What Can I Do With a Slighly Sloped Backyard?

Choosing Plants

• When the goal of the project is to add visual interest to the yard, carefully selecting a variety of plants is the strategy that requires the least amount of work and is the most cost effective. When selecting plants, consider soil conditions, exposure, and existing vegetation. For example, if the topsoil layer is shallow, selecting plants with deep roots will help to stabilize it. If there is rock bed or clay near the surface, select plants that have shallow roots. South facing slopes, however slight, will be hot in the summer, and plants should be selected accordingly. If portions of the area are shaded by existing vegetation, shade-tolerant plants would be more appropriate. Finding plant species that are native to your area will help to insure that plants become well established.

Making Terraces

• If growing vegetables or reducing runoff and swampy puddles are the primary goals, terracing is a good strategy to employ. Treated wood, concrete block, brick, and stone are some of the materials that can be used to create terraces. The number of terraces needed is determined by the slope, or the difference in height from top to bottom divided by the length of the space to be altered. Sometimes stairs are used in combination with terracing. The grade surrounding the trunk of existing trees should not be altered.

Creating Patios

• When usable outdoor space is the goal, and the land slopes toward the house, a patio is a good choice. The location of the patio should be planned to take full advantage of the existing conditions. For example, if part of the slope is more level, creating a patio there will require less work. Look for an existing tree at the back of the yard that could provide shade. You can add a path that leads from the house to the patio. Regardless of the location, some form of retaining wall or terrace will be necessary to create level ground for paving.

Building Decks

• Building a deck creates an opportunity to extend the inside space to the outside by creating an outdoor room. Decks are a good option when the ground slopes away from the house. Building a deck requires a solid understanding of soil conditions, and choosing the correct footing style for the structural columns is particularly important on a sloped site. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may need to consult a building professional.