Landscaping Ideas >> Hills

Ideas for Landscaping a Hill

by Brandon Cornett

Landscaping a hill presents unique challenges that must be addressed separate from general landscape advice. So we have created this article to give you ideas for landscaping a steep hill effectively and attractively.

The Landscaping Challenge of Hills

Yards with steep hills are not always desirable. They are difficult to water and mow, and the space is not as usable as flatter areas of the yard. For these functional reasons as well as aesthetic reasons, many people seek landscaping ideas that will make the hill more attractive and easier to maintain.

The challenges of landscaping a hill become clear at the start of any project. Traditional techniques do not work for hills, especially when they are particularly steep. You must take into account water drainage, soil erosion, plant types, equipment use and more. So without further ado, let's look at some of the ideas and techniques you can put in place with landscaping a hill in your yard.

Idea #1 - Segment the Hill With a Retaining Wall

One popular idea for landscaping a hill is to segment it into two sections, with a retaining wall for a divider. In the picture below, you can see this technique in action. Note that the wall is placed where the hill becomes less steep.

Add some flowers to the upper part of the hill (like they've done in the photo), and you have a beautiful backdrop for your yard. You could even add a small stairwell to give you access to the upper hill area, if necessary.

Due to the stonework involved, I would consider this an intermediate to advanced landscaping project. So if this idea for shaping a hill appeals to you, consider hiring a local landscaper to help you.

Idea #2 - Ground Cover With Shrubs

Another option for landscaping a hill is to replace the grass with mulch and plant shrubs or bushes. This adds visual interest to the hill while also reducing the level of maintenance. You'll have to water the shrubs as needed, but you'll never have to mow the lawn there again!

You can see this landscaping idea in action above. Granted, the hill in this photograph is not very steep at all. But the same technique can be used for hills of any grade / steepness.

Idea #3 - Covering Hill With Bark or Mulch

This approach is similar to the idea featured above, but without the shrubs. This idea for landscaping a hill is one of the simplest approaches, in terms of both the labor and the end result. This is an option for people who simply want to avoid mowing or maintaining a hill area, but do not care as much about the aesthetics.

With this technique, you have to be mindful of erosion. With Idea #2 above, the shrubs will help keep the mulch in place. But in the absence of plants and shrubs, the mulch or bark may wash down the hill over time, especially in areas with a lot of rain. To prevent this, you might use interspersed beams or trusses. You can also combine this with the retaining wall idea we started with.

That's the great thing about landscaping — you can mix and match different techniques as needed to get the results you want. The same goes when working on the hill areas of your yard. You can employ any variety of techniques, depending on where the hill is located, how steep it is, and what effect you are trying to achieve.

Get Professional Landscaping Help

If you are the do-it-yourself (DIY) type of homeowner, then we salute you and wish you luck with your hill projects. However, if you're not as handy in the yard and would like some professional help to realize your vision, we have something for you as well. Click the link below to get project quotes from landscaping companies in your area.