When you’re thinking ahead to outdoor projects, it makes sense to consider the slope of your yard. Many developers flatten sloping sites to make construction more economical and backyards more usable.

The challenge Chuck and Judy Reavis faced as they planned a backyard makeover for their Leesburg, Va., home was how to make it stand out in a community where most of the houses look very similar. “We ...

When my friend Jonathan Long bought a house, part of its side yard was too steep to plant easily or efficiently. Being a practical man, he decided to terrace the slope. It's a solution that makes ...

Elizabeth has worked since 2010 as a writer and consultant covering gardening, permaculture, and sustainable living. She has also written a number of books and e-books on gardens and gardening. A ...

Planting on any sloped land is more difficult than flat-ground planting because: 1.) it’s harder to walk and work on a slope; and 2.) the soil is usually poor and thin from erosion. Toughest of all is ...

Whether you’re dealing with gentle slants or steep hills, down-sloped backyards can be tricky to maintain. However, there are plenty of creative ways to make these spaces usable and beautiful. For ...

Your property might sit in a depression, or perhaps you have a majestic view from the top of a small rise. Either way, in terms of landscaping and hardscaping, it's hard to know what to do with a ...