Landscaping Concepts for Split Level Houses

Split level houses present unique landscaping challenges with their multiple floors and elevation changes. However, a well-designed landscape can turn a split level's quirks into benefits by defining separate spaces and adding dimension. The key is choosing solutions that address the slope's practical issues while enhancing curb appeal.

Benefits of Landscaping for Split Level Homes

Landscaping a split level home offers many advantages that boost a property's functionality and value:

• Increases curb appeal and property value. Attractive landscaping can increase a home's value by over 15%, appealing to potential homebuyers.
• Provides privacy and reduces noise. Strategic plantings of trees, shrubs, and foliage can delineate private spaces and buffer noise.
• Defines separate spaces for entertaining and recreation. The multiple levels allow defining unique zones for different uses, like a secluded patio.
• Controls soil erosion on slopes. Groundcovers, retaining walls, and proper drainage help stabilize slopes prone to erosion.
• Manages water drainage effectively. Landscaping solutions direct rainwater flow to prevent flooding and slope failure.

Challenges of Landscaping Split Level Homes

While split levels offer opportunities, their atypical shape brings some specific landscaping difficulties:

• Large elevation changes require terracing. Horizontal terraces break up significant vertical drops more safely and attractively.
• Retaining walls may be necessary to prevent soil erosion. They support vertical banks of earth on steep slopes.
• Proper drainage is crucial to avoid flooding. Strategic grading, rain gardens, drainage pipes, and plants prevent water damage.
• More planning is needed for accessibility and safety. Pathways and stairs should facilitate navigation between the split levels safely.
• Higher initial investment for grading, hardscaping, etc. Complex multi-level landscaping costs more upfront than flat lots.

Design Concepts and Layout Ideas

Several landscape design concepts help split levels utilize their unique dimensions:

• Emphasize vertical dimensions with tall plants and structures. Accentuate height differences instead of disguising them.
• Use hardscaping to create multi-level spaces. Retaining walls, boulders, and staircases divide the yard into functional zones.
• Incorporate slopes into overall design with groundcovers. Plants like sweet woodruff and creeping thyme stabilize and soften inclines.
• Define separate zones for patio, play areas, garden, etc. Embrace the possibilities for multi-purpose spaces afforded by split terrain.
• Repeating elements tie spaces together: walls, fences, plants. Using plants, materials, or features throughout promotes cohesion.

Designing Multi-Level Spaces

One popular approach is terracing the slope into usable spaces connected by steps:

• An upper patio opens onto the main living spaces with privacy plantings.
• Mid-level lawn for play areas keeps kids visible while allowing supervision from above.
• A lower entertaining courtyard with firepit adjacent to covered parking.

Strong sightlines from the different levels are maintained with transparent railings, low borders, and continuity of paving materials.

Softening Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are often necessary for stabilization but can appear stark. Here are ideas to soften the look:

• Plant evergreen vines like Virginia creeper to cover the wall over time.
• Drape flowering cascades of ajuga or creeping phlox over the top.
• Highlight the wall texture and pattern with uplighting behind it.
• Set plants in front that partially obscure the wall while allowing some visibility through for security. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples work well.

Practical Tips and Landscaping Solutions

Here are useful landscaping strategies tailored to split level homes' unique needs:

• Groundcovers prevent erosion on slopes. Low-maintenance spreads like sedum, thyme, and eco-lawns protect earth.
• Retaining walls hold back soil on steep grades. Stacked stone, wood beams, or poured concrete suit split lots well.
• Use native plants suited for slopes and variations in sunlight. Drought-tolerant natives thrive without excessive watering.
• Proper irrigation prevents drought damage on slopes. Water-wise sprinklers, drip systems, or lawns reduce the chance of fires.
• Hardscape materials create functional spaces on multiple levels. Patios, steps, and pathways carved out of stone or concrete make areas usable.

Entry Design for Split Levels

Split level entryways and walkways pose design challenges. Many homes have narrow entry spaces with steps leading to upper or lower exterior doors. Here are ideas to maximize function and aesthetics:

• Evergreen foundation plantings add year-round color like pink or red camellias under entry alcoves.
• Vines on railings soften vertical elements. Trumpet creepers, clematis, and climbing roses inject color.
• Potted plants lining steps create visual interest and prevent falling. Hibiscus, fuchsia, and geraniums liven shaded areas under stairs.
• Unique mailbox and address plaques catch the eye. Wall sculptures, custom doors, and creative house numbers differentiate homes.
• Use uplighting or under-step lights for wayfinding safety at night. Glazing upper portions of railings keeps landing areas brighter.

Frequently Asked Landscaping Questions

Here are answers to common landscaping concerns for split level homeowners:

What plants grow well on a slope?

Aside from hardy groundcovers, plants that thrive on banks and inclines include:

• Juniper - anchors soil and handles cold climates
• Yarrow - spreads readily with soil-binding deep roots
• Switch grass - tall ornamental native adapts to variations in moisture
• Salvia - colorful perennials suit southern exposures
• Dogwood - anchors without much spreading or limb drop

How do I prevent mudslides?

In rainy climates, saturated soil sliding down sloped lawns can damage a split level's structure. Solutions include:

• Drainage channels divert runoff around vulnerable areas
• Hydroseeding establishes deep-rooted reinforcement
• Retaining walls or boulders buttress vulnerable banks
• Slope reduction via grading lessens gravitational forces

What code issues affect split level landscaping?

Municipal ordinances govern landscaping's safety and environmental impact. Common requirements include:

• Erosion controls to minimize soil runoff
• Native, drought-tolerant plants only
• Limits on impervious surfaces to allow rainwater penetration
• Geotechnical studies before extensive regrading
• Reduced water usage regulations in drought-prone areas

Large renovations with grading, hardscaping, and plantings often run $15,000 to $30,000. The investment pays dividends in added functionality, aesthetics, and often increased home value. Phasing projects over years reduces annual costs.