Most people think that suburban area should be located on a plain, forgetting that the landscape design of a site with a slope is an excellent basis for the manifestation of one's own imagination. AT this case without special efforts indispensable, but one has only to imagine what original ideas can be used to design such a territory. A land plot on a small slope can be arranged in an original way, given all the pros and cons of such a territory.
Positive aspects of arranging a site on a slope:
- 1 Slopes and natural ledges can be played with in a way that even flat land owners can envy.
- 2 All slopes will be perfectly visible from home, so the results of your work can be enjoyed from one point, for example, from the terrace.
- 3 This area is a great option for those who prefer alpine slides, want to install a mini-waterfall on their site.
- 4 A good choice would be to purchase such a site, located on the south side of the hill, so that the vegetation has enough light.
On the negative side:
- such a site will require large financial investments for registration;
- planted crops will often have to be watered, as water quickly goes down on the slopes;
- the slope may be poorly lit, which is not so good for plants;
- if the house has an insufficiently strong foundation, there are risks of flooding with water descending from the slopes of water flows;
- if children live in this area, it will be necessary to think about their safe stay on the slopes.
landscape design plot on a slope always provides individual approach and requires compliance with certain rules:
- 1 It is best to have a house on top of a hill, then the design of the site will be easier.
- 2 When starting to improve the territory, it is necessary to take into account its location relative to the cardinal points, soil features and specifications water supply.
- 3 Before you start planting plants, you should deal with the main buildings and their location. Such buildings will include not only a house and a building for storing various items, but also terraces, stairs and other elements.
- 4 Since the territory is extraordinary, all measurements must be done with high precision Otherwise, you will have to redo everything, and this will require additional costs.
- 5 The lower layers of the soil cannot be touched, moved and other manipulations can be done, since all this can lead to erosion, and this is already dangerous.
Original design solutions
It's no secret that the varying heights of the site are just a godsend for designers. The results can be stunning. If the site has a slope of 15 degrees or more, then such an improvement option as terracing is a godsend for a landscape designer. In this case, the structure will be built using reinforcing walls, and they can be connected harmoniously with built-in ladders. It is important to consider a few points when decorating terraces:
- the soil must be protected from erosion;
- a drainage system is required;
- comfortable and safe movement around the territory should be ensured;
- everything should be zoned, i.e. the garden and the recreation area should be located separately;
- retaining walls must be of high quality and reliable.
Terracing the site takes place in several steps:
- 1 The degree of steepness of the slope is determined, places for the construction of future terraces are marked.
- 2 Geoplastics are being carried out, i.e., the terrain is artificially changing from top to bottom. The earth from the upper tier is removed and placed on the underlying tier. Terraces can be arranged in tiers, and in a checkerboard pattern, and asymmetrically.
Next, it will be necessary to erect retaining walls, in addition to the supporting function, one must also perform a decorative one. To do this, it is necessary to select the material in accordance with the requirements of the design and features of the site. It can be both wooden beams and stone. It is important to remember that the supporting walls must be strong, and for this she needs a foundation. It can be reinforced concrete or rubble concrete.
Any slope on the site suggests washing out of the soil, this is especially noticeable in spring or during summer showers, so you need to take care of drainage in advance. Drainage will be a gasket metal pipes in the foundation of terraces, special filtration holes can also be used. drainage system- it is not only a drainage system, it can perform a dual function.
The accumulated water from the pipes can be used to water plants or to fill small artificial ponds or mini-pools.
The terraced area suggests the presence of stairs for movement. When erecting stairs, the following factors will need to be considered:
- the dimensions of the steps can be selected individually;
- the most affordable option is wooden staircase, a stone staircase will be more expensive;
- steep stairs must be equipped with handrails;
How to arrange a garden
The layout of a site with slopes may suggest the presence of not only multi-tiered terraces, but also beautiful garden with an alpine slide, a mini-waterfall. The relief terrain is quite suitable for growing a lawn, but if the site has steep slopes, it will be possible to plant various plants that will gain a foothold on these very slopes and frame them beautifully. It is possible to arrange a lawn on arranged terraces.
The garden looks beautiful, where there is natural stones. They are suitable for decoration Alpine slide, pond, dry stream. Plants planted on the slopes can be framed with stone sides. Plants planted on terraces feel especially good. They will look great in the play of sunlight.
One of the most important decorative elements areas with slopes are considered water bodies. It can be artificially created streams, waterfalls, cascades or mini-ponds. Some owners of such adjoining areas even build small lakes, creating the effect of unity with nature. Particular emphasis can be placed on the stairs, which will attract attention, thanks to the refined material and the various forms of handrails. Thuja, juniper and ground cover crops are ideal for slopes. They grow well in the existing conditions and perfectly hide all the shortcomings and shortcomings of the territory.
