardscape by flanking each side of the stairs with a wild array of plants and grasses. This setup has an ethereal edge, thanks to its layers of textures and muted color palette.

(Image credit: Ian Kitson)

If you’re wondering how to landscape a backyard to make the hardscaping feel more pronounced, take a cue from Ian Kitson , who created this yard for an art collector. 

'It looks over an estuary in Wales, which is tidal,' he explains. 'So twice a day, the water disappears and you get amazing patterns in the sand river bed: This is one of the clues the garden design takes.' The raised garden beds and curvy pathways highlight the sloped land, blurring the line between earth and water.

What to do with a backyard that is on a slope?

There are so many sloped backyard ideas and possibilities. Hard landscaping is key and requires careful planning in order to make effective use of the available space.

Slopes offer fantastic design opportunities and exciting new ways to experience and view a garden, whether it’s from up high, or down below. But steep slopes can also be both costly and awkward to manage, so they do require a bit more thought than usual.

When it comes to the wholesale redesign of a sloping garden, terracing is the obvious option. Unfortunately, creating a terraced garden is not a cheap one. Earth moving equipment is often necessary. So too are lengthy retaining walls, which are always expensive – particularly if they’re made from bricks and mortar.

If you need sloped backyard ideas on a budget, instead consider strategies that minimize major ground works. First and foremost, do you actually need to terrace the whole garden? It’s likely that one or two level plateaus built into the slope – for a bench or two perhaps – will create enough useable space and cost much less. 

How do you make a sloped garden look good?

There are many ways to make a sloped garden look good, and far from having limited options,  a sloping garden can offer a wealth of layout and planting possibilities – many of which you couldn't successfully achieve with a level plot.  

There are options to create different terraces and routes through the garden, creating garden rooms with different purposes and atmospheres.

‘Consider creating 'destinations’ and ‘rooms’ within a sloped backyard to provide a journey within the space – adding a purposeful place to make the most of sun-downers in that last hour of sunshine,’ says Karen McClure.

'Depending on whether you consider the terracing a feature of your terraced garden or a necessity, you can either enhance the outlines by neatly clipped planting to showcase them as a feature, or you can plant in front of them to hide or soften the level change,' advises Marlene Lento.

The use of cascading terraces and planting can provide a gentle transition from a house to the lower or upper garden levels.

Kelsey Mulvey is a New York-born, San Francisco-based freelance journalist who covers lifestyle and design content. She started her writing career while studying magazine journalism at Boston University, where her work was syndicated by top digital publications like USA Today and MSN. Upon graduation, Kelsey covered lifestyle content The Wall Street Journal, Off Duty and Business Insider. In 2017, Kelsey started her freelance journalism career, where she contributes to design publications like AD PRO, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, and more. W

61+ Sloped Backyard Ideas on a Budget [You'll Love the Photos!]

Feeling a bit daunted by making something beautiful out of your sloped backyard? Don’t panic! We’ve got all the best ideas for landscaping a sloped garden on a budget!

Some of the most beautiful and creative garden ideas I’ve come across have been on sloped land. Having extra height and different levels gives you much more scope to create intriguing features in your yard.

So whether you want to spruce up your backyard slope – or if you’re looking for a fun outdoor project, then you’ll love these landscaping ideas.

Let’s look at some of the best-sloped backyard ideas on a budget!

1. Stone Slab Path for Sloped Backyards

I love this legendary sloped yard from the Green Thumb Blonde’s blog. The added flower garden looks peaceful, serene, and it makes perfect use of the real estate. The stone steps also look charming.

This stone staircase would make a great feature in any sloped backyard. Stone slabs can be relatively inexpensive, or you may even have some lying around your land. 

2. Easy Raised Garden Beds for Sloped Land

Raised vegetable garden on a slope by Deeply Southern Home

I love raised garden beds because it’s easier to manage rogue weeds! Even if a few weeds sprout up – it’s straightforward enough to spot them when they’re inside of your raised garden bed.

Building raised beds on a slope is a genius use of space and uses less building materials – especially compared to constructing them on flat land.

3. Upcycled Sloped Backyard Water Feature

Check out this borderline-genius yard slope feature from Pilgrim and Pie. I’ve never seen more creative usage of watering cans. Or a backyard slope!

