Question
I have a sloped backyard that is unusable in its current state. Should I put up a retaining wall to create a flat space or are there more options?
Answer
Being in the Pacific Northwest, we get some form of this question from almost every client. There are many different ways to tackle a sloped garden. Sometimes retaining walls are the best option for creating flat space but many people don’t realize that they are expensive to build and can eat most, if not all, of your budget. Working with the slopes of your yard, instead of against them, will help you find better solutions that are more dynamic and accessible.
Terracing a sloped yard is one option that utilizes retaining walls while not using up as much of your budget. When you create multiple levels in a garden, it not only makes more useable space but also decreases wall heights and cut & fill needs and makes the transitions between the spaces more gradual.
Sometimes maximizing patio or deck space will equal more retaining walls but the surrounding planting beds can be sloped. This helps give better access for mowers, trash bins, etc without having to go up and down stairs. Retaining walls used for creating patio space can also double as seat walls or raised planters for more versatility.
Depending on how steep the slope is, boulders are another option that helps to prevent soil erosion when installed in key places. They can often be a less expensive alternative to full retaining walls and work well in both modern and more rustic landscapes.
Water features are a great example of using an existing slope to your advantage. Steeper slopes can create dramatic water falls while gentler slopes work well for bubbling streams.
You can learn more about retaining walls and sloped gardens in our past Designing with Slopes post and for fellow designers, you can check out the Designer Shop to purchase worksheets & recorded webinars on this topic. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to let us know in the comments or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you!
~Kryssie & Colleen
