A property with slopes can be both frustrating and problematic. Slopes can deter from the functionality of the space and also impact aesthetics. For one, it is difficult to grow plants on slopes, so that can deter you from the overall look you want to achieve with your landscape. But on top of that, slopes also create the possibility of erosion and drainage problems on the property—which can be both a headache and an unwanted expense.
If you have a sloped commercial property then you might be looking for effective landscaping solutions. Fortunately, there are some answers out there on how to landscape a sloped property.
Finding a Solution that Works for Your Property
There is no one-size-fits-all landscaping approach to a sloped property. Instead, you and your landscape professional will need to consider several key factors as you determine how to best address your hilly property. Here are some questions to consider.
- How do you plan to use the property? Do the sloped areas need to be traversed? Are you trying to gain the functionality of the space or just make it look better?
- Are there drainage or runoff issues to address?
- How severe is the slope (or slopes) causing you trouble?
- What is your budget for this project?
Answering these questions will help you determine which slope solution is best for your property. Among the various ways that we can address slopes, we’ll talk about a few key ones to consider.
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is a valuable addition to your property in that it will hold soil in place and prevent erosion. This is probably the most common way that we address slopes on commercial properties. Adding a retaining wall can be an attractive addition to your property while also solving your slope concerns. Of course, there are some important considerations to keep in mind for retaining walls including material, wall length and height, and site accessibility. Drainage must also be addressed. Unfortunately, there are landscape contractors out there who build retaining walls but fail to take all of the important considerations into account—which could ultimately lead to retaining wall failure. This is why working with a skilled professional is so important. Building a properly functioning retaining wall is a bit more complex than a lot of people realize.
Grading
Grading is another solution for a sloped property—particularly if your goal is to make your property more functional. If you need traversable space within the sloped areas, a professional landscape contractor could level out an area of the turf in order to add a walkway or stairs. Oftentimes grading is performed in conjunction with the use of retaining walls in order to address erosion.
Terraces
A series of terraces is yet another way to address a large slope. This method creates a series of leveled out areas, each one that is a step down from the next. It’s an attractive look that is often thought of as a solution for a highly visible commercial property that needs an aesthetically appealing solution. The terraces solve runoff problems while also creating leveled out areas where you can have plantings and go for some serious wow factor in terms of seasonal color.
Working with a Pro
Choosing which slope solution will work best for your commercial property can be done with the help of a professional who has worked on many properties and has a good sense of what will meet your needs. Sometimes the solution might actually be a combination of applications.
The fact is, landscaping a loped property is a bit more involved than you might have realized. The key to success comes down to working with a professional who has the experience, skills, and know-how to get the job done right. You don’t have to go on trying to deal with a sloped property that is causing you headaches when there are answers out there. You just have to make sure that you choose the right professional for the job.
