Help with backyard hill layout
James Downing
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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James Downing
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Need design ideas for a back yard on a hill
Comments (1)Ohio must be really flat. It's hard for me to imagine you not having anything to look at around your area for inspiration. Come out to Cali for a vacation. Everyone has a sloped lot, but small space, so the retaining walls and landscaping are essential to get any joy or value out of your property. Start by determining what you want to use the yard for. Are there multiple uses? workshops storage sheds gardens play space outdoor kitchen seating entertaining swimming pool Make a simple plot plan layout and designate space for each function. Give ample transitional space for people to flow freely. Plan to build the retaining walls without moving too much dirt. You can create nice flat terraces by working with the existing grade. It is not really a good idea to bring in or take away very much soil. it could cause erosion or drainage issues with your entire lot....See Morebackyard help-- almost blank slate. Zone 7/8 Rock Hill SC.
Comments (17)One of the problems of the area that jumps out at me is all the blank wall space on your neighbor's house. It's a primary view that a tree would take care of. On your own house facing the street is some of the same, so another tree is in order. Insofar as giving a sense of privacy while not enclosing, I would suggest a spaced series of small, multi-trunk trees -- like crape myrtle -- that insulate from view anyone who is a distance away on the street while it allows you to see what's close. If you spend some time developing a good trunk arrangement, you'll get more screening (like a visual filter) out of the trees as the trunks develop. To develop the privacy even more and get a sense of protection, place a bed of groundcover below the multi-trunk trees. It should a height that allow your view to easily continue above them. You'll be viewing below the tree canopy and in order to do that, it should start at about 9' or 10' off of the ground. (I pollard crapes to 10' every year.)...See MoreNo clue what to do, slope hill, bare backyard.
Comments (10)If you want a retaining wall, hire a designer who is qualified to do so. In many municipalities, retaining walls above a certain height require engineered drawings and planning approval. There are also drainage issues to consider which may be beyond a homeowner's purview. The easiest course of action would be to replant the slope with a groundcover that will prevent further erosion and provide an attractive green backdrop. But you will need to keep the dogs away/off until it becomes fully established....See MoreHelp! Pool, patio backyard layout.
Comments (3)Thanks Greg. For some reason they wouldn’t attach to the original post...See MoreJames Downing
8 years agoYardvaark
8 years agoJames Downing
8 years agoYardvaark
8 years agoJames Downing
8 years agoJames Downing
8 years agoKim in PL (SoCal zone 10/Sunset 24)
8 years agoJames Downing thanked Kim in PL (SoCal zone 10/Sunset 24)James Downing
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8 years agoJames Downing
8 years agoYardvaark
8 years agoYardvaark
8 years agoJames Downing
8 years agoYardvaark
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