Landscaping Ideas for Steep Hillside

Just Plants

• The simplest and most cost-effective landscaping solution for a steep hillside is planting it with vegetation that has roots capable of "holding" the soil against the erosive force of rain and runoff. Plant foliage also helps minimize the impact of rain. A complex plant canopy of trees, shrubs and perennial herbs, flowers and bulbs will provide strong root depth and density in shade or sun. Sunny slopes are also ideal for an open, sunny meadow of native wildflowers. Texas Cooperative Extension notes that antique rambling or trailing roses, including Wichurianas and Banksias are striking and unusual. Easy-care plants are ideal, given access challenges. Create small planting basins to direct water to plant roots, and mulch heavily to protect roots, conserve soil moisture, prevent soil washing and prevent weeds. Irrigate with soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system, to allow water to slowly seep into the soil.

Decks & Plants

• Building on a steep slope means that level space in the landscape is probably scarce. Creating a deck -- or a series or decks connected by ramps or stairways -- is one way to maximize usable space and protect soil from erosion. Built-in benches and planters can be included in deck plans, suggests Sunset magazine, but landscaping plans can also include suitable trees, shrubs and perennials or rambling roses or other groundcovers.

Terraces

• Otherwise, the simplest way to stabilize a steep hillside and minimize erosion is by constructing a series of shallow terraces. Do-it-yourselfers can manage short retaining walls, no higher than 2 feet. Build terrace walls from boulders and field stones to approximate nature -- seeming random placements can look quite natural -- or use dry-stacked stone, bricks, concrete blocks or pressurized wood for a neater presentation. Incorporate benches, steps and sloping, switchback ramps in the terrace plan for gardening access and enjoyment. To create the flat gardening areas of each terrace, use the "cut and fill" approach: digging out soil on the upper end of a terrace and using it to fill in the low area behinds the terrace wall. If soil needs improvement, add compost, manure and other organic matter during this leveling process.