In California, homeowners view sloped yards as par for the course. In San Francisco, you could have a contest for who has the hilliest yard and have a hard time judging the winner. But sloped landscapes don’t necessarily have to stay that way, even with Bernal Heights’ dramatic grades. With thoughtful design and creative solutions, your hilly front or back yard can become a beautiful outdoor retreat.
Common Challenges of Sloped Landscapes
Dealing with a yard that’s more up-and-down than side-to-side requires careful planning. You can’t live in San Francisco long without knowing that erosion can be a serious issue. Heavy winter rains can wash away loose soil, especially on bare surfaces or newly planted spaces.
Drainage is another big issue. If you don’t correctly direct runoff, the water can wind up in inconvenient places–like your basement or your neighbor’s property.
Let’s not forget access. How do you mow a 30-degree hill without being a hefty bodybuilder? How do you plant on such a slope in a way that looks beautiful? Hold that thought. We have the answer(s).
Taming Your Hilly Yard for Stability and Appeal
One of the best ways to tame a slope is through terracing. Terracing carves out flat landings at intervals, providing a series of functional tiers instead of one daunting include. Our backyard makeover in Ashbury Heights is an excellent example.
We use retaining walls to keep terraces in place. Retaining walls can be made from stone, concrete blocks, or wood, among other materials. When paired with carefully selected plants or subtle accent lighting, the walls can double as focal points.
Well-designed steps and walkways help homeowners move safely throughout the yard. Stairways can go straight up, gently curve, or switch back in ways that follow the land’s natural contour. Artfully placed landings can provide small, restful spots and scenic overlooks.
Another option is to keep the sloped landscape and include a water feature. Water features can turn a boring slope of dirt and rock into a beautiful sight to see. Natural-looking streams and waterfalls follow the terrain, creating eye and sound appeal. They can also help manage runoff while attracting wildlife.
Both terracing and water features help you make the most use of your sloped yard. You could even blend the two, so sitting on one of your terraced landings can give you an area to enjoy the view. These features use the slope to your advantage, making a practical yet striking statement.
The front walk pictured below has plants, a small water feature, and terraced planting boxes.
Plants That Thrive
When it comes to selecting plants for San Francisco, drought-tolerant plants are our favorite go-to. They fit our local climate well and have root systems that help keep the soil in place, which combats erosion.
In short, the Bay’s multi-climates and hard soil need hardy, forgiving plants and trees. Options like creeping groundcovers, ornamental grasses, and hardy shrubs offer erosion control and visual interest.
You don’t have to have flowering plants to bring colorful beauty to your newly tamed hillside. Blue Fescue, as the name sounds, has a soft blue color. These little tufts of ornamental grasses last for several years before you have to replace them.
However, the Maori shrubs are an excellent choice if you want flowers. You’ve probably seen variations of the Maori Queen or Maiden around the Bay area. This shrub’s red and gray-green leaves stand out against a green backdrop of other plants all year round. The Queen has showy clusters of fragrant flowers and can reach up to ten feet tall, while the Maiden is a smaller variety.
Consider plants like:
- Creeping juniper, which provides excellent ground coverage
- Grasses that develop extensive root systems are great for sloped landscapes
- Flowering perennials that add seasonal color while controlling erosion
- Small shrubs that create visual interest at different heights
Sloped Landscapes Can Be Both Practical and Beautiful
The most successful hillside landscapes embrace the natural topography rather than fight it. The key is viewing your yard as an opportunity to create something unique instead of an obstacle to overcome.
Planning is essential. We’ll work with you beforehand to discuss how you want to design your yard and which plants to add. We’ll talk about outdoor lighting, retaining wall materials, and water features. With careful design and installation, we’ll help you turn your sloped yard into a valuable feature of your property rather than a potential eyesore.
Ready to Upgrade your Downgrade?
Every slope has potential and we’re here to bring your vision to life. Terraces, water features, a blend of beautiful plants… whatever you’re imagining, we can turn your challenging slopes into captivating outdoor spaces. Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your yard, literally and figuratively, to create the hillside retreat you’ve always wanted.
