Landscape Options for Sloping Backyards

Decks

• Create a series of decks and adjoining stairs on a sloping backyard. This works particularly well for a sloping back lawn that features the house atop of the hill. Wood and brick are two attractive options, either together or separate. Make each deck about 4 or 5 feet square feet, depending on preference, and plant small shrubs and flowers beside each deck. Set pots of flowers and herbs on the stairs of each deck, too.

Shrubs and Herbs

• Pepper a slope with shrubs of various sizes, as well as herbal plants. Plant shrubs in a pattern if desired, such as horizontal or vertical rows of shrubs, zigzag patterns and circular patterns. Use the shrubs to create sections for small herb gardens, such as a variety of herbal plants within a circle of shrubs. Keeping plants and shrubs on a sloping lawn also helps prevent mud slides resulting from too much rain, as root systems keep the soil anchored.

Wildflowers

• Plant a sloping backyard with wildflower seeds for a colorful backdoor view. Popular wildflower options include: the California poppy, a usually orange flower; baby's breath, a white or pinkish flower; African daisies; sunflowers; black-eyed Susans, a member of the sunflower family; Queen Anne's lace, a "lacy" white flower; and foxglove, a purple, bell-shaped flower. Wildflowers usually require little care and spread quite easily with only a few seeds to start.

Racing Paths

• Depending on the size of the slopes in your backyard consider turning them into racing paths for go karts, dirt bikes, sleds, snowboards, skis and bikes. Doing this enables children to work on their snowboard or biking skills and provides inexpensive entertainment during snowy winters. You may also want to use old tires and wood pieces to create ramps and obstacles for additional fun and practice.