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u/SplooshU 2d ago
Roll a wheel of cheese down it every year and have the neighbors chase it.
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u/AndronicusPrime 2d ago
I’m not even gonna bother reading alternative suggestions.
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u/GoT_Eagles 2d ago
Fair, but someone said slip and slide which would be fantastic here. Maybe combine the two.
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u/Fresh_Sector3917 2d ago
A slip and slide might be deadly when it comes to stopping.
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u/GoT_Eagles 2d ago
Just plant a couple thorn bushes to cushion the impact.
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u/TTT_2k3 2d ago
A brick wall would be a better choice. Small children can slip right under a bush.
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u/DadPool9902 2d ago
Make a ramp at the end and yeet the neighbors kids back into their own dam yard
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u/Complex_Solutions_20 2d ago
NGL...I think I would rather slam into a brick wall than a thorn bush...
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u/Shaolinchipmonk 2d ago
I would suggest raspberries or blackberries that way you also get a little snack
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u/theoriginalmofocus 2d ago
Alright berry bushes, I'm just gonna slide and go like this: NOM NOM NOM NOM and if you get eaten, it's your own fault!
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u/flickodawrist 2d ago
Have done this in a steeped yard and my brother went through the fence at the end
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u/AndronicusPrime 2d ago
It will be deadly for the neighbours who will act as the collision barrier. That’s why we’re hurtling the cheese down the hill for them to chase.
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u/futureman07 2d ago
I agree. I we made a slip and slide on a flat surface with 2 long tarps and we had grass rash on our legs from not stopping. This will be insane
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u/tradesman46 2d ago
Terraced gardens
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u/Chance-Work4911 2d ago
2-3 feet each would make great "raised" garden beds where you can walk across the front of each (where it's raised) and the back of each would be a continuation of the slope. Water from the top down, ensure proper drainage to NOT make it a waterfall in a super heavy rain scenario, and then grow some food & flowers.
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u/nonjudiciablepeaches 2d ago
Do you have a picture of this type of thing. I have a similar back yard and am trying to visualize
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u/Chance-Work4911 2d ago
General image searches for "slope terraced garden" or "gardening on a slope" would give you ideas, but essentially it's giant steps that you plant on. Like this: Wiki Image Example
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u/unplugtheocean 2d ago
Brought too you by the incas https://i.imgur.com/RHAqoOt.jpeg greetings from Peru
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u/RainbowCrane 2d ago
And this is the story of how my brother and I spent the summer making a terrace one shovelful at a time… yay for child labor :-)
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u/ketherick 1d ago
I had to dig rocks out of the yard in the summer so my dad could plant a lawn at his new house
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u/Single-Conference-72 1d ago
My parents made us pick up sticks and limbs on the weekends when I was in high school... we lived on 29 acres of legitimate forest.
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u/TreeDollarFiddyCent 1d ago
Hey! Shut up and get back to work! Those petunias aren't gonna plant themselves.
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u/wizardlywayzzz 2d ago
Slip and slide
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u/mp3god 2d ago
Slip and Died
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u/uncertainusurper 2d ago
Like when Clark puts the non nutritive cereal varnish on the sled.
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u/diamomddog69 2d ago
I don’t think OP wants to go flying down that hill with nothing between him and the ground but a govt piece of plastic
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u/Mattyboy33 2d ago
First thought was this second unlimited money though was a retaining wall to flatten the area and install a pool
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u/ck1opinion 2d ago
Terrace.
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u/junkman21 2d ago edited 2d ago
Absolutely. I see a narrow retaining wall at the top with flowers. Then some steps down to a larger area for a garden. Then maybe more flowers? Having a deck overlooking a garden would be so nice!
I also like the idea of maybe having a fire pit if you don't want the whole thing to be garden.
Edit to add: You could even bury a shipping container in the hill for your shed! Check out this thread that started later today!
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u/Pitiful_Housing3428 2d ago
Cascading waterfalls to bottom level pond.
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u/gray_um 2d ago
We just did one of these. Small ornamental pond, couple hundred gallons, fed by submersible pump in the lake. Turn it on, and the pond creates a literal river down the hill into the lake. Turn it off and you have a dry riverbed. Works either way. Planted bog plants all around it, looks incredible.
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u/iscream4eyecream 2d ago
I’d love to see a pic of that! Sounds heavenly
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u/NebulaNinja 2d ago
Sounds above my budget of $15.
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u/IMakeStuffUppp 2d ago
Hmm. If we steal everything from that rich guy down the road’s yard, I’ll do it for $15 and an Apple bees dollarita
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u/NebulaNinja 2d ago
If you also give me a ride to Applebee's you've got yourself a deal.
