Jul 08 2007
Problems with Landscaping on a Slope
There are certain problems that come with landscaping on a slope as it can make upkeep quite tricky. Water runoff can become an issue depending on the size of the slope. Gentle slopes can help water run away from the buildings on the land and prove an invaluable asset but greater slopes tend to have smaller amounts of water soak into the soil as the water runs off so quickly. This can lead to a serious imbalance in the garden as the plants and vegetation at the top of the slope do not get enough water while the ones growing at the bottom get too much.
When landscaping on a slope, the upkeep can turn out to be difficult, for example, it can be harder to mow as the vehicle is not even on the soil. There is also a possibility of the lawnmower toppling over. Even the use of fertilizer can be an issue when landscaping on a slope. Rain can wash the fertilizer down the slope fairly easily. Mulch also has a hard time staying in place but this could be solved using a lot of rock landscaping. Landscaping on a slope is popular for its aesthetic qualities but it requires a lot of planning.
Finding Solutions to Enable Landscaping on a Slope
There are a few strategies to bear in mind when finding solutions to enable landscaping on a slope. Some simple choose to install ornamental grass and low maintenance additions on their slope. For those who wish to maintain a real, living garden on a slope, they must consider all of the possibilities and potential pitfalls. Planting low maintenance shrubbery and vegetation at the top of the slope, plants that require a lot of water at the bottom and forming blockades in the shape of ornamental landscaping could be a possible solution to the problems but it depends on the slant of the slope.
It is possible to maintain a more balanced level of irrigation by only applying water to the top of the slope but the levels needed and the frequency of the applications can take some experimentation to perfect. The key is to water the top of the slope without drowning the bottom of the slope. The water needs enough time to soak in to the top of the slope before rolling away. For a lot of people this is too much trouble and to achieve a low maintenance garden, landscaping on a slope may not be an option.
Related posts:
- Common Landscape Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Landscaping Slopes: How To Stop Losing Soil On Your Hillside
- Practical Ideas For Landscaping A Hill
- Keeping Landscaping Simple
- How to Eliminate Your Weed Problems
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Hello,
Our front yard is on a slight slope (house is higher, yard/street is lower). It sits under lots of shade (2 large oaks and an ash tree) and grass does not grow well there. We have left it untended so the only things left are weeds, dirt, acorns & leaves. It is unsightly so this spring, we have decided to do something about this ugly mess before the code enforcers come knocking on our door!
I’m afraid we have made a mistake. We put in a raised bed at the BOTTOM of the yard where the water runs down (at the curb). Since it is raised, it has created a barrier that will force water to pond. We live in the DFW Metroplex and don’t get much rain but when it does rain, it rains hard. Usually, dirt is swept away into the street. This barrier, I believe, would prevent the rain from draining down toward the street. I didn’t think much about it until today. Should we undo this raised bed before we run into inclement weather and learn the hard way or should we leave it and see what happens. We have juniper planted as ground cover in this raised area.
What to do, what to do….
Any comments/help/suggestions would be appreciated!