If your property is set on a sloping surface, you are faced with a number of challenges in terms of landscaping. Depending on the depth of the slope, you may even have to worry about making huge pieces of machinery fit onto your property securely (without sliding down the slope) so that you can efficiently tackle the job ahead. Here are some ideas for how to landscape a sloping lawn.
First of all, you should determine your goal for your landscape. Would you like to make your sloping lawn functional for parties or outdoor games? Would you like to make it aesthetic? How will you use the space? Once you have determined answers to these and other questions, you can begin to develop your plan.
If you would like to create a landscape that is functional, consider creating tiers. Tiers are like stairs – they are flat areas of land that are cut into a slope. When you create the tier, keep in mind that the depth of the surface will determine how you will use it. You can create a thin tier for a garden or a wide tier if you have children that want to play in the yard.
Tiers also lend themselves to elegant patios. On a tier level close to your home, lay a base of cement and slate tile. You can add a picnic table, hot tub or other patio item to create a perfect haven. If you have room (and the budget for it), consider also adding a nice pagoda on your tier. It will create, in a sense, a whole outdoor room for you.
If your lawn slopes at a steep grade, consider building out the back of your home with a nice deck. Because a deck is built on stilts, you can build one onto any size slope you desire. If you choose to go about building the deck yourself, then you are in for some heavy manual labor. Be sure to read up on styles of deck, safety precautions and advice. Of course, hiring someone else to build your deck for you is always the easiest solution.
Many people who have steep back yards that border a wooded area, such as a forest, find that growing grass and other plants in the yard can be difficult. Yet, it is important that you not have a dirt-only back yard. Not only is a dirt-only back yard not very aesthetic, but also it compromises the integrity of your home’s foundation. In the event of a hard rain, the dirt will turn into mud and can cause mudslides or other anomalies that can threaten the foundation of your home. Grass, however, helps to absorb water and keep a receding yard at bay.
Landscaping a sloping lawn can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Keep in mind that the design will determine the functionality of your lawn. A lawn with tiers will be far more functional than a lawn that retains the slope…except when wintertime sledding is involved. Have fun with your new lawn!