A plot on a slope can be decorated brightly and unusually, if you follow all technical rules to save the soil and prevent groundwater from destroying the result of painstaking work. The relief area is not a problem area at all, but a wide field of activity for people who are able to turn their house adjoining area into a work of art.
Let's be honest: most of us would not like to have land plot with great flair. This is understandable - the unknown is scary. Let's put everything on the shelves together, and only then draw conclusions.
Possibilities and disadvantages of a plot with a slope
First of all, let's consider the possible troubles:
- the choice of the location of both the house itself and the buildings is noticeably limited;
- there are problems with watering, as the water in the soil will linger for a short time;
- movement around the territory is complicated, especially in ice;
- it is difficult to organize a sufficient area for games and entertainment;
- the need to combat landslides and soil erosion;
- a steep slope is a source of increased danger for children;
- unsuccessful orientation of the slope of the site relative to the sun can lead either to excessive or insufficient illumination of the earth's surface;
- the movement of air masses along the slope can lead to drying up of the soil at the top and frosts in the lower part of the slope;
- landscaping a site with a large slope requires increased costs;
- possible difficulties with access roads;
- providing water can be difficult.
Now about the positive aspects of placing a house on a slope:
- you will get a building plot at a lower price, and the increased costs of its arrangement can be partially compensated by your own creative work;
- water disposal problems are easily solved: the yard area will be dry, it will be possible to equip ground floor in the house or cellar;
- problems with groundwater on such lands - a rare occurrence;
- the hillside always protects the house from the wind from one direction;
- the cost of building the basement floor of the building is noticeably reduced, since all the excess land is easily used for partial leveling of the relief;
- from the windows of a house located high, a wide view opens;
- when placing the site on the south side of the slope, it is possible to increase the insolation of the courtyard, on the contrary, if the site is located on the north side, solar activity will be weakened;
- a site located on the eastern or western slope will have an average illumination;
- apparently the most important thing: the use of a huge list of landscape design techniques (retaining walls, terraces on the slope of the site, alpine slides, winding paths, a reservoir, a dry stream, special ornamental plants, etc.) will allow you to get a natural, organic and unique design of the allotment of land.
As you can see, the pros and cons gradually flow into tastes and preferences. The following video examines some of the features of the layout of the site with a slope.
Thus, by spending more effort and money on the development of a site with a slope, you get a more interesting and unusual result.
Of course, the degree of significance of the above circumstances is directly related to the magnitude of the ground level difference. To calculate it, it is necessary to divide the difference in heights of the extreme points of the site by the distance between them and convert the result into a percentage. For example, if the maximum height difference is 3.6m, and the distance between the points of the difference is 20m, then the slope will be 3.6: 20 = 0.19, i.e. 19%.
It is believed that a slope of up to 3% is flat terrain, but a site on a steep slope of more than 20% is not suitable for construction.
Features of the placement of buildings on a slope
Site plan on a slope Firstly, it should be noted that the underground and basement of the house on the site with a slope will inevitably have characteristics. This also applies to other buildings. Usually the house is located on the highest and driest place. Thus, the issue of water disposal from the most important object is solved. Toilet, compost pit, the shower should be located below the house and no closer than 15-20m. Recreation area - gazebo, barbecue, etc. it is better to do it on the same level with the house. Buildings, between which the most frequent movement is expected, are best placed on different sides of the site. In this case, the length of the tracks increases, but the slope to be overcome decreases. In the idealistic version, the buildings are placed in a checkerboard pattern. The garage is conveniently identified at the bottom of the allotment. In this case, the garage building can be used as a means of compensating for the steepness of the slope.
Strengthening terraces on a site with a slope
There are two fundamental different methods layout of an uneven allotment: without changing the landscape or with maximum leveling of the earth's surface. In my opinion, a compromise should be used for all possible methods leveling the territory, as well as masking differences in ground level.
In this case, there is no point in achieving complete alignment of the site.
When planning an inclined surface, several tasks are set: prevention of soil slippage; ease of use of the land surface for recreation and cultivation fruit crops; ease of movement around the courtyard. First of all, the maximum possible leveling of the relief is carried out by moving the soil. It is quite possible that it will be beneficial to remove part of the land from the allotment or, on the contrary, to bring the missing soil. A reasonable technique is the use of land mined when digging a pit for a basement or cellar. 
