How to Landscape a Sloppy Backyard

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While a home in a sloping or hilly region can provide a stunning view of the environment, working on a yard in a hilly area is challenging. Landscaping a sloping area offers the chance to try out different types of landscape designs to improve the aesthetic value of your property.

When working on a hilly backyard, it is vital to consider the topographical aspect. This is important as it determines the type of plants to be included in the yard and all other aspects of the landscape. Below are some tips to end up with a good landscape in your yard:

Understand the terrain

Get to know how to grade the terrain. Before you plan to landscape a yard in a hilly area, it is imperative to research the slope and terrain. This helps in determining if the landscape can handle the drawbacks that arise from planting on a slope. The steepness of the area’s slope will help determine the ideal plants in regards to moisture levels. An expert in slope grading will save you a lot of money spent on watering the terrain. Here are ways you can use to address the terrain:

Visual analysis

Evaluate the steepness of the slope and come up with a diagram that labels the steep sections of the yard. Take note of the amount of light the yard receives from the sun in different areas of the yard. You may also capture information on the drainage issues that may be faced in some areas.

List the landscape elements

Using the diagram, you stand a good chance to place the different elements of your landscape in drawing flower beds, trees, walkways, fountains, and boulders. It is important to properly indicate the sections that the shrubs and plants should cover after maturity: the landscape should not look cramped at the maturity of the plants in your yard.

Mark areas for planting

The trees should be kept on the lower half of the sloping yard to increase stability levels of the landscape: this also prevents soil erosion. The steepest areas should comprise shrubs that have deep-reaching roots to hold the soil. At the same time, plants that are broad during maturity should be planted at the bottom of the slope to establish a tidy hedge and offer your property privacy to enjoy your yard.

Preparation of the ground

After identifying and listing down the plants to use on your sloping landscape, you need to prepare the ground. Use mulch and cover plants to offer an affordable and natural solution to soil erosion. Good mulch also serves as good fertilizer.

Prevention of soil erosion

Soil erosion is a major concern when landscaping on a slope. Based on the steepness of the area, you should think of the accessibility needs, like ladders and other climbing methods. The gradient of steepness and soil types also influence the stability of the hilly yard. For example, water running down to a lower section results in high soil erosion. The direction of the water drainage will impact the soil erosion extent. There are several ways to solve the soil erosion issue. Consider the following anti-soil erosion methods to use to a remarkable outcome:

  • Lay the paths across the yard
  • Terracing
  • Use of logs and boulders to slow down drainage
  • Establishing retaining walls by using small rocks
  • By interlocking walls
  • Through the planting of some types of grass

Mixing different types of plants is an ideal way to reduce the amount of water draining fast. Deep-rooted plants and shrubs together with trees are an ideal combination to hold the soil tight. Using the most suitable plants increases your landscape’s aesthetic value and appeal and reduces soil erosion.

By saif