The best thing about having a sloped backyard garden is that the water runs downhill! A downhill slope eliminates some friction when creating a great upcycled water feature, such as this innovative watering can design.

Read More – How to Make an Epic Bubbling Rock Fountain!

4. Turn Your Slope Into a Playground

Image By Ashville Playgrounds

Imagine how much fun the kids will have in this sloped-garden-turned-play-haven! Installing a playground is a great use of the natural slope of your backyard.

5. Sloped Backyard Seating Deck

By Pretty Pink Patch on Instagram

Don’t think you can’t have a flat area to sit outside just because you live on a slope! Wooden decking is a quick and inexpensive way to create a level seating area for a sloped backyard.

6. Turn Your Slope Into a Beach

Image from Sunset

This is such a wonderful idea for your sloped backyard! If you love going to the beach, you’ll love this idea. And so will your pets!

The creator, Bud Stuckey, built this 100-square-foot beach for less than 200 bucks, in two days!

7. A Waterfall Cascading Down the Slope

Tutorial and images by Hometalk

You’ll be totally obsessed with this idea. Whether you’ve always wanted a waterfall (me, me!) or you’ve never considered it before – this full tutorial with photos will get you excited about the idea!

This waterfall cascades down a long slope and ends in a koi pond. And the best thing? The tutorial shows you exactly how to do it yourself, in your own backyard!

8. DIY This Rock Retaining Wall

Image and tutorial at Hometalk

This is a full tutorial, with pictures, instructions, and a video! Learn how to build a rock retaining wall just like this one in your own sloped backyard.

It’s ultra-cheap to DIY, too!

9. Terraces for Sloped Backyards

By Reverie Interior Design on Instagram

Bring a Mediterranean vibe to your yard with some simple terraces. Plants such as rosemary and lavender will thrive in these rocky conditions and bring color and fragrance to your outdoor areas.

10. Budget Path for Sloped Backyard

Here’s an excellent example of loose stone (gravel) stairs to accommodate an upward slope. Read more about how to build steps on a hill from the Scrappy Geek blog!

Putting in some simple wooden supports is a quick and easy way to build steps into a slope. You can either fill the steps with gravel or use topsoil for a cheaper option.

Read More – How to Make a Beautiful Rockery Garden!

11. Sloped Garden Flower Trail

By White Flower Farm

Create a spectacular point of interest with a beautiful flower trail through your sloped backyard with this tutorial by White Flower Farm.

12. Add a Stone Bench Seating Area With Fire Pit

Image and by Irytek102 on Reddit – see the full photo gallery here.

What an incredible way to make use of your sloped backyard! It’s not hard to imagine many wonderful nights under the stars, lounging with family and friends, the firepit crackling before you…

A great idea!

13. Carve Rustic Stone Steps Out of the Hillside With Flagstone

Image and full tutorial by Jaime Haney

Jaime Haney lists all the steps to your very own set of flagstone steps on his blog, with plenty of photos to show you how to go about it. These stone steps fit beautifully into the natural landscape and would make a stunning addition to any sloped backyard!

14. Use Pallets to Create Gardens on a Slope

Pallet garden idea photo at Hometalk

Julia didn’t like her sloped garden… It was hard to mow and harder to keep it looking nice. She stumbled upon the idea of using pallets as gardens.

Julia isn’t done yet. She’s planning on adding more pallets and stepping stones – then maybe adding vegetables next year.

A fantastic, budget idea!

15. Budget Pond for Sloped Backyard

Using the sloped ground to create a pond gives you so much more scope to get creative, adding in waterfalls and streams running through your yard!

16.

Control Run-Off With StoneBy Denise on Hometalk

Look at how Denise controls water run-off in her sloped garden!

She needed a beautiful idea to help control the flow of the heavy, erosive Arkansas rains. The idea above is one of her downhill paths which winds through a variety of relaxing herbs.

17. Increase Your Space With Raised Beds

By DIY Design Fanatic

These raised gardens, built by Pam in her Carolina garden, are a great way to increase your usable space on a slope!

See how she went about it on her blog.

18. Build a Picnic Table That’s Always Level

Image by Hometalk

Here’s a simple hack to build a picnic table for your sloped backyard! You can easily DIY this with simple shelf brackets and a tabletop.

19. Build a Shade Garden on a Slope

Shade garden on a slope. Image by Hometalk.