Creating terraces with stones
The second, most common method is terracing, that is, the creation of flat areas located on different heights. The more terraces, the lower their height, and, therefore, easier arrangement slope. With a terrace height of up to 70 cm, it is possible to create retaining walls. best material- natural stone. For such a design, it is necessary to make a substrate of crushed stone 10-20 cm high. With a low terrace height, the stone can be laid without a binder. However, in such a situation, there is a danger of washing out the soil with water during rain or irrigation. It is more reliable to make a laying of a retaining wall on cement mortar. The use of bricks to create terraces is considered inappropriate, since repeated exposure to moisture and low temperatures leads to rather rapid destruction.
Suitable for terrace heights up to 2 meters reinforced concrete structures: foundation blocks, plates and monolithic concrete. Often it makes sense to create concrete retaining walls with some slope, with the expectation of the extrusion effect of the soil. In difficult situations, you can not do without a reliable and complete foundation. It makes no sense to additionally finish the retaining walls decorative tiles or stone on adhesive or cement base. Frost and water will quickly ruin your work.
concrete retaining wall Structurally, "ventilated facades" are suitable here. However, in a decorative sense, such a technique is hardly appropriate. It is much easier and more efficient to lay a corrugated surface with a special pattern in the concrete formwork. Subsequently, you can decorate the concrete with durable water-based paints.
It is very effective to use a French invention - gabions - to strengthen the terraces. Gabions are rectangular mesh structures filled with natural stone. Ready modules from a special durable wire can be purchased or made by yourself. Gabions are not afraid of soil erosion, as they do not have absolute rigidity. They are also resistant to water, as they do not retain it in themselves. When filling gabions with stone and rubble, you can add a certain amount of earth, in this case, greenery will soon sprout, which will disguise the wire and give the retaining wall a natural look.
The simplest method of strengthening a slope is a sloping embankment. It is better to strengthen the embankment from shedding plastic mesh and geogrid. Being planted with a lawn, special grass and shrubs, such an embankment surface will be quite reliable and aesthetic.
Gabion retaining wall Wastewater - two sides of the coin
It’s good that in a territory with a slope, water will quickly run away both in rain and in flood: it will be dry underfoot. However, rapidly leaving water can take a noticeable part of the soil with it and destroy something. The conclusion is unequivocal: we need to think about how to properly drain on a sloped area.
The scheme seems to be optimal when water is collected from different areas by separate conduits that go beyond the yard. Moreover, each terrace should ideally be equipped with a drainage system.
The simplest solution is laying open concrete trays. The trays are laid on a pre-prepared base: a layer of crushed stone of the order of 10cm, cement-sand mixture(in a ratio of 1 to 10) about 5cm. The trays are easily cut and fitted to each other with the help of an angle grinder. Relatively cheap trays have disadvantages: they interfere with walking paths and their cross section is not enough when placed on common drains in the lower part of the site. The last obstacle can be overcome by making the drainage channels yourself from concrete. For the formation of channels, you can use pipe segments of a suitable diameter. There are also options for storm drains closed type that are produced by the industry. The upper part of such drains is closed with special grates for receiving water. Such designs look aesthetically pleasing, do not create obstacles for the movement of people. However, they are noticeably more expensive and more difficult to install. In addition, the problem of insufficient section in the lower part of the steep section remains relevant.
Drainage with trays Another option for drainage is drainage channels. The system is closed and saves space. To organize drainage, trenches with a depth of 0.3-1m are torn off. The bottom of the trench is filled with sand, a layer of 10 cm is enough, it must be rammed. The sand is covered with geofabric, on top of which crushed stone of medium size is poured. The thickness of the crushed stone layer is up to 20 cm. If a small flow of water is expected in this area, then it is enough to cover the crushed stone with geotextile again, and then successively fill it with sand and soil. At big expense water in the channel, a perforated plastic pipe is additionally laid. The rules for laying pipes are the same as for the arrangement of sewers: a slope of at least 3%; fewer turns and sudden changes in level to prevent the accumulation of debris in problem areas; secure pipe connection.
Paths and stairs - decoration of the site
It goes without saying that navigating uneven terrain can be difficult and even dangerous. Hence the requirements - to approach the arrangement of all ways of movement of people with special care. Please note that even a relatively flat track with a slope of about 5% can become an insurmountable obstacle during ice. This means that the coating of all paths and stairs should be as rough and ribbed as possible. The steps of the stairs should correspond as much as possible optimal size: tread width 29cm, riser height 17cm. The slope of the stairs cannot exceed 45%. It is better to avoid spans of more than 18 steps and provide rest areas.
stone staircase It is very convenient if the height of the steps of all stairs is the same. It's quite real. For example, during construction own house with our own hands, we managed to ensure the same parameters of the steps on both floors of the house, including the basement, as well as on the porch and in the garage. The arrangement of handrails on steep slopes is absolutely necessary, and even on quite gentle sections, handrails will be quite justified.
