In the world of landscape design, many consider “slope” – the portion of land that is inclined – to be a 5-letter word. Slopes can vary greatly in steepness and length, posing challenges to envisioning your ideal landscape design.
We’re here to tell you that slope doesn’t have to be scary! It’s crucial to thoughtfully incorporate grade change into your outdoor design plan, as it can offer both distinctive challenges and creative opportunities for enhancing the overall design and functionality of your space.
Can You Landscape on a Slope?
Yes, you can absolutely landscape on a slope – and thankfully so, as it’s actually rare to find a property with a perfectly flat landscape.
The degree of steepness on your property will determine the best solutions to address it, while creating the landscape of your dreams. With the right techniques, a sloped landscape can be masterfully transformed into a beautiful and functional space.
What to Keep in Mind
Our biggest tip for addressing slope in your landscape design? First, step back and carefully consider what you want the end result to be. What aesthetic features are most important to you? What kinds of activities do you envision yourself doing in your outdoor space?
Once you have a clear picture of your goals, a landscape designer can provide invaluable insights into how the slope of your property might affect these goals. At Outdoor Spaces Design, we use a zip level to measure the grades of the property, which calculates relative elevation difference between areas of the landscape. We then present our recommendations for how to achieve your desired results.
It’s also possible that your property’s slope will have zero impact on what you are hoping to achieve, allowing you to proceed with your plans without any major adjustments. In either case, a thoughtful and strategic approach to your landscape design will ensure that the slope works for you, not against you.
How to Account for a Slope in Outdoor Space Design
There are many ways to address landscape sloping when designing your outdoor space, including:
1. Cut and Fill
With this technique, a level surface is created by excavating soil from higher areas to fill in lower areas. This method is best for moderate slopes where a flat space is needed for a patio, garden, or lawn.
2. Terracing
Steeper slopes benefit from this method, which creates a series of step-like flat areas on the slope, supported by retaining walls. Each terrace can be planted with different types of greenery or flowers or paved, which adds visual interest and helps to stabilize the soil.
3. Retaining Walls
Commonly made from natural stone, concrete blocks, brick, or timber, retaining walls offer great design flexibility. They can be straight or curved, tall or short, and can also include features like steps, seating, and planters.
4. Seat Walls
Seat walls are essentially low retaining walls that serve double-duty as seating areas. One great use for them is outlining patios or garden beds, creating a cozy seating area while stabilizing the slope.
5. Steps and Staircases
Steps provide safe and easy access across different levels of a sloped landscape. They can be integrated into retaining walls or standalone features, and are designed to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. Wide and shallow steps allow for comfort and safety, with handrails if necessary.
6. Planting and Ground Cover
Strategic planting is crucial for slope stability. Deep-rooted plants can help prevent erosion, while also providing an aesthetic touch. Plants such as creeping juniper, pachysandra, and periwinkle can spread quickly, covering the soil and preventing erosion. Deep-rooted shrubs and trees have the added benefit of providing structure and height to the landscape.
7. Erosion Control Solutions
Managing water runoff and soil loss is critical for maintaining the integrity of sloped landscapes. Popular methods for erosion control include french drains and dry creek beds.
Sloped Landscaping Ideas
Creating Separate “Zones”
Property elevation changes can be used to your advantage, providing natural separation between different “zones”, such as a dining area, lounge space, or garden. By integrating a retaining wall into this sloped yard, we created a flat, stable area that now serves as a focal point for gatherings, dining, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The patio also improves the overall flow of the landscape, connecting seamlessly with other elements like the steps and retaining wall.
A Level Platform on a Slope
We integrated an outdoor patio into the natural slope of this landscape, providing both practical and aesthetic benefits. In addition to leveling the surface for seating and entertaining, it also created a visually appealing connection with the surrounding landscape. Working with the natural topography of the yard also minimized the need for extensive excavation and retaining walls.
Embracing the Natural Grade for Aesthetic Beauty
Embracing the natural slope of your property can actually enhance the uniqueness and functionality of your outdoor space. For this front entrance, maintaining the existing slope provided an opportunity to create dynamic and interesting features. The terraced gardens add depth and character to the landscape, making it more engaging and versatile.
Sloped Landscaping Design in Northern Virginia
Need help creating your dream outdoor living space? Give our expert designers a call to set up a free consultation. We can’t wait to help bring your vision to life!