This is a lovely idea for a budget shade garden in your sloped backyard. Plant hosta, painted ferns, coral bells, variegated Jacob’s ladder, and Astilbe for a natural, work-with-nature approach.

20. Low Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

Clover is one of the most underrated cover crops for your homestead. Check out the guide from Treehugger for more tips on clover laying – and why clover is sometimes better than a grass lawn!

The big problem with sloped lawns is how to mow them! Get around this problem by planting a low-growing alternative lawn, such as clover or creeping thyme. You can buy premium quality, Oregon-grown white clover seed on Amazon!

21. Sheltered Seating Area for Sloped Backyard

If you’re not opposed to masonry work, then this breathtaking sheltered seating from SecretGardenOfMine is one of our favorites. It looks cozy – and private!

This sheltered seating area would be great for anyone on a tight budget, as long as you’re not afraid of a bit of hard work! If you don’t have any bricks handy, you can make the retaining wall from reclaimed wood instead.

Read More – How to Easily Stop Weeds From Growing in Rocks!

22.

Sloped Backyard Rock GardenBy Happy Haute Home

Here’s another brilliant landscaping idea for sloped gardens. I love the rocks – I feel like they add a massive amount of personality to the sloped yard!

Rocks are a great way to add structure and help prevent erosion in a sloped garden. Interplanting your rocks with fragrant herbs and flowers will bring scent and color to your yard.

23. Low-Cost Woodland Trail

By marieanned1 via Instagram

Trees are a great way to retain soil and prevent erosion on sloped land. A woodland trail can be very cheap to plant, especially if you have a source of trees such as willow to take cuttings.

24. Children’s Play Area for Sloped Land

By garykidson via Instagram

Another great advantage of sloped land is that you can get creative with the kid’s play area. A longer slope equals a lengthier slide, perfect for hours of outdoor fun!

25. Sheltered Fire Pit Area 

By Olive Branch

I love how the firepit rests within a slope! I think this adds to the privacy of the fireplace and also makes the party feel more exclusive. Awesome!

Building a fire pit in a sheltered area on your sloped land is a clever way to stop smoke blowing everywhere at your next BBQ.

26. Stock Tank Swimming Pool Built Into the Slope

Image and design by Cuckoo4Design

I love the creativity of this sloped landscape! Who else wants to go for a dip? Having a hilly yard was never so relaxing – and refreshing!

Don’t think you can’t have the luxuries in life just because you’re on a tight budget!

This excellent swimming pool built into a sloped backyard derives from a stock tank. You may be able to pick a secondhand tank up for very little money or even barter or swap!

Read More – How To Build a Roaring Cinder Block Fire Pit Grill!

27. Create a Gorgeous Retaining Wall Garden

Create a tiered garden with retaining walls at different heights, complemented by gorgeous, lush plants that cascade over the edges. (See our post on the most stunning cascading plants for retaining walls!)

I could see myself grabbing my morning cuppa and meandering through this peaceful landscape!

28.

A Slope of Flowers

Completely fill your slope with gorgeous flowering plants for a wall of flowers. Add scented flowering plants to make it even more impressive!

29. An Inviting Path Up the Slope

Image by Backyard Reflections

This is a very impressive design idea for sloped backyards! The lawn path, meandering through stone retaining walls, looks incredibly inviting – I just want to skip up there! Add a seating area up the top for the ultimate backyard relaxation.

30. Use the Natural Slope as a Waterfall

Make your sloped backyard work for you and with nature by adding a waterfall feature! Birds and wildlife may come to visit and you’ll love the sound of trickling water in the background.

31. Create a Classic Landscape With Natural Stone

Natural stone and big rocks create this lovely landscaped garden on a slope. Add lots of creeping plants to turn it into a rockery the neighbors will be envious of!

32. Use Centerpieces to Break the Slope

Break up the slope with big centerpieces. Include big, natural rocks, pots, shrubs, and trees.

33. Rock Walls to Level the Ground

Build rock retaining walls at different heights to go with the slope of your backyard. Increase your space and create an interesting centerpiece at the same time.

34. Vertical Rockery

Create a vertical rockery retaining wall with big rocks and drought-hardy plants, succulents, and creepers.

35. Succulent Water Landscape

Go from drab to fab with this water feature, surrounded by succulent plants.

