How to Landscape for a Hilly Front Yard

Create a stable walkway from the parking area to the main entrance by lining the footpath with paving stones, flagstones or medium-sized gravel. Fill empty spaces on each side of the path with groups of low shrubs, such as the dwarf red barberry and the Japanese plum yew. Avoid placing the shrubs in a single line along the walkway, as this gives the area a cramped, tunnel-like feel.

Place planters filled with flowers at wide points in the walkway to accent the surrounding greenery with bright splashes of color. Use pots filled with annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs near the front door to generate a warm feeling of welcome.

Divide hilly areas of the lawn into several level terraces so they resemble a giant staircase. Define and hold the terraces in place with landscaping timbers and use the flat, level areas as flower beds. Terracing the yard is a labor-intensive endeavor. While it does effectively alter the existing slope, there are less physically challenging landscaping alternatives.

Replace the existing lawn with ground covers such as English ivy, winter creeper, creeping juniper or myrtle. Ground covers work wonders at controlling erosion; they are deep-rooted, and their spreading growth habit stops water from running downhill faster than grass. However, ground covers tend to be aggressive and can quickly work their way into areas where they are not welcome. Keep ground covers under control by trimming the runners several times a year.

Install large boulders and outcroppings of native rocks in hilly areas to create natural-looking rock gardens, or cover difficult areas with a deep layer of mulch. These materials add color and texture to the yard but require no routine maintenance. However, if you live in a rainy area, you should be prepared to replace mulching materials on a regular basis.