How to make use of a slope backyard?
Sigrid Poter
3 months ago
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Sigrid Poter
3 months agoSigrid
3 months agolast modified: 3 months agoRelated Discussions
How can we make this backyard space more 'elegant'? (pix)
Comments (5)Since you answered your own posting it didn't hang around at the top of the forum list and is moving down pretty quickly - and a lot of people don't look past the top ten, so you may not get much response. But also, others may share my confusion about what you've presented and what you're really asking for. I'm afraid your two pictures have left me baffled as to where the deck is relative to the view of the back of the house, what the topography is (are those piles of dirt or an actual slope?), what the back yard looks like from inside it, and where your property begins and ends. I can't get a sense of the space at all. Finally, I can hear that you're feeling frustrated, but not sure what your primary objective is for the yard - distance view, nice space to be in, something to look out the window at. All that is to say that people can't offer much help unless you can give us/them clear questions and parameters. But here are my general thoughts, for what its worth from a protected zone 8 to unprotected zone 5! Can you create a protected zone with fencing or a hedge (assuming you can find a hedge plant that would survive?) Are there planting techniques that can help with survival, say planting in spring not fall? Can you plant trees outside the zone of the house, say trees that grow to twenty feet, thirty feet away? Finally, while it may take some time to figure out what will grow, plan the layout and the hardscape first (those piles of dirt look like they need retaining to me, for instance). Something amorphous like a wildflower meadow isn't going to look like much other than "junky" or weedy without a frame and a context, which retaining walls would provide. They would also frame and tidy up the distance view of the house. Maybe a few more photos would help. Others may be able to help with plant selection and care, although you may also check in to specific plant forums - tree forum, conifer forum, regional forum for your area, etc - for that. KarinL...See MoreHow to handle a steep slope in the backyard
Comments (1)So the primary reason for the barrier is to keep the dog from falling down the cliff? Can you use an electric dog fence for awhile to train the dog to stay back? We built a "look out" deck on the top of our ridge and the railing extends across the rest of the ridge as fencing. We used non-obtrusive ballisters so as not to obscure the view. Would something like that fit in?...See MoreBackyard slope design that includes built in slide
Comments (8)Other than installing the play equipment, it's a bit hard to see where you're trying to take the project, or why. You speak of "leveling out the hill" ... what do you mean by that? A slope is the connecting transition between two, more or less level, areas. If it's not going to be the same slope, a retaining wall may be involved. Since trees are already planted, their level cannot be changed. (Though they will tolerate a percentage of root disturbance.) Will the plants that you've mentioned tolerate the light conditions that will be present when the trees leaf out? Groundcover, once established, can be effective at preventing soil erosion. But no plants are going to do the job of a retaining wall. As I look at the photos, I wonder why you just don't plant a single, nice, shade tolerant groundcover over the whole slope and make your life easier. It would look good, prevent erosion and be the lowest maintenance option. Planting a multitude of different plants is not going to have the visual strength, clarity and ease of maintenance as will a single groundcover planting....See MoreHow to add privacy to a backyard on a slope?
Comments (5)You've mentioned "terrified" twice and "anxiety" as well. In all sincerity, this doesn't sound like the house for you, despite any privacy plantings/structures you provide. I'd keep looking for another house that puts your mind at ease and makes your family life pleasant and free from worry....See Moremarmiegard_z7b
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3 months agolast modified: 3 months agoSigrid
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