Materials for arranging paths and stairs can be very different: crushed stone, stone, concrete, wood, artificial turf and plastic gratings. Stairs, separate steps, winding paths - all these attributes should be considered as elements of decoration and individualization of the courtyard area. At the same time, I consider it necessary to recall General requirements: Pathways must not become slippery and dangerous in inclement weather. It may be necessary to provide special handrails for children.
Wonderful landscaping and landscaping opportunities
Alpine landscaping on a site with a slope can be called a pleasant necessity. It is based on natural stones, flowers and other plants. All this together and various options application serves to counteract the erosion of the earth on the slope and at the same time is a decoration. Since water does not retain well on a slope, plants may need to frequent watering. Thus, for garden beds and fruit trees, it is necessary to allocate best plots: well lit, protected from the wind. Sloping garden beds located at the base of a slope may be exposed to cumulative cold air.
Strengthening the slope with plants Ideally, the entire area should be planted with various plants. On the slopes, unpretentious creeping plants are used that do not require much moisture and have an extensive root system. Different climatic regions may have their own preferences. Concerning middle lane Russia, then the use of shrubs is appropriate here: ivy, barberry, lilac, Japanese quince, elderberry, derain, etc. They will wonderfully decorate the site coniferous plants: juniper, spruce, cedar, pine. Good fit deciduous trees: birch, hazel, willow (in wet places). For arranging rockeries, tenacious, stonecrop, cinquefoil, bells, alpine carnation, sedum, etc. are well suited. The arrangement of lawn areas is quite appropriate.
In order to visually level the terrain, tall plants are planted at the bottom of the slope. Sometimes it becomes necessary to close buildings located on the top of the slope from view, and then the strategy for placing tall and short varieties changes.
A low fence along the retaining wall will cover ugly surfaces and beautify the landscape. It is extremely appropriate to create on a site with a rockery slope. For this, stones are laid out on the slope. different sizes and in random order. It is interesting to use stones of different composition and texture. Free areas are filled with crushed stone, marble chips, etc. The gaps between the stones are planted with the plants described above. Thus, with your own hands you can create the most unusual and amazing creative compositions. Of course, plants will grow only on soil that is quite suitable for this.
You can decorate a mountain garden with figurines made by yourself, or purchased in a store for summer residents.
Stream bed made of stones The landscape composition "dry stream" was invented in Japan almost specifically for sloping surfaces. The idea is to simulate water with small stones and/or plants. At the site of the future channel, it is necessary to dig a shallow trench of the intended form of the stream. The bottom of the groove is covered with geotextile to protect against weeds. Then drainage is laid in the form of fine gravel, and the channel is covered with soil from above. "Stream" is planted with flowers of blue and blue color or sprinkled with any gravel, preferably blue. Then along the "shores" you can plant flowers. A "dry stream" can exist on its own, or originate from an earthenware jug partially buried in the ground. It is interesting if the path passing nearby will “throw” a small bridge over the “stream”.
On a site with a slope, it is very interesting to use the following technique: a channel for draining water is made in the form of a “dry stream” made of stones. When it rains, the stream will fill with water, which will fall into a small pond at the bottom of the slope. Quite functional and beautiful!
Arches on a site with a slope will be very functional in combination with a bridge and stairs. Of course, the arch should be decorated with climbing plants.
After reviewing the above material, you probably already understood: there are a lot of opportunities for decorating a site on a slope! In one of the articles we will talk about specific example. We wish you creative success in the implementation of your plans. Perhaps the following video will help you.
In this article, we will offer you ideas that will help you equip a site that has a noticeable slope. We hope that our advice will help you turn the presence of a slope from a disadvantage into an advantage of the site, its highlight and the most noticeable element of landscape design.
Usually, a flat relief is positioned as the main advantage of the house adjoining area. In fact, on such an allotment it is easier to carry out construction, arrange landscape design, you can choose any project you like.
However, if your plot of land has a noticeable slope, you should not give up and assume that nothing can be done about it. There are several options for turning the slope into the most beautiful element put on. The most interesting of them we will offer you in this article.
Equipping a site with a slope, one should not forget about convenient ways of movement. If the slope is very noticeable, of course, you can’t do without ladders and steps.
1. Deck
Above the slope, you can build a real deck from a decking board. From this site will open beautiful view, and the deck itself will become perfect place for outdoor recreation. Most often, such sites are equipped near the house, but they can be built in any part of the garden that differs in slope.