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u/DefenestratedBrownie 2d ago
would love pictures if possible, looking at houses right now and one that I loved had a yard like this
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u/gray_um 2d ago
Hell, I get downvoted to crap in the subs I usually participate in, then I end up here with hobbyists and I'm appreciated!! I'll take some pics and DM you eventually.
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u/shoujikinakarasu 2d ago
Or make a post to share 🙇♀️ 🙏 (not sure what the best“wheedling” emoji would be)
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u/Tasty_Marsupial8057 2d ago
Upvote for the use of wheedling. It’s not used often enough.
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u/Historical-Ad5493 2d ago
Can I get some pics too? Would love to know the cost and if you had it contracted/how much you DIY! :)
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u/highflyer10123 2d ago
Just post the pics. Everyone wants to see it and you will gets tons of upvotes.
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u/vikingdiplomat 2d ago
i'm subbed to /r/ponds and it is pretty welcoming, at least as much as most subs. sounds like a cool project!
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u/BlackStarLazarus 2d ago
Me too!! My yard is super steep, and I have no idea what to do with it. I have a river that flows by at the very end of the yard, but that's quite far from the house. The property is close to one acre. Of hill :(
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u/arcticpoppy 2d ago
That sounds sweet. Is the bog at the bottom or top, or both? I’m thinking of putting a bog filter in my small pond, they sound amazing.
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u/gray_um 2d ago
The submersible pump is in the main lake at the bottom, and feeds to a small ornamental pond and cascades down the yard. The "bog plants" are just wet soil tolerant plants and they are all around everywhere - anywhere the soil was wet. You really have to add water hungry plants because a water feature like this will keep the ground very wet.
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u/2birdsBaby 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'm just commenting so I can check back later to see if you've posted pics.
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u/SerenityPickles 2d ago
3 levels (neighbor has 2). Put in 2 retaining walls and level each.
Possibly a 3rd partial retaining wall at the top fence line behind your cute dog.
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u/theepi_pillodu 2d ago
Terrace farming.
Lots of raised beds with steps for walkway.
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u/Zealousideal-Mine-11 2d ago
perfect for a water fall and pond at the end .
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u/nimbus_signal 2d ago
Unfortunately, that slope goes all the way to property line. Past the property line, there's a cliff down to the creek below.
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u/bigalreads 2d ago
Rework into a native habitat that won’t need mowing. Could do some terracing and xeric landscape plants if you’re so inclined.
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u/kdbfg4 2d ago
Perfect. Just run a pump up to the top of your back yard. Free water!
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u/gray_um 2d ago
I just did a water feature this way. Submersible pump in a lake feeding a "fake" river that goes back into the lake.
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u/Shizngigglz 2d ago
Put a water wheel in it with a battery and it will power itself!
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u/wthulhu 2d ago
Solar power the pump and then capture some of the energy on the way down.
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u/Soap-Wizard 2d ago
Honestly, yeah. A really cool water feature with spinning wheels, and various doo dads would look awesome with a slope like that to use.
Because no ones running around on it. So why not make it a visual feature instead? Plus it would make a super awesome "wild" garden too.
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u/WickedDarkLawn 2d ago
That must be fun to mow.
A terrace garden/lawn could be cool but would be expensive.
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u/silkk_ 2d ago
i would have rigged up a pulley system on a push mower by now
send it and let it mow downhill, pull it back up, move over 2 ft and do it again
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u/blender4life 2d ago
Pulling it back up seems like more work than just regular mowing but going side to side
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u/lazercheesecake 2d ago
The trick is to buy a second mower as a counter weight, one goes down, the other comes up.
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u/AineDez 2d ago
Best opportunity for a robot mower ever? They don't have knees
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u/WickedDarkLawn 2d ago
Honestly, the new Luba 2 might be able to handle it. Thing is pretty impressive
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u/Maverick_wanker 2d ago
Go sledding in the winter...
But seriously, short of a major overhaul with tiered walls, you don't have much you can do.
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u/Minotard 2d ago
Plant native vegetation and let it grow semi-wild to create a small sanctuary for local pollinators, birds, etc.
This way you don’t really have to deal with the slope, it’s low- cost, low maintenance, and supports the local environment.
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u/robsc_16 2d ago
Seconding. Terracing would be really expensive and then you'd have to maintain it and hope the company did a good job.
Native plant installation would be much cheaper and beneficial.
