Any home design and landscaping company like Alair Homes will likely inform you that one of the exterior design elements that people tend to struggle with most is knowing how to work with a sloped lot. Many people struggle with how to create an aesthetically-pleasing landscape when they have a sloped lot. Sloped lots can indeed be difficult to mow and maintain, but there are actually numerous creative ways that homeowners and business owners can work with a sloped lot to take the landscaping of their home or business to the next level.
1. Incorporate Stonework
Stones are a great way to enhance any yard, and they are perfect for sloped yards. Instead of sticking with a traditional retaining wall, stack sandstone, slate, bluestone, a combination or any other type of stones that you like into a decorate patter to create a wall that fits the slope of the landscape.
2. Slide
Creating a slide that runs down a sloped lot is a fun way to make children happy. Plus, it provides a yard with plenty of character since it’s an unconventional idea that many people would have never thought off. A slide works well with a terraced landscape and can even be taken to the next level with a sandbox at the bottom of the slide.
3. Ramp
A ramp is another great way to add character to a sloped yard. It creates the illusion of a bridge and looks great, especially when the ramp is constructed of stone that interspersed with patches of mossy grass. Ramps work best on slopes that aren’t too steep, though.
4. Built-in Bench
Building a bench into a slope is an innovative way to utilize otherwise unused space. This is especially true if the yard happens to have a steeper slope that people can’t easily climb up. Plus, the bench not only serves as a perfect place to relax, but it doubles as a retaining wall as well.
5. Steps
Of course, steps are always a great way to provide assistance with climbing a slope, but they can be taken to the next level by lining them with steel to create a retaining wall along the stepped path up a hillside. Decorative plants place opposite the steel can help soften up the harshness of the metal.
6. Sunken Patio
Creating a sunken patio is an especially creative way to utilize a steeply sloped place. Construct steps leading down into the sunken area and line the area with lush foliage, benches or whatever else you want your sunken patio to have. Creating multiple levels of greenery can give the sunken patio an exotic ambiance.
7. Desert Garden
Creating a terraced desert garden is a great way to avoid having to put a lot of maintenance into mowing a steep slope. Not only does a desert garden provide an interesting landscape, but it’s also perfect for an arid climate.
8. Hillside Hearth
A hillside hearth is a great way to liven up a sloped lot and give yourself an outdoor oasis. With a hearth that’s tucked into the hillside, the hearth can burn while the hill provides a natural windbreaker.
9. Treehouse
Creating a treehouse where you can perch is another creative way to use a sloped lot. Create a treehouse by extending a deck from the house and creating curving decks that lead up to the treehouse area where you can look over the rest of your property.
10. Terraced Gardens
Terraced gardens are an idea solution for a gently sloped lot. They can add uniformity and interest to the otherwise monotonous lot, especially when they’re decorated with stones, shrubbery and lined with a stepping stones.