How to Landscape for a Hilly Front Yard

The front lawn is the first thing that visitors see, and it makes a lasting impression. Creating an inviting entrance is challenging enough when the entire yard is set on flat land. Steep slopes and hills are a landscaper's archenemy. Rain and irrigation water run off, rather than seeping slowly into the soil, creating erosion and drainage problems. The steeper the slope, the more difficult and dangerous it is to maintain. However, once properly planted, the vertical rise makes an attractive and unusual way of showing off plants, and the hilly terrain creates a natural mood and adds a distinctive dimension to the yard.

Paving stones

Flagstones

Gravel

Low shrubs

Planters

Flowers

Terracing timbers

Ground cover

Boulders or large rocks

Mulch

Create a stable walkway from the parking area to the main entrance by lining the footpath with paving stones, flagstones or medium-sized gravel. Fill empty spaces on each side of the path with groups of low shrubs, such as the dwarf red barberry and the Japanese plum yew. Avoid placing the shrubs in a single line along the walkway, as this gives the area a cramped, tunnel-like feel.

Place planters filled with flowers at wide points in the walkway to accent the surrounding greenery with bright splashes of color. Use pots filled with annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs near the front door to generate a warm feeling of welcome.

Divide hilly areas of the lawn into several level terraces so they resemble a giant staircase. Define and hold the terraces in place with landscaping timbers and use the flat, level areas as flower beds. Terracing the yard is a labor-intensive endeavor. While it does effectively alter the existing slope, there are less physically challenging landscaping alternatives.

Replace the existing lawn with ground covers such as English ivy, winter creeper, creeping juniper or myrtle. Ground covers work wonders at controlling erosion; they are deep-rooted, and their spreading growth habit stops water from running downhill faster than grass. However, ground covers tend to be aggressive and can quickly work their way into areas where they are not welcome. Keep ground covers under control by trimming the runners several times a year.

Install large boulders and outcroppings of native rocks in hilly areas to create natural-looking rock gardens, or cover difficult areas with a deep layer of mulch. These materials add color and texture to the yard but require no routine maintenance. However, if you live in a rainy area, you should be prepared to replace mulching materials on a regular basis.