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u/CambridgeKiwi 2d ago
Thirding - in combination with more decking terraces maybe? Parents had a steep hill that they planted with native flora and various fruit trees etc (whatever will grow where you are) and then had a path winding down through it. It was lovely.
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u/Beneficial_Mobile972 2d ago
Add a retaining wall and have a level area for a yard, patio, or fire pit.
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u/LAjones29 2d ago
As a Landscape Architect this is going to be very pricey and must be designed/ constructed by people who know how to handle that sort of thing. Something this big will require structural input. Not saying it can’t be done but it will be very expensive
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u/Delicious_Spinach440 2d ago
I'd be freaking out about drainage and wash. But I had a hill like this behind my house, one day an oak tree slid down it. No real damage, but it was scary
I've seen yards left a flooded mess after hacks landscaped it
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u/Slimdawg101 2d ago
this is actually common. if theres trees on a hill and it gets to wet then theyll just give up and slide down the hill. it happens mostly during flooding though, typically a normal rainstorm or thunderstorm wouldnt do that unless the tree was weak.
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u/foxfirek 2d ago
Would it be better if they do multiple small retaining walls?
As someone with a 6’ tall leaning retaining wall and a $150k quote to replace it I 100% do not recommend large retaining walls. Sadly I have no choice.
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u/SaltwaterOgopogo 2d ago
would adding a deck with pilings be an easier alternative?
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u/DrummerDerek83 2d ago
They'd have to dig in and put up a retaining wall to do it, but that could look nice back there with some shrubs and other greenery.
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u/slopefordays 2d ago
This is called a cut and fill. Two retaining walls needed. Here’s a good diagram:
https://allbuildinginspections.com.au/retaining-walls-3-things-to-look-for/
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u/mortsdeer 2d ago
Best video for describing all the science behind a good retaining wall Practical Engineering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--DKkzWVh-E
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u/hg_blindwizard 2d ago
Zip lines and slip and slides; charge a fee too
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u/LETTERKENNYvsSPENNY 2d ago
I feel like people would only be there for the zipline
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u/corrupt-politician_ 2d ago
Never worry about the yard flooding.
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u/nimbus_signal 2d ago
After living in a house with a basement that tended to flood in heavy rains, that was one of the reasons I liked this house.
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u/corrupt-politician_ 2d ago
Makes sense. I live in Nevada and it's very uncommon for a house to have a basement here. Probably because our water table is 10ft or shallower. But I could imagine that would be an absolute nightmare.
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u/Akiloko2 2d ago
Move.
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u/insideoriginal 2d ago
I have a yard like this. I also want to move rather than deal with it
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u/ABobby077 2d ago
mowing is a real ongoing challenge for these type backyards
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u/luger718 2d ago
Would you say its an uphill battle?
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u/PublicEnemaNumberOne 2d ago
Yep. You only need to own a place with a slope once to never buy a place with a slope again.
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u/jackospades88 2d ago
Yep. If moving is ever an affordable option again, a "must have" is a reasonably-flat yard. At least manageable that a push mower isn't a big deal or I can actually justify getting a ride-on mow.
My yard now is pretty steep. I've learned how to safely and effectively mow it with my push mower but a ride-on mower would not be safe, but everyone suggests it. I will definitely have to pay someone to mow it if I'm still here and super old (which wasn't the plan when we bought years ago)
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u/insideoriginal 2d ago
Mine has some trees and vegetation gardens in it. I wasn’t home much last year and decided to just stop mowing it. Actually not too bad. The grass got about 12” long then sort of flopped over and stayed that way. I cut it eventually, but was surprised that it didn’t really turn into a jungle.
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u/GoT_Eagles 2d ago
Fortunately long grass, especially on a steep grade, is better for the environment. I would mow 1-2 times a year if this were my yard.
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u/Bawlsinmyface 2d ago
I know this is a sin but i’ve honestly just weedwhacked the entire yard when it’s angled like this
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u/JustYourUsualAbdul 2d ago edited 2d ago
Exactly, I wouldn’t have bought it in the first place after seeing that yard.
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u/Homeimprvrt 2d ago
This is the only reasonable answer, they would have to spend 100k to get this usable
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u/Ridoncoulous 2d ago
Plant native plants with strong root systems to combat erosion
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u/LETTERKENNYvsSPENNY 2d ago
Layers of deck all the way down.
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u/Clearlylock 2d ago
Underrated idea. Decking most of the yard is less mowing and gives a ton of usable space.
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u/Purebloods1 2d ago
Plant a fuck ton of strawberry plants
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u/valenciansun 2d ago
Seriously, /r/fucklawns , reclaim the space and let local flora creep back in.
