A steep front yard can be difficult to maintain. Grass is hard to mow, soil washes away during heavy rain, and patchy areas quickly become an eyesore. Instead of fighting the slope, Jenn Nawada’s approach focuses on working with it—softening the grade, improving drainage, and using plants that help stabilize the soil.
Here’s how to tackle a similar project in your own yard.
Step 1: Plan the New Landscape Area
- Start by identifying the portion of the yard that needs improvement. In this project, the homeowner wanted to replace a steep, patchy section of lawn that was too difficult to mow.
- Use a tape measure to determine the size of the area
- Mark the outline using landscape marking paint
- Adjust the shape until you’re happy with the layout
- Before digging, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. This helps prevent damage to buried gas, electric, or water lines and is required in many areas.
Step 2: Soften the Slope by Regrading
One of the most effective ways to control erosion is to reduce the slope’s steepness. Softening the grade slows water runoff and gives plants a better chance to establish.
For smaller projects, you can regrade by hand using shovels and rakes. For larger areas or steep slopes, renting a mini excavator can make the job much faster and easier.
- Remove grass and topsoil from the area
- Gradually reshape the slope to create a gentler pitch
- Use rakes and shovels to smooth and fine-tune the surface
- Even a small adjustment to the slope can significantly improve drainage and reduce washout during heavy rain
Step 3: Choose Plants That Help Control Erosion
The right plants are key to stabilizing a sloped yard. Look for varieties with deep or spreading root systems that help hold soil in place.
For this project, Jenn selected:
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) — A low-maintenance native grass with deep roots that help stabilize soil and slow runoff
- Hydrangeas — Add color and structure while helping anchor the soil
- Japanese maple — Adds visual interest and height at the top of the slope
Planting in groups or staggered rows allows roots to grow together, creating a natural network that helps hold the soil in place.
Step 4: Lay Out the Plants
- Before digging, place the plants on the ground to preview the layout
- Space grasses evenly across the slope
- Place larger shrubs along the edges or focal areas
- Add a small tree near the top of the slope for visual balance
- Adjust the placement until you’re satisfied with the design
Step 5: Plant and Improve the Soil
After regrading, much of the nutrient-rich topsoil may be gone. Adding compost and fertilizer helps new plants establish quickly.
- Dig holes slightly wider than each plant container
- Mix compost and starter fertilizer into the soil
- Loosen any root-bound plants before placing them in the hole
- Set plants slightly above grade to prevent water pooling
- Backfill and gently firm the soil
Step 6: Add Mulch
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the new plantings.
Mulch helps:
- Retain moisture
- Reduce erosion
- Suppress weeds
- Improve the soil as it breaks down
Leaf mulch is especially helpful on slopes because it’s lightweight and improves soil over time.
Step 7: Water and Maintain
New plantings need regular watering while they establish.
- Water daily for the first few weeks
- Gradually reduce watering as plants establish
- Monitor after heavy rain for any washout
Over time, the plants will grow and fill in, creating a dense root system that stabilizes the slope and reduces maintenance.
Project Results
By softening the slope and planting erosion-resistant greenery, Jenn transformed a difficult-to-maintain lawn into a low-maintenance landscape. As the plants mature, they’ll continue to improve drainage, prevent erosion, and add curb appeal for years to come.
Resources
Excavation digging done by: Frank Walsh Landscape Company, Inc.
Outline Area
Call 811 before digging to check for underground utility lines.
Regrade Slope
- Mini excavator to speed up digging. Available for rent.
- Flat shovels
- Metal rakes
Planting
- Gardening gloves
- Starter fertilizer: Jenn used Roots Healthy Start Advanced 3-4-3.
- Compost: Jenn used organic leaf compost from a local landscape supplier.
- Spade shovel
- Wheelbarrow
Plants
- Switchgrass: Panicum Virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ (1-Gallon)
- Little Lime Hydrangeas
- Limelight Hydrangeas
- Endless Summer Hydrangeas
- Japanese Maple Tree: Green Laceleaf (10-Gallon)
