Steeply Sloped Yard Transformed by Yardzen

Yardzen clients Ruby and Jerome F. of Pasadena, CA purchased their dream home in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The newly renovated interior was move-in ready with beautiful views. The outside was a different story. After years of neglect, it had fallen into disrepair, and the steep slope with haphazard terracing made it unusable and unsafe.

The couple turned to Yardzen to reimagine their backyard into a space that was safe, welcoming, and matched the California modern design of their interior. Ruby and Jerome moved quickly through the design process, impressed with the accuracy with which Yardzen depicted their challenging terrain and excited by the potential of the space, which would feature several seating areas for dining and relaxing and multiple new safety features.

Designing and building a yard on a slope takes an incredible amount of expertise and precision, and the Yardzen team tapped Pro Network contractors MG Construction & Decks to bring the yard to life. The crew at MG Construction & Decks handled everything for Ruby and Jerome, including the permitting and engineering required for load-bearing retaining walls.

Note: For anyone considering an outdoor project on a slope, no matter how steep or difficult, Yardzen’s expert design and Pro Network contractor teams will partner to design and build a safe and welcoming yard.

The end result is a safe and stunning yard that matches the cool coastal interiors of this dreamy Southern California home.

At the top of the yard, which was previously inaccessible, there is a now a seating area and fire pit with view-through cable railings for taking in the beautiful scenery. The top terrace also features low-maintenance turf to avoid the difficulties of frequent maintenance up there. The second level features a built-in outdoor fireplace and dining table. The heritage olive tree wrapped in string lights adds such a warm glow to the space. And, off the house, a grill and cocktail table for al fresco cocktails.

Special thanks to our partners, MG Construction & Decks, for making this yard possible!

Looking to make improvements to your yard to help increase your outdoor enjoyment and property’s value? Yardzen is here to help.

Yardzen’s award-winning online landscape and exterior design is tailored to homeowners in all fifty states in the US, and can incorporate a broad range of amenities and outdoor styles.

Whether your goal is improving curb appeal, adding functional spaces, or giving the yard a full overhaul, we can create a design that meets your needs and style preferences.

Our design process begins with understanding your space, your aesthetic preferences, and a discussion of your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build.

Our top-notch designers then develop a personalized vision for your yard, shared through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and plant and material lists. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, all while keeping costs within range.Once your design is complete, we’ll help you connect with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional landscapers to install your new design.