Landscaping sloped sites

By Hosea OmoleA house on a hill has always been pleasing to the sight. It offers a vantage point from where one can partake of panoramic views of the landscape. It is a status symbol, a monument of the owner’s achievement for everyone to see. Slopes buffer homes from the busy streets, providing extra privacy and quiet. Most of all, it unlocks a whole world of architectural possibilities.As far as landscaping is concerned, sloped sites can be invaluable assets both aesthetically and functionally. They afford the designer more opportunities to get creative. Unlike a flat site, they have a vertical component, giving the designer a three dimensional space, which can be creatively moulded to create additional interest. Moreover, sloped sites alleviate drainage headaches by facilitating natural water movement away from buildings.On the flipside, sloped sites present unique challenges. Just about every landscaping activity is a little more demanding when the site is sloping. Overcoming these challenges is the key to success. Here is how.Understand your siteWater runs off quickly down a sloppy siteA sloped site requires you to grasp its topographical qualities (shape of the surface). The most important of these are the gradients — the degree of slope — and the direction of slope. Gradient is the change in level per unit horizontal distance. This can be expressed as a percentage, a fraction or an angle. For instance, a gradient of 50 per cent or 1:2 means that for every two metres covered horizontally there is a change in height of one metre. Direction is the slope’s orientation.Next, you will need to study the natural drainage patterns. As you articulate the design, try as much as possible not to alter these patterns too much. Where it is inevitable, provide adequate alternatives for water to drain away.Before making your way to the plant nursery, remember that a slope is bound to be a little drier than the surrounding. Water runs off pretty quickly and does not sip into the soil deep enough. Fertilizer and manure is also quickly eroded downhill before the plants can use them up. With this understanding, you will be better placed to decide what plant to incorporate where.Erosion Erosion can be a headache in sloped sites. However, there are many methods through which you can control its effects on your property. Terrace is a time-tested method. It involves moulding the steep surface into a series of steps. Several small terrace walls are much more pleasant and environmentally sound compared to a massive reinforced retaining wall.There are many types of retaining walls to choose from. Your choice should be guided by function as well as your architectural concepts. For instance, brick, masonry walling and concrete are more suitable in a formal setting as compared to, say, natural rock.Applying the right kind of mulch can also go a long way in retaining the precious topsoil from being washed downhill. The steeper the slope, the heavier the mulch should be. Mulching is, however, not a long-term solution.FunctionMost outdoor functions require relatively level surfaces. It is often necessary to create flat surfaces in sections of the garden. There are several ways of doing this. Decks are great for creating spaces for outdoor living such as eating, swimming and playing. They also act as platforms from which you can enjoy the rest of the garden and neighbourhood views.Circulation is important in all gardens. However, in a sloping site you are not just taking people across, you also need to take them up and down the different levels. A well thought out circulation system is therefore critical. Steps leading to different levels should be comfortable and safe. Avoid having more than eight steps in one flight. Where there are physically challenged users, think of providing ramps between the different levels.

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