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u/Pitiful-MobileGamer 2d ago
Well first thing I would do is an engineering study to make sure that you don't put unnecessary stresses on your foundation if you are to do any severe landscaping.
Passing a stability test.
I would go with an Armor Stone stepped retaining wall terraced landscaped to make outdoor living space.
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u/rcolt88 2d ago
Stairs all the way down the middle. 3 levels terraced on either side of the stairs. Each level is a different type of terrace. top is straight grass lawn, middle is wild flowers, annuals, perennials and a tree for pollinators/shade. Bottom level is a veggie/fruit garden.
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u/SkySchemer 2d ago
I'd put the garden at the top. You don't want to have to walk to the bottom of that regularly. The bottom should be your lowest-maintenance tier.
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u/Fap_Left_Surf_Right 2d ago
Look at the house in the photo. It's a normal house with vinyl siding. The cost of the terracing, landscaping, and irrigation will be close to 6-figures.
A $250k house with $100k terrace is never going to be sold. They'll have to die in this house or take a bath financially.
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u/crystallinelf 2d ago
My grandfather has a similar hill and planted fruit trees all down the hill with a zig-zag path. He even built a giant planter at the bottom for more plants.
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u/App-Chang 2d ago
Temporary Support Deck and cut out the posts holding it up.
Excavate and pour new concrete plinths with post brackets cast in with rebar. Bring elevation of plinth to +12" above finish floor elevation downstairs, and secure deck post to newly poured plinths. If you want, you could add an oversized beam below the existing deck and see if you can remove one or two of the posts obstructing the view.
With the deck posts raised, establish a finish grade that is about 4-6" below finish floor so you don't have such a large step from your sliding door. This finish grade will be the top elevation for your new back yard.
Grubb all the organics and remove offsite.
Build an U-shapped retaining wall, reinforced with geotextile every 4 feet. Install perforated drain pipe, with clean rock and filter fabric on back side of wall to alleviate hydrostatic pressure. Make sure the retaining wall is actually a few inches below your new finish grade elevation so you have your lawn sloped away from the house for drainage. Check to see if you need to install swale or if there is a suitable outfall location for any water that may seep out.
Haul in a butt load of suitable soils (so you dont get too much settling, for fill compacting it in 6-8" lifts (assuming you're not going to build on top of it)
Bring fill close to finish grade. Install irrigation if desired.
Top off with top soil and pour a nice little patio.
Now you have a relatively flat back yard that is usable. You could probably build a small shed without issues on settling, but anything substantial would require consult from a Geo tech and structural to make sure the fill is proper and can bear the load properly without displacement.
Background: GC in Commercial.
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u/App-Chang 2d ago
Quick note, building a retaining wall that high will probably need Engineering and permit by the city. Also you may need to add a wrought iron fence or chain link around the perimeter for safety/fall reasons.
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u/RonnyMaple 2d ago
This is by far the most truthful answer to “how to make effective use of property on a steep incline?”. Make changes that allow for and promote engagement with the whole property. Not just ease of access, but ease of maintenance.
My only caveat: since this is res and not commercial, pay close attention to where and how you source your soil and whether or not the substrate is suited to your long term, personal goals. On land like that, you may end up growing plants for food just as much as for shade and aesthetics. I strongly suggest finding ways to produce your own fertile soil on-site. The soil you create will be way more useful to your local flora and fauna than any of the soil you truck in. You have the room for composting and worm farming, both of which are very low maintenance and will go a long way with anything you plant besides grass.
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u/12345678dude 2d ago
I used to be a landscaper, terracing would be super cool but super expensive, does it snow where you live? Because retaining walls in snow country definitely fall down more often. Best ones that survive are natural dry stack stone and you run the top grade over the wall so the water can evacuate easier, or go very engineered with geo- grid and all
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u/natethegreek 2d ago
I am putting a big ass deck and then hopefully retaining walls and stairs along the side.
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u/showmedave 2d ago
Honestly you have incredible potential with this backyard it won't be a traditional backyard but it could be an incredible terraced garden.
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u/Campingcutie 2d ago
Not landscaping necessarily, but I’d reinforce the deck on the sides and add some sort of privacy fencing or something to make more of a private deck space underneath, add some lights on the bottom side of the top deck too.
And like others are saying, the more plants and roots the more secure your soil will be, preventing erosion and also ensuring slope stability. You want to keep your house up there at the top I’m assuming.
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u/basic-midwest-man 2d ago
Terrace and appreciate the hell out of the fact you’ll never have water in the basement