how should I maintain this backyard steep hill?
Jin Duy
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (40)
Related Discussions
Landscaping steep bowl shaped slope-backyard
Comments (32)taterville, Things are coming along very nicely. I bet when you were in school you were one of those students that always did your homework; I never did mine. lol Most of your measurements worked fine, but something went wrong with the measurement of point A. That's my fault, not yours; my instructions were not adequate for the task. As we go along, there will be times when you need to mark a place on the ground in a semi-permanent way. Any number of things can be used; stakes, tent pegs, or nails with a ribbon attached. Now let me revisit the location of point A. You will need to place a marker at point A that is at the bottom toe of the slope about mid way in the curved transition between the relative straight line of the toe running behind your house and the straight line of the toe running along the side of your house. Begin at point A and measure along a line parallel to the back of your house to a point that aligns with the back of your house, shown in my graphic as point B. Earlier you gave that distance as 4ft 11 inches. That may have been correct, but because we may now be starting from a new location for A, you will need to repeat this measurement. Now go back to point A and measure parallel to the side of your house to a point that aligns with the back corner of your house shown as point C. Think of the box defined by the the three points and the back corner of your house as a rectangle. It is the width and length of this rectangle we seek. You did not give a distance from point E to F and I assume that the slope is just too long and slick to make the measurement. That's OK, there are other ways to find the location of point F. I'll prepare some instructions on how to go about it. You are getting close to providing the data needed to produce a base map defining the terrain you have. It wont have the precision of that of a professional, but is certainly suitable for planning purposes. The precision can be improved as needed. Taking what can be used from your photos, the survey, and the measurements requested by yardvaark and myself, I have made a drawing. Contours shown are at 1 ft intervals. Scale, small squares equal 2ft. I will add to and make corrections as additional data comes in. Below is a thumbnail. The full sized drawing Is in the optional link. I would invite everyone to use any of the graphics I provide to convey your ideas for the site. Here is a link that might be useful:...See Morenew const. backyard grading: how steep is steep?
Comments (4)Our neighbors have welcomed us to study their retaining walls or lack thereof. If we were on the other side of the road, we'd be planning an 8 foot wall. I'll have to check the grade with the 3 ft wall to make sure it gives us maximal usable yard space. That's been a clear priority for us from day 1, which is why the design calls for the retaining wall in the first place. I need to make sure the builder understands this as well. Thanks for helping me clarify the issues....See MoreSteep backyard slope toward home - zone 7 - need help
Comments (5)d keith, The idea of planting on a hill is both to prevent erosion, which is really important, and to look really nice. Full sun, zone 7, great for erosion, crape myrtle, buy more of them. They are wonderful, they have strong roots, you already have one there, and will provide a little bit of shade, which most plants will appreciate since you have sun all day. They will be on sale now, so buy more crape myrtles, they are anchors. Buy a chase tree, gorgeous blue flowers, no maintaince, drought tolerant, loves sun. Get at least one chaste tree. When you plant it, add some composted cow manure in the whole since you have clay, for the chaste tree. Evergreen magnolia is wonderful for a hill! Look for them at big box stores or nurseries now. Their roots spread out, and they grow great on hills. They are easy to care for, love sun and are evergreen. Get at least one of those, you will love the fragrant flowers in spring. The reason for the trees is important, they are the first line of defense against the pouring rain. It first hits the trees, they provide cover. Then you look for shrubs, a medium cover, like roses, which are wonderful and hardy, and also love the heat and sun. So buy some medium sized roses. You can use a soaker hose to water them. Also ornamental grasses are beautiful, and sort of medium size. Grasses need water though, so if you put out a soaker hose, include them in the path. The junipers are a wonderful suggestion also. there are ground cover junipers, you can plant them here and there, they are evergreen, which is good, they are ground covers, so they will also help the ground stay where it is. St. Johns Wart, sedum, ajunga, daylilies, little spirea shrubs, just a few suggestions as to some plants that you can plant around on the hill and will take fast. Good Luck to you....See Moreadvice on my steep backyard
Comments (8)I will agree with Babs that the hardscaping needs to be attended to first. But in the land of frequently steeply sloped properties (lotta hills around here!!) that is not an insurmountable task. Most local LD's are well versed in dealing with these issues. And it is quite possible to plant and maintain a slope or bank without any terracing, provided you pick the right plants for the situation. I am just finishing up a design for a very steeply sloped bank similar to yours but not quite as deep. The clients needed some taller privacy screening, so several taller conifers were included but the rest of the slope is planted with very low maintenance and almost entirely evergreen shrubs and groundcovers. Homeowners will need to access only once or twice a year at most. One thing to consider......if you remove some of the hardscaping closer to the house - essentially bringing the sloped portion forward - you should be able to grade the slope to fill in some of that void created, effectively reducing the steepness of the slope. Actually bringing the retaining wall forward and backfilling is a much easier undertaking than shifting it back or even fixing in place....See MoreJin Duy
3 years agoEmbothrium
3 years agoFori
3 years agoUser
3 years agoJin Duy
3 years agoJin Duy
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoUser
3 years agoBrown Dog
3 years agoChristopher CNC
3 years agoDave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
3 years agoJoJo (Nevada 9A)
3 years agoEmbothrium
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoK Laurence
3 years agoFori
3 years agoChristopher CNC
3 years agoCathy Anderson
3 years agodchall_san_antonio
3 years agoUser
3 years agofrankielynnsie
3 years agoJoJo (Nevada 9A)
3 years agoJin Duy
3 years agodchall_san_antonio
3 years agoDeb Zilch
3 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years agoTipton Spires Design|Build
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agofrankielynnsie
3 years agoTipton Spires Design|Build
3 years agoDeb Zilch
3 years ago
Related Stories
DECORATING GUIDESSee a Seattle-Area Home Steeped in Graciousness
Brimming with welcoming touches, this condo shows that a home short on space and decorating funds can still go long on personal style
Full StoryLIFEHow to Outsmart Backyard Critters
Learn to think like a raccoon, skunk or squirrel to keep your home safe and your garden intact
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Making a Comeback in the Hollywood Hills
Get a front-row seat to see how this 1912 home went from rotting and crumbling to bright and picture perfect
Full StoryINSPIRING GARDENSBackyard of the Week: Stunning Hillside Garden Nods to Nature
Colorful plantings, a cozy fire pit and a mini vineyard transform a hilly backyard into a relaxing garden retreat
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Motley to Modern in the Hollywood Hills
A California house with a choppy layout is redesigned to incorporate an addition, an open nature and indoor-outdoor flow
Full StoryMOST POPULARMy Houzz: Hip Midcentury Style for a Mom's Backyard Cottage
This 1-bedroom suite has everything a Texas mother and grandmother needs — including the best wake-up system money can't buy
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN11 Design Solutions for Sloping Backyards
Hit the garden slopes running with these bright ideas for terraces, zones, paths and more
Full StoryBACKYARD IDEAS10 Low-Maintenance Backyard Ideas
These outdoor spaces minimize yard work and keep the focus on fun
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESBackyard Birds: How to Care for American Goldfinches
The American goldfinch is a bright-in-the-summer visitor and one of the only vegetarian songbirds. Here's how to give them a healthy habitat
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGWhy Is There a Bathtub in the Backyard?
Nope, it's not waiting for bulk trash pickup. These days outdoor tubs are serving soakers, beer drinkers and even the fishes
Full Story
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5