If you are looking for ways to express your creativity, try landscaping! Doing yard decoration without having to call in specialists that will pump the cost of a perfectly landscaped outdoor area is not only fun, but it is a good investment towards the overall value of your house.
Now, you don’t need a lot of experience for the DIY landscaping, but you shouldn’t go overboard – instead, stay realistic considering your budget and time that you can invest in this decorative process. If you are not sure how to get started, we suggest you take a look at the Ideas 4 Landscaping website, which offers reliable info on the first steps.
What you should know is that landscaping a slope is a bit trickier than a regular flat yard. There are more things to consider, including the degree and angles, as well as materials you can use. Still, you shouldn’t give up, as landscaping on a slope is doable as long as you take your time and make educated decisions.
Let’s take a look at a few tips and tricks you may find handy for getting started!
Things To Consider When Landscaping A Slope
There are a few things that you will want to think through before getting into landscaping on a slope:First and foremost, planning it all out by sitting plans on a table and considering the important aspects is the key to your success. The vital thing that people forget to do is take numerous photos of the slope using various angles and during different weather conditions – this way, you will get the true idea of the slope that you will be working on.
Not only this, but designing and thinking through the materials that you will invest in is something to be done before the landscaping process, not during. No one says that you shouldn’t get creative, but, for landscaping a slope, it is all about doing things as planned and skipping improvisations.
Now, unless you despise foliage, in which case you are at a loss, choosing the right plants is a part of the planning process. We know that you may have your favorite tree or flower, but remember that you will need to consider various factors such as sun/shade placement, as well as soil type and moisture before making your decision.
What we suggest is that you go to a local nursery store and consult with an expert, explaining to them the slope details and showing them the pictures that you have previously made.
The biggest mistake that people seem to make is forgetting about drainage. Believe us, you will not want to come back to drainage once your slope has already been landscaped. Thus, in order to avoid huge problems that could occur with heavy rain, be sure to invest in proper water control on the surface – a dry creek or a split flow both seem to be good solutions.
Also, mulching the soil on the slope should contribute to the overall drainage system. As some people suggest, starting with a drainage point and arranging the rest of your landscape around it might be the best way to do it.
Sandy or rocky, settled or unsettled – all these soil factors affect a slope landscape, as well as the foliage that you will be able to use.
Ideas For Landscaping A Slope
Among many Ideas 4 Landscaping website’s tips and tricks, we do have a few suggestions of our own:
Retaining wall
A concrete wall that will be going along the hillside is a great investment if you are a flower enthusiast, and you want to use every ounce of potential when landscaping a slope. Keep in mind that the nooks and crannies are going to be the focal point of the whole scene, so make sure these go along!
Backyard waterfall
If you have ever dreamed about your own waterfall, it is your lucky day! Just as we have mentioned above, controlling water is one of the most important aspects, and you will take full advantage of it by investing in a sheer waterfall. Keep in mind that, unless you are an electrician, calling in an expert who will install a water pump is a smart decision.
Curving stairway
One of the most attractive slope landscaping ideas is a stairway that is accompanied by colorful groundcover and succulents that appear along the way. You can even use a curving stairway as a part of a sloped terrace that will have a cherrywood bench at the top of it, allowing a nice view over the whole yard.
Native plants
When it comes to what plants you should put in your landscaped slope, we suggest that you put focus on natives – if you are a resident of California, plants such as Agave certainly work the best. Also, these don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Hardwood deck
Much like we have suggested above, a hardwood deck can work really well with a slope. Not only because it allows a nice view, but also due to the fact that the hardwood patio can be ideal in terms of appearance when accompanied with colorful flower beds and a small water stream nearby.
Banked border
At the end of the day, investing in a banked border is not only good in terms of safety, but it also works as an affordable addition to the foliage-focused slope.
Conclusion
One of the great things about DIY landscaping is that you don’t need to invest a lot of money, and you can still get good results. Still, the fact that landscaping can be fun and relaxing doesn’t mean that you should dismiss the importance of natural factors affecting your yard, including the potential degree and angles of a slope.
We did our best to present you with a few tips and tricks on how to handle these while still managing a vibrant scenery. If you are eager to get started, just remember to take it step by step and focus on preventing the slope-related issues, rather than coming back to them once it is too late!