Ideas for Landscaping Steeply Sloped Gardens

Landscaping on a steep slope can be quite a challenge for most individuals. First of all a steep slope like the name suggests is quite dangerous and tiring to maintain.

Steep slopes have less soil due to the fact that there is a high level of soil erosion that occurs leaving the slope with a rocky surface.

This also means that it is harder to keep the plants on the slope nourished and watered since all the water and nutrients will just run off the slope whenever their is a strong wind or when it rains. You can however apply some landscaping techniques to reduce the danger, the occurrence of soil erosion among other challenges.

The following are some ideas that can be used for landscaping on steep slopes.
Walls

According to the Washington State University, the best way to deal with steep slopes is to build a retaining wall. You can build several walls creating a terraced landscape which allows you have several strips of lawn.

The materials that are used to build retaining walls are, boulders, stones, concrete, treated wood, old railroad ties and bricks. With retaining walls you will not have to worry about soil erosion because of the way the walls are aligned your plants will be safe from erosion.

Use Plants

It is possible to use certain types of plants to do your landscape on a steep slope. Such plants normally have strong roots that anchor into the soil as they grow. These plants also reduce the amount of soil erosion. You should prepare the soil before planting your plants on the slope by enriching the soil with organic matter.

When choosing the type of plants to use, choose plants that are native to the area. Such plants are usually disease resistant, require little water and are much tougher than non native plants.

If there was some old vegetation on the slope, leave it there to help you with holding the soil until your new plants have fully grown. You can also cover the slope with straw to help with holding the soil down.

Dig along the sides of the slope for planting you can cover the spaces between the garden beds with mulch to prevent weed growth and prevent soil erosion.

Use ground cover plants

These plants spread out rapidly on the ground once planted. They grow widely and never grow any taller than 24 inches. There are many varieties of ground cover plants available for sale in most plant shops.

Ground cover plants grow densely which makes them suitable for inhibiting weed growth. The nature of the plant also helps to protect the soil from erosion during heavy rains and strong winds.

Another advantage of using ground cover plants is that they have an extensive root system that holds the soil in place even on steep slopes. The only drawback with the ground cover plants is that they produce fruits and flowers that demand high maintenance.

You will be required to prune, feed and control pests when you plant the ground cover plants. It is important  for you to prepare the slope well in advance before you start landscaping.