36. Go All-Out With Style

This sloped garden has been turned into an incredible, drought-hardy wall of beauty. Use Yuccas or Pandanus trees for some vertical interest pieces, and lots of colored-foliage plants.

37. Retaining Wall Surrounding the House

What an amazing design idea! This project would take a fair bit of time but the result is definitely worth it. The gorgeous rock wall adds a beautiful, gigantic raised garden to your backyard and it complements the house.

More Sloped Backyard Ideas on a Budget

Feast your eyes on these amazing photos of sloped backyards and use the inspiration to turn your own slope into a masterpiece!

38. Giant Slip and Slide

By Hometalk

39. Terrace Your Slope

By Hometalk

40. DIY Stacked Stone Garden Wall

By Hometalk

41. Build a Fort on a Slope

By Asheville Playgrounds

42. Terraced Backyard

By Fresh Perspective Landscapes

43. Cave With Slide

By Hometalk

44. Amazing Tranquility on a Slope

By Paradise Restored

45. Stairway to Heaven

46. Hillside Slide

By Momtessorilife

47. Rock Garden on a Slope

Via Bobvila

48. Native Plant Wonderland

Via Bobvila

49. Artwork on the Hill

By Gro Outdoor

50. Build a Deck

Via Hometalk

51. Stabilize Your Slope With Pallets

By Good Life Permaculture

52. Gardens With Trellis

By Living Hillside

53. Chicken Coop on a Slope

By Barbara Pleasant

54. Horse Trough Hillside Garden

By Rain Barrel Garden

55.

Learn to Landscape a Steep Slope the Permaculture WayBy Good Life Permaculture

56. Stunning Sloped Garden Design

Image by Cultiverity

57. Mulch It Well

By Yes I Talk to Plants

58. Retaining Wall With Plectranthus

By The Indigenous Gardener

59. No-Mow Slope With Wild Grasses

By The Indigenous Gardener

60. Use Groundcover Plants to Hold the Slope

By The Indigenous Gardener

61. Make It Maintenance-Free With Helichrysum and Gazania

By The Indigenous Gardener

Sloped Backyard and Hilly Landscaping FAQ

Adding cement steps or a concrete walkway is one of the best ways to upgrade your sloped garden. If you don’t have the most significant landscaping budget, then there are other alternatives. No worries!

We spend oodles of time researching the best landscaping ideas for sloped backyards.

We also have a ton of experience getting our hands dirty – and we’re happy to share our best sloped backyard insights with you.

Let’s begin!

Is It Bad to Have a Sloped Backyard?

Not at all! Sloped yards might take more effort in landscaping, but you have many more creative opportunities when gardening on a hill.

One thing to be aware of with a sloped backyard is where the water runs off. If the land is sloped downhill towards your house, you might end up with a flooded home! However, the correct drainage should sort this problem out.

How Do I Make My Sloped Garden Look Nice?

Most good things take time and effort, and that includes making your sloped garden beautiful! Start small by focusing on just one area rather than embarking on a massive and daunting landscaping project.

The quickest way to add some interest and features to a sloped garden is to install rock (or stone) steps and add a line of flowering plants or shrubs alongside them. Add some solar lights, and voila – you’ve got a sloped garden feature!

What Can I Plant In My Backyard Slope?

When planting on a slope, consider that water and soil retention may differ from your flatter land! The sloped ground may dry out more quickly, and nutrients may run off the soil.

Look for plants with a healthy root system that will anchor them into the ground. The strong roots will help them to stay put in heavy rainfall and reduce soil erosion.

Perennial plants work better than annuals on sloped land, as they will provide ground cover all year round. My favorites would be edible perennials, such as globe artichokes, interplanted with herbs and smaller fruit bushes.

How Do You Prevent Erosion on a Sloped Yard?

There are two ways to prevent erosion on a sloped yard, either by strategic planting or by landscaping the area.

Using plants is the most natural method of preventing erosion. Roots of trees, shrubs, and plants will hold onto soil and even improve the quality of the dirt over time.

If you have a severe erosion problem, then you may need to give nature a hand. Use supports made from wood, brick, or rock to retain soil, particularly in areas with a high level of water runoff.

What Is the Best Ground Cover for a Hillside?

If you are looking for ground cover for a hillside, look for low-growing plants which spread quickly. Ideally, you don’t want to be mowing or strimming your hillside more than necessary, so plants that are low maintenance work well here.

