Hillside landscaping techniques allow you to use every part of your yard, even if you think no foliage can thrive on a sloped terrain. A hillside nursery can turn an unused section of your property into a thriving garden space. Frontier Landscaping in Vancouver, WA, knows exactly how to landscape a hill to prevent erosion and to provide a viable space for plants to thrive.
Soil Stabilization
Soil on a hillside garden can erode over time due to normal weather patterns like heavy rains and high winds. There are some soil stabilization methods to prevent excess erosion from destroying your landscaping and killing nearby plants.
Erosion control blankets can cover the whole area, providing a finished look and keeping plants in place. The blankets are made from biodegradable material that won’t harm surrounding plants.
Certain plants can also stabilize the soil including:
- Vinca
- Creeping Rosemary
- Creeping Thyme
- Viburnum
- Ferns
- Fountain Grass
Terracing
Terracing involves creating level platforms or steps on the hillside, which can be used for gardening, seating, or pathways. These terraces help reduce erosion and make it easier to maintain the landscape. Terracing is a great way to set up extra gardening beds to grow your favorite vegetables. The flat surface can also accommodate water features or other decorative elements to create the perfect outdoor oasis.
Proper Drainage
Prevent erosion and water runoff by installing adequate drainage systems like French drains, yard drains, dry creek beds or swales. Ensure that the water flows away from the hillside to prevent soil erosion. Proper drainage is also essential in protecting your landscaping investment by helping divert surface water away from valuable trees and other plants and preventing standing water on lawns and landscapes.
Mulching
Applying mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Organic mulch, like wood chips or straw, is excellent for hillside landscapes. Mulch can help hold in rainwater and keep it from flowing downhill. Over time you will improve the soil structure and make it healthier and more able to handle rainy weather while nurturing your plants.
Add Hardscaping
Consider incorporating hardscape elements like retaining walls and stairs into the landscape design. These not only add visual interest but also provide functional solutions for navigating the slope of your yard.
Retaining walls help control erosion, manage water drainage, create usable terraces, provide stability, enhance safety, improve aesthetics, and increase property value. When designed and installed correctly, retaining walls can transform a challenging hillside into a beautiful, functional, and safe outdoor space. It’s essential to work with a professional or seek expert guidance when planning and constructing retaining walls on a hillside to ensure they are structurally sound and meet your specific needs.
Additional Safety Measures
Safety should be a priority, especially if your hillside is steep. Install handrails on steps where needed. To prevent accidents, install proper outdoor lighting on staircases.
Including safety measures along with taking the proper steps to reduce erosion will create a space that is both beautiful and safe to use.
Reliable Hillside Landscaping in Washington
Landscaping services aren’t just for properties with flat spaces. Hillside landscaping can provide a beautiful area to grow vegetables or cultivate native plants. Adding elements like mulch, terracing, or even hardscaping elements creates a space that you will never want to leave.
Frontier Landscaping provides a quote for their landscaping services in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Fill out the online contact form or speak to our team directly by calling 360-574-8979.