The deck can be supported by poles or a solid concrete foundation. used terrace board, which perfectly withstands all temperature changes and is not afraid of moisture
On the deck rising above the site, of course, will be installed garden furniture, which will allow you to turn an open area into a cozy area for family dinners in the fresh air
2. Alpine slide
This element of landscape design traditionally rises above the site, and when arranging an alpine hill, you usually have to make an embankment. So why not use a natural slope, which will be the perfect location for such a "stone bed".
To create an alpine slide, flowers are used that feel good on rocky soil and slopes, strengthen the earth. This arrangement will emphasize the "stony flower bed", highlighting it from the surrounding space.
3. Terracing
Have you ever seen rice fields located on the slopes on separate steps? The same method can be used in the country. Experts advise creating three or four terraces in areas with a height difference of about three meters. For their arrangement, retaining walls made of concrete are used, reinforced mesh, stones or boards.
Each such terrace can have its own function - beds with vegetables will appear on one, shrubs on the second, and a flower bed on the third. These will be pronounced separate zones with their own borders, united, for example, by an inclined path, stone or wooden steps. Terracing is done across the slope.
The disadvantage of terracing is that the supporting walls themselves will take up a lot of space, so there will be less land left for flower beds and beds.
Experts advise building the outer side of each terrace with a slope towards the slope to ensure natural water runoff during heavy rains.
Metal plates can also serve as retaining walls. In this case, professionals advise adding natural materials and elements, such as large boulders, which will soften the coldness of the metal
Gabions can be used as a retaining wall on a site with a slope.
4. Stream and waterfall
If your site has a slope - this is a great opportunity create artificial stream or a waterfall. To do this, you do not have to equip the embankment and worry about the flow of water, everything will happen naturally. The water cascade can decorate and retaining wall supporting one of the terraces.
The slope is already there, it remains to take care of the course of the future stream and think about where exactly your future river will flow
A cascade stream on a slope, surrounded by lush juniper thickets, looks very natural, it seems created by nature itself
5. Vertical garden
On a site with a slope, the most noticeable part will, of course, be the upper wall or fence. Its design should be given Special attention, for example, create a beautiful vertical garden.
Along the most visible, located at the top wall of the site, you can arrange tall plants in flowerpots or pots. You can use vertical gardening techniques on the wall itself. Perfect fit climbing plants, for example, parthenocissus, honeysuckle, common ivy or vichi grape
6. Observation deck with a bench
A site with a slope usually does not offer a place to relax - only terraces and paths with steps connecting them. Allocate one terrace for a small seating area - plant a tree there, and install a bench in its shade. It will turn out beautiful viewpoint where it will be so nice to sit with a book or just admire your lush garden. Of course, for the arrangement of the viewing area, it is better to choose one of the upper terraces to provide a beautiful view.
Find a place on the site for a swing sofa or a regular bench and you will get a great seating area with a view of the whole lower part site
7. Ornamental garden
A plot, even with a strong slope, is not a reason to abandon the cultivation of herbs, spices and vegetables. True, the arrangement of the beds will have to be taken care of additionally. Perfect fit high beds in special vases.
This site has a strong slope, but this did not stop the owners from equipping a garden that looks attractive and will bring a good harvest.
In a cramped space between two retaining walls made of stone, in any case, there will be enough space for cabbages and greens.
8. "Wild" slope
It is not at all necessary to bring your site with a strong slope into perfect order. It is quite possible to leave it in its natural state, providing only a convenient descent-ascent in the form of steps or stairs. And on the sides of the path, let such plants that do not require constant care grow, such as crocuses, botanical tulips, mint and lemon balm, bluebells, St. John's wort, ayuga.
By the way, everything ground cover plants perfectly strengthen the slopes. In addition, for this purpose, you can plant sea buckthorn, brooms, wild rose, lilac, cotoneaster, Japanese quince- all these shrubs do not require special care and feel great on an inclined surface, holding the soil with their roots.
Who said that a site on a slope must necessarily be decorated with regular flower beds with their clear boundaries, have a “sleek” civilized look? Do natural slopes with their wild flowers and shrubs look less attractive?
In conclusion, we note that landscape design experts are confident that it is easier to design a plot with a slope when the house is on a hill. However, if there is no other way out and the cottage had to be located at the very bottom of the slope, do not despair - many of our tips can also be used for such an arrangement, which is considered the most disadvantageous.
In general, many professionals are convinced that a flat terrain is too boring, but a natural slope can be used "to the fullest", turning it into an extraordinary beautiful place. Try it, perhaps, after the completion of the work, you will also be convinced of their correctness!
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