To cover bare ground on a hillside quickly, scatter seeds of fast-spreading plants such as clover or mustards. You could also consider sowing a wildflower mix to attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.

These majestic stepping stones are one of the best ways I’ve found to upgrade your backyard slope instantly. Excellent for rockery gardens or simple footpaths!

What Are Your Favorite Sloped Backyard Design Ideas?

This alpine slide looks like it takes serious work to build from scratch. However, it’s one of the most elegant methods to complement any slope, hill, or incline!

We’re always trying to find sloped hill ideas from homesteaders all over the world!

If you have some sloped hill ideas that we haven’t thought of yet – please share!

Also – let us know which sloped hill ideas are your favorite? Does anything catch your attention?

Thanks again for reading!

Please have a great day!

Read More – 21+ Epic Texas Landscaping Ideas for a Flourishing Texan Garden!

Turtle Stepping Stone

Garden Turtle Stepping Stone - Cast Iron!

$19. 00 $16.99

Want an awesome-looking stepping stone with tons of personality for your sloped yard? I love the detail on these turtles!

These cast-iron stepping stones are heavy-duty and are roughly 13-inches long by 9-inches wide and 1/2-inches thick.

Get More Info

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11/22/2022 03:12 pm GMT

Author

100 photos of main structures and reinforcements

Plots with a slope can be considered not the most successful for the construction of suburban seasonal housing. It will take a lot of time and effort to arrange it, but the result is always worth the resources spent. It is on a site with a slope that you can give free rein to your imagination and fully express yourself as a landscape designer.

Brief content of the article:

Preparatory work on a site with a slope

It is important to correctly carry out all stages of preparatory work on a country site. To create a comfortable and beautiful suburban area, you will need to strengthen the slopes, create terraces, and think over the irrigation and drainage system.

When developing a landscape design for a site on a slope, it is necessary to take into account the nature of the soil, the angle of inclination and its location. The most favorable is the southern slope. This location allows you to freely grow vegetables and fruits, arrange gazebos and places of rest.

The northern slopes are much worse in terms of creating a beautiful area surrounded by greenery and flowers. Throughout the day, the site remains in the shade, which significantly reduces its attractiveness. In addition, due to the lack of sun, the ground becomes cold and wet, which can negatively affect already equipped terraces.


Terracing

The most convenient and frequently used way to hide large differences in the height of the site is the creation of terraces and zones. Before you start creating levels on a site on a slope, you need to work on the layout and creation of zones. It is important to prioritize and correctly calculate the space needed for work, recreation, green spaces.

Each terrace must be connected to the next one. It can be both stairs and paths. When organizing ascents, they should be made as gentle as possible so that the ascent is not tiring and difficult.

It is desirable that the height of the steps does not exceed 10 cm. It is better to make the steps deeper. The material of the stairs completely depends on taste preferences: wood, stone, tile.

After drawing up a plan for the location of terraces, determining their number and marking on the ground, they begin to strengthen the slopes.

Stabilization of the soil

An important step in the design of the site on the slope will be the stabilization of the soil and the creation of the supporting walls of the terraces. This will preserve the created landscape for a long time, prevent its destruction by groundwater and storm water, and extend the life of buildings.

Before you strengthen the slopes on the site, you need to thin out several important points at once:

  • groundwater level;
  • site slope;
  • soil type;
  • distance to the nearest body of water;
  • ground pressure.

A site with a slight slope can be easily strengthened by planting vegetation with a developed root system. In this way, dry soil can be strengthened, but it will require a developed irrigation system.

Strong slopes may require support walls. Such structures allow to weaken the pressure of the soil on the slope and prevent the washing out and erosion of the soil. Such support structures can be constructed from stone, brick, slabs, and water-repellent treated wood.

When choosing a support wall material, consider its strength and durability, the required height of the walls to be constructed and the features of the chosen design.

Walls made of stone are among the most durable and strong. The technology of laying stone for such walls originated a very long time ago. Such walls last a long time and look very beautiful, but the creation process takes a very long time and requires some creative thinking. The stones are stacked on top of each other without a fixing solution. They should be selected in accordance with each other.

Stone can be used with mortar or pre-cast concrete base. This method is much easier than the previous one and is more durable.

