Hill Landscaping Ideas

The reason for hill landscaping may range from aesthetic to utilitarian, this may definitely add visual interest to your garden if you vary contours and levels or make dangerous steep hill easy to navigate by altering the grade.

Make hill's correction is a relatively simple job on a site that is pretty much flat but the slope of a hill may be severely slopped and this may create special problems for the landscaper. The most important of them is that the slope may carry water where you wouldn't prefer it to go and could create swampy areas in the yard, usually at the base of the hill's slope.

Landscaping A Slope Ideas:

Easy slope. Slopes less than 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25%): Such type of slopes require no special landscape treatment and solutions for circulation should strive for simplicity without steps or walls unless absolutely necessary - riding and gang mowers may be used safely and efficiently.

Moderate Slope. Slopes from 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25%) to 1 foot vertical on 3 feet horizontal (33%). Gradients of that kind create banks where only hand movers are manageable. Plant grass where accessible. Avoid single specimens of trees and shrubs on these grades in grass due to the problems of mowing around them - use only in groups or bed plantings. Try showing bed line or mowing limits.

Steep Slope. Slopes from 1 foot vertical to 3 feet horizontal (33%) to 1 foot vertical on 2 feet horizontal (50%). Gradients of that kind create banks where only hand movers are not easily manageable. While dealing with a severely sloped site remember to consider where you want excess water to flow. It may not matter on a large lot, because there is plenty of space for it to move through but if it's a small lot - be wary of neighboring properties, vegetation and existing catch bases.

If the area you are landscaping in has a steep slope, build terraces or steps made of logs or old railroad ties across the slope to divert water away from slopes and prevent soil erosion. Between the steps, spread a thick layer of wood chips to protect the soil. If the slope is gentle, seeding grass may be enough. Use splash guards on gutter outlets to help reduce erosion at the foundation of your home.

Severe Slope. Slopes 1 foot vertical to 2 feet horizontal (50%) and steeper. Vegetation and plants, including grass and groundcovers, are difficult to establish and demand frequent and skilled maintenance to prevent erosion and unsightliness.