Landscape Design Ideas for Tricky Terrain

Not every property you buy is going to have a backyard that’s as flat as a pancake. It might be the easiest to incorporate into a landscape design, but it’s often not the reality for everyone.

If you have a particularly tricky section due to lumps, bumps, and slopes, then you might strike trouble. How are you supposed to create an outdoor paradise when you can’t walk without tripping? Here are a few landscape design tips and ideas to help you on your way.

  1. Consult an Expert

If you’re looking at your new backyard, scratching your head, then that’s a sure sign it’s time to call in a landscaping expert. If you haven’t yet figured out how to deal with the tricky terrain, then it’s likely you never will.

Instead, you may spend a lot of money on “might work” solutions. A landscaper can come to your house, discuss what you want and don’t want, then draw up a plan. You’ll have your dream backyard paradise in no time.

  1. Build Walls

An excellent way to deal with elevation in your yard is by building walls. Retaining walls don’t have to look bland and dull, and they can create endless planting opportunities that work well with your landscape.

Broken-style concrete pavers, for example, offer plants the opportunity to grow into every nook and cranny, creating a plant wall that manages that elevation beautifully. Walls are some of the most popular landscape design ideas for tricky terrain.

  1. Perfect with Pots

If you have a gradual slope in your yard, with garden beds that don’t have edges, then complete the look with flower pots. A gradual slope along a well-travelled path can become the picture of perfection when you line it with an assortment of containers. You can then fill them with vibrant and easy-care plants that will take care of themselves.

  1. A Colorful Oasis

Not every hilly area in your property is one you want to incorporate a lot of landscape design. It might be at the back of your property, not often utilised, and very rarely seen either.

If that’s the case, go for the simple landscape design option of rocks and natural plantings. Use hardy, heat-loving plants that enjoy elevation, and plant the entire area out until it’s a colourful and vibrant oasis. It still looks like a hill, but it’s not sitting bare anymore.

  1. Decks & Steps

Finally, use those terrain challenges to your advantage with decks and steps. Dig out areas of the slope to build steps, then get expert help with creating a deck for entertaining. You’ll be saying “what annoying terrain?” in no time.  

Almost anything is possible when you put time and energy into landscape design. If you don’t know where to begin, consider these tips below or call for expert landscape design assistance.