Landscaping Slopes

Slope - Landscaping Slopes

   Let the steepness of your slope help determine how you landscape it. This illustration shows the best uses for various degrees of slope.
   To control erosion, plant bare slopes with groundcovers or shrubs--ideally deep-rooted, spreading types. Keep drainageways planted with grass or lined with rocks.
   To create extra planting space, terrace moderate slopes with low retaining walls.

The Pros Say...

To make a slope seem steeper, plant at the top. To minimize its steepness, plant large shrubs at the bottom.

Safety

Consult an engineer before regrading or building on a steep slope.

Safety-related resources on the Web:
Index of Occupational Safety and Health Resources (http://turva.me.tut.fi/~oshweb/)
National Safety Council (http://www.national-safety-council.ie/)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html)
Other safety Web sites