Having a sloped backyard can be a challenge for homeowners wanting to add a water feature to their landscaping, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have one! Instead, coming up with a solution for what to do with a steep sloped backyard gives you the chance to think outside the box and get creative with your water feature design.
Today, we’re teaching you how to work with the incline rather than against it to get the perfect backyard space of your dreams. Learn some design considerations for what to do with a sloped backyard using water features, different designs that may work for you, plus tips to control erosion and drainage issues. A sloped yard doesn’t stand in your way. Keep reading and see how our team of professionals can still give you a backyard you’ll love to show off to friends, family, and neighbors!
What To Do With a Sloped Backyard for Water Feature Designs
Struggling over what to do with a sloped backyard using water features? We promise it’s not the roadblock it may seem to be. Instead of working against the incline by flattening your yard or trying to level out the area, see how you can adapt your water feature design to take advantage of the natural incline.
First of all, let gravity do its thing. Water already flows downhill, so it’s a great solution for what to do with a steep sloped backyard that’ll still give you the final look you want.Having a hill in your backyard space gives you a way to make a low maintenance water feature with multiple levels or cascading waterfalls that’s sure to look stunning. Our team of water feature professionals in Upstate NY will ensure your new addition is designed properly to avoid any pooling or drainage issues.
When coming up with solutions for what to do with a sloped backyard using water features, you also need to prioritize stabilizing the slope to prevent erosion or damage from water runoff. After all, you don’t want your gorgeous water feature sliding down the side of the hill and being ruined, do you? Retaining walls using natural materials helps it blend seamlessly into its surroundings while giving visual interest and protecting your water feature’s structural integrity. You can easily work these into a natural rock water feature design.
Types of Water Features For a Sloped Backyard
The natural incline of your sloped backyard is perfect for beautiful types of water features like tiered ponds, an outdoor wall waterfall design, multi-level streams that wind down the incline, and more. They don’t just transform the landscape into something visually stunning but they make it easy to work with different levels in your design for a unique finished look.
Some of the water feature designs that help with what to do with a sloped backyard are:
- Terraced ponds
- Hillside streams
- Multi-level waterfall features
- Wall fountains for sloped backyards
- Spillway bowls
Can a water feature create privacy in backyard spaces? You bet! Check out our guide after this and see how to use your sloped backyard to your advantage that way, too.
1. Terraced Ponds for Backyard Slopes
First on our list of designs that work well with what to do with a sloped backyard using water features are terraced ponds. By creating multiple levels, you’re working with the natural incline to give water a natural path to flow without having to level out the area. The added sounds of water flowing from level to level also make for an incredible meditation pond opportunity.
You could also consider adding fish or native aquatic plants to each level, depending on their size. This gives you a tiered pond water feature design that’s beautiful and friendly for wildlife while also preventing erosion and drainage issues.
2. Hillside Streams
Love a stream or brook but unsure what to do with a sloped backyard to achieve one? The good news is you can still have the stream you’ve always wanted! Streams work well when they follow the natural flow of the land. When you’re deciding what to do with a steep sloped backyard, a hillside stream can wind and twist its way along the shape and incline of your property.
Adding natural elements like rocks, pebbles, and green landscaping adds to the final look, making it seem as if your stream was always there.
3. Multi-Level Waterfall Features
Want something a little more visually dynamic when you’re thinking about what to do with a sloped backyard using water features? There may be no easier way to use a steep incline in your backyard to your advantage than with a multi-level waterfall feature installation. Cascading waterfalls give your backyard space a stunning look that provide cool visuals with natural sounds.
On top of looking great, they’re also beneficial for the function of your water feature. Multi-level waterfall features help prevent erosion using natural rocks, small pools, and other design elements to control the flow of water down the slope in your backyard.
4. Wall Fountains for a Sloped Backyard
Wall fountains are another solution for what to do with a sloped backyard when you want a water feature. They’re a vertical design that works with the natural slope of your property plus work well regardless of how much space you have. You can integrate them with an outdoor patio or surrounding landscaping for a stunning finished look.
When it comes to wall fountain features, there are also endless designs to fit your personal aesthetic and the look of your home. From traditional to ultra modern, our team can help you choose the one that’s best for you.
5. Spillway Bowl Water Features
Last, but not least, on our list of what to do with a sloped backyard is choosing a spillway bowl water feature design. These kinds of water features move water from one bowl to another and can be arranged to flow down the slope in your backyard space. It creates a tiered effect similar to terraced ponds that can work with backyards of almost any size.
Get Your Water Feature for a Sloped Backyard
Adding a water feature to your landscaping is the perfect solution for what to do with a sloped backyard. It gives you the chance to add a creative, unique element to your space that’ll have you falling in love with your home all over again. Not to mention you’ll be the navy of all your neighbors and friends!
Ready to get started? Contact our team of water feature design professionals and let’s get to work building the backyard you’ve always wanted.
