5 Landscape Installation Tips and Tricks for a Slope

Does your yard have an unsightly slope or hill that you don’t know what to do with? A steep slope can be intimidating, difficult, and costly to landscape, but it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle!

Check out our tips and tricks for landscaping a steep slope on a budget. With Greenway of Nashville’s help, landscape installation has never been easier.

Approaching Landscape Installation on Uneven Ground

A large slope or hill can present numerous problems from soil erosion to ongoing maintenance. Solving these problems while also ensuring your yard is visually appealing can be time-consuming and expensive.

Landscaping a slope is often easier said than done. That’s why it’s important to approach any landscape job on uneven ground with careful planning. Here are a few ways you can transform a steep hill into an attractive and functional focal point of your yard.

Four cost-effective landscape design ideas for a slope

4 Cost-Effective Landscape Design Ideas for a Slope

Install Groundcover Plants

landscape rocks for drainage

One challenge many homeowners face with landscaping steep slopes is soil runoff. The topsoil on hills can easily wash off, leaving an unattractive and muddy mess. In this case, you may want to consider planting your hill with groundcover plants. There are numerous varieties of shrubs and flowers that can thrive on slopes, giving you a better view and reducing the chances of erosion. Just keep in mind that you may need to bring in some additional soil and an erosion mat to establish the plants if the existing soil on the hill lacks the necessary nutrients.

Build a Tiered Retaining Wall

tiered concrete retaining wall built by Nashville hardscape contractors

Another popular option is to terrace sections of the slope within your lawn to create flat planting areas. Building several tiers on a hilly property will help you avoid erosion and allow you to add a variety of plants and landscaping elements for a functional and attractive design. Retaining walls can consist of a variety of materials to best fit your space and budget, such as stone pavers, wooden posts, or concrete. However, when considering materials that stand the test of time, stone pavers are recommended. Additionally, when installing any retaining wall, it is important to add a good drainage system behind the wall to prevent the wall from cracking or even collapsing.

Create a Natural Rock Garden

constructed custom rock garden and waterfall

Getting plants to take hold on a hill can be difficult, as slopes tend to erode quickly due to drainage issues and soil runoff. If you don’t want to terrace your slope, adding rocks of varying shapes and sizes is another way to hold the soil and allow your plants to become established. Adding natural elements, such as a rock garden can give your slope a natural hardscaped look that’s both visually appealing and requires less maintenance.

“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”

Build Stairs or a Pathway

outdoor stair walkway located in Nashville, TN

If your slope already has plenty of vegetation, a great tip for taming the area and adding a focal point is to build a set of stairs or a winding pathway that leads up to flat ground. Such a hardscape feature, usually made from wood or stone, can bring a nice balance to your property.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Tackle Your Slope in Sections

If your property has a large slope and you are not sure where to start, one cost-effective tip is to tackle the slope in sections. Focus first on the area closest to your home and the spaces where you plan to spend the most time. You may find that the entire hill doesn’t need to be landscaped. By prioritizing the areas of the slope that will have the most impact, you can save money and get the most out of your project.

Affordable Plants for Landscape Installation

affordable plants for landscaping

Photo by Creative Vix from Pexels

Whatever method you choose for landscaping your slope, it’s also important to select the right type of plants for the area in which you live and your particular space. For example, deep-rooted plants can help stabilize soil, ground cover plants are great for covering up unattractive spots, and ornamental grasses and perennials can be used to add color and texture to your slope.

When selecting your plants, it’s also important to keep maintenance in mind. Plants that don’t require shearing or a lot of annual clean up can save you time in the long run. For homeowners in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee, the following plants are just a few examples to consider incorporating into your sloped landscape:

• Coneflowers
• Daylilies
• Russian Sage
• Lamb’s Ear
• Creeping Juniper

Choosing the best plants for slopes and hills takes planning and experience. Our landscape contractors can recommend the best options for your space and landscape goals.

Get the Job Done Right With a Landscaping Contractor

Are you ready to landscape your sloped property, but aren’t sure how? Give our team at Greenway of Nashville a call and we’ll take the hassle out of any landscape installation project. Working with sloped yards is no easy task and, many times requires expert knowledge. With our help, you can turn your hill from an eyesore into the best part of your landscape.

Give us a call today or fill out our online form for a 100% guaranteed quote. With more than 10 years of serving the residents of Nashville and the wider Tennessee area, our landscaping contractors are dedicated to getting the job done right the first time.