Bricks or building blocks are used to make large terraces or large drops. However, before erecting such walls, it is necessary to lay a solid strip foundation.


Support walls made of wood impregnated with moisture-repellent mixtures can be made from logs up to 15 cm in diameter, as well as dense boards. Such walls are not so strong and should not exceed 30-40 cm. To create a wooden support, additional poles or a concrete base will be required, as well as a waterproof film from the ground.

In addition, geotextiles or geomats can be used to strengthen the soil on the site. Such materials have a sufficiently high resistance to moisture, protect the soil from ultraviolet rays and frost, are easy to install and very environmentally friendly, and can be used on a site with any slope.

Irrigation and drainage systems

When backfilling the terrace, drainage and drainage should be provided immediately. If necessary, you can install several drains and trays to drain the accumulated storm water.


The first floor in the terrace always acts as a drain. It is made from sand and gravel. After a layer of earth is laid, and fertile soil is on top. After a few days, a layer of fertile soil is filled up, as natural shrinkage of the soil occurs. Only after that, you can confidently begin to improve the site.

Design solutions for a site with a slope

Beauty and functionality - what every owner of a suburban area needs. Pre-planned zones and having an idea of ​​​​something specific greatly simplify the task of arranging a comfortable environment.

It is necessary to immediately determine the purpose of the summer cottage - recreation with family and friends, creating a garden and growing vegetables and fruits, or all at once. After that, you can choose the style you like by looking at several photo options for arranging the plot on the slope.


Almost any design decision can be made on relief areas. It can be a small Japanese-style garden, a French park, a rustic garden, an art nouveau or country garden. Use the drops of terraces to create waterfalls and ponds, do not forget to strengthen them with concrete blocks, plant climbing plants, wrapping them around arbors and walls of buildings.

There are no limits here, except for fantasy and desire. Hiring a landscape designer is not at all necessary, the main thing is to put your soul and all your creativity, and the result will not disappoint.

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features and options for landscape design

Many owners of a plot on a slope do not understand their happiness. They only complain about the hassle associated with non-standard arrangement of the territory, not realizing that they got a unique example of the craftsmanship of nature, which can be turned into something even more special.

Landscaping of a site on a slope looks peculiar, often fabulous. Winding paths, stone terraces, elevation changes - all this only decorates an uneven area

A plot on a slope requires some effort and expense, which also scares off unlucky lovers who do not want to transform their summer cottage. This article will help to give an idea of ​​the methods and techniques of landscape work on a similar site.

Contents

  • 1 Land on a slope: features of landscape design
  • 2 Fortifications and decorations
  • 3 Soaring gardens and views of nature
  • 4 One step, two steps
  • 5 Rules for gardening a summer cottage on a slope
  • 6 Video: garden on a slope
  • 7 Photo: best ideas for using a slope design
    • 7. 1 See also

Land on a slope: landscape design features

Fortifications can be made with your own hands, but this requires a detailed study of the area.

The main technique in the design of a sloping site is terraces, which help to visually smooth out elevation differences and add sophistication to the overall look of the landscape

Priority matters:

  1. What is the slope of the slope?
  2. How close is groundwater?
  3. What are the features of the soil?
  4. If there is a body of water nearby, is the area likely to be washed away?
  5. What is the ground pressure on the slope?
  6. What is the best reinforcement material?
  7. Which areas are most in need of strengthening?

You can answer all these questions on your own, as well as take the help of an expert who will conduct a professional analysis of the area and give recommendations.

As a result, a very effective design can be organized on a problem area with a slope, which cannot be obtained on the ground with a horizontal surface

See also Conifers in the landscape design of a summer cottage

Fortifications and decorations

So, if you are well prepared, then you need to choose the best option for strengthening the site on the slope.

The choice of material, in most cases, depends on the angle of the slope and the soil analysis of the area on the slope. This question must be considered with all pedantry.

Never plant tall trees on a steep slope, strong winds can uproot them

See alsoHow to design a summer cottage 6 acres

Soaring gardens and nature views

Landscaping of a site on a slope allows you to implement a lot of design solutions. Some costs will be required to create an aesthetic component of the site on the slope. The choice of design is carried out depending on the location of buildings, places for recreation, terraces, stairs and even cardinal points.

The erection of terraces creates a picturesque and bright picture on the dacha. Experts advise abandoning symmetry by placing terraces randomly. The lack of consistency gives a natural look to the landscape, completely likening it to a natural creation.

