For some, a sloping yard can be especially troublesome if water runoff poses a threat to foundations and structures.  Hillsides planted in grass can make mowing treacherous and turf survival an ongoing battle.  Site analysis of a slope can help determine the remedies of water diversion and absorption.  While corrective grading may be required by some, dry creek beds, drainage systems, and terracing offer homeowners solutions to excessive runoff.  In addition to terracing, others manage slopes successfully by strip cropping, or naturalizing a hillside with native grasses and wildflower seed.

Long-term hardscape products used for terraces are boulders or concrete blocks.  Homeowners who want an organic approach to retaining walls may choose boulders, whether they are built vertically or staggered for a natural look.  Large boulders generally require equipment, and an operator who has an artistic eye for contours and placement.  When enlisting a landscaping company for boulder wall construction, visit previous work to ensure their quality.  More formal and linear in approach are concrete block walls which homeowners can easily construct themselves.

Treated wood is still a popular choice in terracing because it is less expensive, looks good with plants, and is easy to work with.  Concern about using treated timbers with plants has been determined not harmful to people and plants when used correctly according to a study conducted by Texas A&M.  Check with local suppliers about the proper way to use treated wood.

Another approach to severe slope management is rockscaping.  Using heavy stone (4 – 8” rock) can serve as the stabilizer to steep slopes when placed on landscape fabric.  Rocking large vertical areas can lend itself to starkness, requiring appropriate use of plantings to soften the look.  This beneficial approach is better suited for smaller areas in keeping severe slopes stabilized. 

For the limited budget, stripcropping is another way to deal with slopes.  Instead of terracing, one can plant perennial beds and / or strips of grass across the slope.  Grass strips should be wide enough to reduce erosion and flat enough to make mowing easy.  Naturalizing a slope with native grass and wildflower seed can be quite attractive with little maintenance required after it is established.  Utilizing erosion control matting, the seed is stabilized while germination occurs.  The matting slowly decays with time.

Planting slopes with groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees tolerant of draught conditions can be the most dramatic and artistic approach to stabilizing slopes.  Using partial terracing and rockscaping techniques, the slope provides a panorama of plant diversity.  This view advantage makes the hillside garden a dynamic landscape, envious to those who simply have a level playing field.     

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!   

For additional information, check the following links:  

• Challenging areas
• Xeriscaping- Creative Landscaping
• Rock Garden Plants