Unleashing the Potential of Your Split Level Home Through Creative Landscaping

Split level homes offer unique architecture, but their multi-tiered facades and sloping yards can pose challenges when it comes to curb appeal and outdoor living. With thoughtful landscaping strategies tailored to split levels, you can maximize aesthetics, functionality, and enjoyment.

Read on to learn expert tips that will help you harmonize your exterior spaces, balance proportions, and take your curb appeal to the next level.

Using Retaining Walls and Gradual Slopes for Seamless Transitions

One of the biggest landscaping headaches split level homes present are grade changes between the different levels. Large retaining walls and abrupt elevation drops can look disjointed and disjointed. By using retaining walls strategically and incorporating gradual slopes, you can create smooth, harmonious transitions between levels.

Retaining Wall Materials

Natural stone, brick, and treated lumber are attractive retaining wall materials. Curved walls help break up the linear look typical of many split level homes. Incorporate planting beds along the base of walls to soften their appearance. Terraced walls that step down gradually are another effective option.

Building Gradual Slopes

In lieu of a single tall retaining wall, create a gently sloped lawn or planting bed. Use ground cover plants like clover or creeping phlox that require minimal maintenance. Wide steps with railings also allow for smooth elevation changes. For a contemporary look, install sleek concrete ramps between levels.

Softening Walls with Plantings

Vining plants with cascading stems and leaves can help minimize the visual impact of large retaining walls. Good options include ivy, trumpet vine, or coral honeysuckle. Plant taller shrubs or small trees at the top of the slope above the wall, and lower growing perennials and grasses below. The layered effect softens transitions.

Preventing Erosion on Steep Slopes

Split level homes often have steeply sloped yards that can be susceptible to erosion, especially during heavy rains. There are several effective strategies for securing slopes and preventing topsoil runoff.

Enhancing Drainage

Proper drainage is key for erosion control. Install surface drains along with downspouts to divert water away from hillsides and retaining walls. French drains or drain tiles buried beneath the soil can move water underground. For a decorative look, incorporate dry creek beds lined with river rock.

Fortifying With Groundcover

Planting low-growing, dense groundcover creates a web of deep roots that holds soil firmly in place. Some great options include creeping juniper, ajuga, vinca minor, and sedum species. Ornamental grasses are another excellent choice for binding the soil while resisting erosion.

Using Hardscape Materials

Gravel, large mulch pieces, and riprap boulders are ideal for preventing soil displacement on steep slopes. Permeable paver patios or walkways allow rainfall to filter through rather than running off. Hardscape materials control erosion while also lending visual interest.

Balancing Asymmetrical Facades

Split level floorplans often create uneven facade heights. The different roof sections can look disjointed. With the right landscaping techniques, you can make them appear more proportional and cohesive.

Concealing with Trees and Shrubs

Planting tall evergreen trees behind a split level's shorter facade section helps obscure it from frontal view. This balancing technique works especially well for side views. Position large shrubs for a similar concealing effect, while allowing more light through.

Drawing the Eye with a Focal Point

Create a focal point near the home's tallest section, like a specimen tree, large garden bed, or water feature. The eye will be drawn toward the focal element rather than noticing uneven heights. Repeat its shape or color scheme throughout the landscape for a cohesive look.

Mirroring Roof Lines in Hardscape

Using retaining walls, garden edges, or other hardscaping that mimics the home's roof angles and lines helps tie the architecture together. Consistent building materials and colors strengthen the relationship further.

Defining Multi-Purpose Activity Zones

Taking full advantage of a split level home's exterior spaces enhances functionality. Define separate activity zones with creative landscaping strategies.

Multi-Level Decking

Decks spanning between levels make the most of awkward grade changes. Curving deck designs help break up a split level's rigid lines. Incorporate sturdy railings and wide stairs for safety and seamless transitions.

Improving Yard Accessibility

Winding paths and stone steps with railings create easy routes up and down steep slopes. A gently sloped lawn beside terraced retaining walls allows access to each level. Focus on safe, flowing circulation.

Designating Activity Areas

Use screening, plantings, lighting and hardscape to define separate spaces for play, dining, gardening, and relaxation. This prevents a disjointed effect and allows customization for entertainment, hobbies and traffic flow.

Boosting Curb Appeal

A few strategic landscaping enhancements can take your split level's curb appeal to the next level by creating visual interest and a polished look.

Incorporating Striking Focal Points

Make a bold statement with central water features, sculptures or specimen plants. Repeat shapes and textures in other landscape elements for cohesion. Use lighting to highlight focal points at night.

Repeating Design Motifs

Tie your landscape together with plants, rocks, and structures that mirror the home's repeating elements. For example, mimic triangular dormer roof lines with triangular raised beds edging the yard.

Ambient Outdoor Lighting

Path lighting, spotlights on architectural features, and hanging patio lights add warmth while illuminating safe access and enhancing curb appeal after dark.

Consistent Yard Maintenance

Keep your landscape looking polished through regular mowing, pruning, weeding, raking, and other essential maintenance. Remove fallen leaves and debris promptly to maintain a tidy look.

While split level homes offer unique architectural style, their multi-tiered shape can pose some curb appeal and functionality challenges. By incorporating customized landscaping strategies that highlight strengths and downplay weaknesses, you can maximize the potential of your split level home.

With techniques like subtle erosion control, balancing measures, multi-level functionality, and statement focal points, you can craft a harmonious, envy-worthy landscape. Your home will gain added dimension through intentional design that smooths transitions, stabilizes slopes, and turns awkward grade changes into an asset.

With the right landscape plan tailored to your property, you can make your split level home look better. Your personalized outdoor oasis awaits!