An area on a slope with a beautiful panoramic view will be an ideal place to relax

The waterfall will decorate the slope of the garden plot, and with a good design with stones and plants, it will create the impression of a natural spring

Terrace can be placed on any ground. For the wet surface of the site, a drainage mound of crushed stone is used, it will give stability to the structure. The arrangement of the terraces is complemented by the cut parts of the pipes, which will ensure the exit of groundwater to the surface, preventing its accumulation under the structure.

Terrace buildings always include paths and paths. Steps are made in some places. Various materials are available for terrace retaining walls:

  • brick;
  • tree;
  • concrete;
  • cement.

If the slope is too steep, it is highly recommended to use grout for retaining walls. Also, for the construction of terraces, it is necessary to conduct electricity in order to illuminate these places at night.

A small slope can be reinforced with wooden supports

Significant elevation changes will require concrete work

Retaining wall materials can be combined

When designing a summer cottage, you can release all the accumulated ideas. Create a unique look for your site with asymmetrical lines. Flower beds, bordered by elements of unusual relief, will be evidence of refined taste.

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One step, two steps

It is impossible to imagine a suburban area without the main attribute - steps. The main staircase can be part of the terrace or be located somewhere on the slope. The steps should be of a certain width so that the muscles of the legs do not strain once again, and also fit the general style of the summer cottage on the slope.

On steep slopes, stairs are equipped with railings

All kinds of paths are created from serpentine, and for movements that are too long in time, transitions are provided on which benches are installed. You can decorate resting places from crossings with busts, statues, fountains or small ponds with exotic fish.

A straight path will smooth out sharp changes in terrain

Stairs are usually made of materials such as:

  • concrete;
  • brick;
  • stone;
  • tree.

Stairs can be made of stone, brick or wood

When creating a landscape design on a slope, it is recommended to choose the same, preferably light-colored material from which the terraces on the land were made. The aesthetics of the paths are supported by large decorative elements, as noted by florists, which give more contrast to the green flora of the site.

See also What should be the design of the veranda?

Rules for landscaping a summer cottage on a slope

A harmonious combination of flower pots and shrubs develops into an amazing and original corner where you can spend time contemplating the beauty of plants. In such a place, it is recommended to install a bench in order to achieve maximum comfort.

Thyme, stonecrop, soapwort and phlox grow well between stones

Conifers are ideal for northern slopes

Rockeries and flower beds will be good on the southern slope

West side suitable for flowers and shrubs that love mild growing conditions

Decorative arches and grasses, complementary to each other, develop into a single landscape image on the slope, so you need to subtly feel what is best for this area. From the selection of plants most often recommended:

  • thyme;
  • cotoneaster;
  • bells;
  • feather grass;
  • geranium;
  • phlox;
  • roses;
  • wild rose.

The dense green or myrtle color of the cotoneaster turns into a bold blue in low night light, and the blue, cobalt color of the phlox behaves like a false green. The red, full-blooded color of roses fills with life only in sunlight, but dies, turning into deep scarlet in the moonlight. Conversely, a light blueness is expelled from the pale green of thyme during daylight hours, leaving only a cloudy aftertaste.

Choose unpretentious ground cover plants that strengthen the soil and give aesthetic pleasure

Garden arrangement involves painstaking work with shades. Depending on your temperament, personal preferences and lighting, the desired combination of colors is selected. Choose a dominant color, and then decide on auxiliary shades.

Planting of annuals involves preliminary soil preparation. It takes a lot of physical effort.

For lovers of natural style, the "wild" design of the slope is suitable

Southern slopes are chosen for planting garden plants, as they have more sunlight, from which the soil warms up faster, increasing the yield. Grapes, apple trees, apricot and peach trees are planted in the upper part of the plot. For plants that are afraid of the cold, the lower part of the plot is best suited.

Beds of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions feel comfortable in sloped areas. However, it is worth worrying about possible drafts. A sufficiently high fence can protect the garden from strong winds.

Neat box-beds on the slope of the garden plot

A more budget-friendly option for beds, moreover, suitable for steep slopes

Expert opinion

Alina Kvileva

Landscape designer

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Hello, my name is Alina and I am a landscape designer, if you have any questions regarding landscape design, ask with pleasure I will answer them.

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