When you think of landscaping the first things that come to mind are plants and flowers. You aren’t thinking about how the gradient of your lawn will play a part in your overall plan. Everyone has seen at least one gently sloping landscape and wished it were yours. A lot of thought went in the design of those yards. If your landscape design is not working like it should, then it could be that your lawn gradient is the problem.

Designing a landscape for a sloped yard can be difficult, but not impossible. One of the things that makes the landscape design difficult is plant choice. Slopes are beautiful to look at, but can quickly become boring if covered only in grass. The plants you choose need to be visually pleasing. Keep in mind that you need to visualize your choice from two viewpoints: looking from a window and looking up from the bottom of the slope. Your plants need to be hardy as well. Remember that water will run downhill and your plants will need to be able to withstand the runoff.

Another problem area to keep in mind is the balance of your design with the gradient of your lawn. Depending on how steep a gradient you have to deal with, there are features you can put in to help keep your design balanced and proportionate. Retaining walls, steps, and water features are all elements that will help your design immensely. Your plants will need to vary in height as you move down the slope in order to keep your view proportionate. It is important that you don’t compromise the view your sloped yard provides by putting in plants that are too tall or too short.

Dealing with hills, even tiny ones, can be frustrating and you will be tempted to just cut the offending slope away. Before you go out and rent a backhoe, stop and think about the consequences this action will cause. If you go cutting away at the slope, you are risking the integrity of the structures at the top of it. Also, part of the value of your land is based on the panoramic view the slope offers. Instead of removing the slope, you could put in terraces that will break it up and at the same time remove some of it without risking anything.

Sloped yards can be daunting to overcome. Incorporate elements that are beautiful and natural and you will have a design that no gradient can destroy.

Creating that perfect getaway in your own yard can be a daunting project. Hardscaping offers you options that landscaping doesn’t, depending upon what you want. You could create a low wall or build an outdoor living space. Working with a professional is always a good idea, but nothing makes it more worth while than doing the job yourself. In just a few simple steps, you can build the yard of your dreams.

Consider Your Space
Before you do anything, take a good, hard look around your yard. Decide how much of your available space you wish to use for hardscape. The best idea is to mark off every place you wish to place or eventually place a hardscape element, otherwise you end up later having to tear out one part to add another.

Create a Balance
Be a bit creative when planning out your elements. You do not want a lot of sharp edges that will draw away from what you have built. Allow your walkways or walls to follow natural curves in the landscape around it.You want to achieve a balance to your space between the natural and man-made.

Keep It Green
While it may be tempting to rip out all the landscaping in your yard and put in rock and concrete, your yard will look so much better if you keep some greenery. Children need a space to play as do pets. A swath of green grass is a better, softer idea than concrete. Also, having some shrubs and trees will help keep your hardscape cool and not blistering hot.

Pick Materials to Match Your Style
Just because something looks pretty does not necessarily mean it will go well in your hardscape plan. Your hardscape should be well-defined and comfortable for you. You don’t want a mix of styles that will eventually look cluttered and thrown together. Decide well before you buy what style you are wanting to achieve. Do you want an English Tea Garden setting or do want a Zen Rock Garden? You certainly don’t want elements from each.

Proper Preparation
This is the most important step of all. You need to sure that the areas you plan on hardscaping are properly prepared. If the spaces are not level, it will cost more money and time in the long run.

These steps will help you get started on the creation of your dream yard. Remember, it is important to take your time. Don’t be tempted to rush.