Aerial Hillside Terracing

The hillside was too steep to use and too dry to keep a lawn alive on, so the homeowner wanted structure that made the slope both walkable and low-water.

We terraced the grade with weathered timber beams, connected the levels with gravel and sleeper stairs, and planted agaves, lavender, and drought-tolerant shrubs in drifts along the stones. A small lawn was kept on one level where the family wanted green.

From above you can read the whole design: each terrace has its own purpose, the paths connect them, and the planting holds the slope without demanding water.