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Hillside Landscaping Ideas

Just because your yard is uneven doesn't mean it can't be beautiful. Landscaping on a slope is simply an opportunity for creativity, and we've got plenty of hillside landscaping ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

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Photo: Photography: Rosemary Fletcher; Architect: Richard Seaberg of RS Architectural Partners, LLC; Mason: Santine DiFlaminio of Vintage Masonry; Builder: McKay Construction -Hingham, MA . From: Seoane Landscape Design .

1. Split Large Hillside Beds in Two

Landscaping on a slope can be one of the most challenging parts of planning out your property. From figuring out how to divert water to preventing soil erosion to thinking up a hillside landscape solution that's maintainable, there are many factors to consider. One of the most effective ways to make future maintenance of a hillside bed manageable is to split the bed in two with a set of stairs or a path that affords access to the middle area. Pro Tip: Always choose low-maintenance plants for hillside beds.

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Photo: Spacecrafting Photography. From: Mom's Design Build.

2. Install Terraces to Garden On a Slope

Whether you're looking to splurge or you're after hillside landscaping ideas on a budget, a terraced garden is an excellent way to take advantage of an underutilized hillside. While stone will yield a classic look that will last ages if done properly, you can save serious money by opting for terraces made of timber.

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Photo: Rich Pomerantz. From: Spring Lake Garden Design Incorporated.

3. Break Up the Slope With Paths of Grass

Breaking up hillside garden beds on a sloped yard with lateral paths of grass can be beneficial in more ways than one. The grass visually breaks up the landscape, which gives rest to the eyes with the stunning floral display, while the physical break offers a prime pathway for a garden stroll.

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Photo: Holly Lepere - Lepere Studio. From: CommonGround Landscape Architecture.

4. Plant a Low-Lying Groundcover

A low-lying, trailing groundcover will beautify a hillside while shoring up the dirt with its roots. Plus, this is a great place to start if you're looking for budget-friendly hillside landscaping ideas, as you can spread out your spending and add in taller, contrasting plants in the future. To find the right hillside groundcover for your area, start by identifying which garden zone you're in and then researching trailing groundcovers that thrive in your location. Don't forget to consider the amount of sun and shade your hill is exposed to before planting.

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