Most homeowners think spring is the season for yard projects. New plants. New mulch. New energy. But here is the quiet truth. Fall is actually the sweet spot for reimagining your outdoor space. The weather cools down, schedules settle, and you finally have a clear view of what worked this year and what absolutely did not.

If you are dreaming about a yard that feels more like a retreat and less like a reminder of unfinished projects, fall is your moment.

Let’s break down why.

You're not alone if your backyard looks more like a ski slope than a family hangout. Here in the Portland metro, it’s common to find homes built on hillsides or lots with uneven grades. While the views are often incredible, the reality is less glamorous: erosion, water runoff, mowing nightmares, and wasted space.

The good news? With the right design and landscape construction, those steep slopes can be transformed into layered outdoor spaces that add beauty, value, and function to your property. Let’s explore how to turn hillside headaches into hillside havens.