Hillside properties can have spectacular views or other advantages, but they also have some of the biggest landscaping challenges. Slopes are more susceptible to soil erosion and drainage issues, and a steep or uneven hillside can be difficult to navigate, making landscape installation and maintenance more difficult.

A gentle slope is easier to work with than a steep incline. Before you begin landscaping, let’s evaluate your property and come up with solutions for creating a beautiful yard while keeping both you and the property safe. Here are some things to look for, along with hillside landscaping ideas to get you started.

• Determine the grade of your hillside by measuring it. A slight grade may be controlled with rocks, mulch, and plants to anchor the soil, while a medium grade may benefit from more stabilization with the installation of landscape fabric beneath topsoil or mulch. Steep hillsides will require sturdier measures for controlling erosion, such as a retaining wall or terracing.
• Make sure your house has adequate drainage to reduce erosion and prevent walls from developing cracks, shifting, or collapsing. Water runoff that collects at the bottom of a slope may need to be diverted with a French drain or other drainage system.
• Determine access.
• Check the soil for its composition to determine whether a slope will drain quickly enough or if erosion might occur. Sand and silt types drain quickly, and may need a sturdier retaining wall to prevent shifts in surface topography. Clay types are more stable and prone to erosion less.
• The landscaping of your home is an important factor in the first impression your house delivers to passersby. It’s important to remember to hire a professional for your garden landscaping work, even if you don’t have a major project underway.