What Are Landscape Berms And How Do I Get One

Landscape Berms: A Simple Guide

Landscape berms can bring life to your backyard. They can be incorporated into your entire yard or added in specific areas. The design is entirely up to you.

While landscape berms aren’t for everyone, most people can create a dream yard with them. But to do that, you need to know how to create berms safely.

A landscape berm is a mound of soil that rises above ground level. Berms can be any shape, such as circles, kidney beans, ovals, or even squares.

Most landscape berms are a few yards wide, but if you have limited space, you can make them narrower. Just ensure you have enough space for a walking path around the berm.

A natural berm refers to a berm that occurs naturally.

A natural berm is a raised area near a river that has been washed away. While most landscape berms aren’t connected to water, the look is similar. Some people like to make the berm look packed and washed away.

Checking Utilities

Checking utilities is an important step before digging out your landscape berm. The easiest way is to call the utility company for directions. They can connect you with someone who can help.

Another option is to look at the blueprints for the home. Usually, there is a utility plan which may or may not include city utilities. It’s best to contact the electric and water companies.

If you don’t check for utilities in your building area, you may crack a line. This is dangerous for everyone nearby, so never skip this step.

Building Landscape Berms: A Concise Guide

Building landscape berms can be as simple as piling topsoil in a pattern, or without a pattern at all. However, a more common approach involves digging down, filling it with a filler, adding a clay layer, and finishing with topsoil.

While this may sound straightforward, taking it slow and doing things right is always beneficial, not just for landscape berms but also for other areas of life. Today, however, we will focus solely on building landscape berms.

Step 1: Create A Border

The first step is to establish a border, which can be accomplished in various ways using a hose, flour, a rope, or a chalk line. The specific method is not important; it is merely a guideline.

Some people prefer using a hose or rope to adjust the border before adding a chalk line or flour to mark it more accurately.

To create the berm, start digging a few inches deep, typically 6-12 inches. A minimum of 3 inches is recommended.

Dig until the entire area is cleared. It doesn’t have to be perfectly level because you can level it later with filler and clay.

Now, let’s move on to the next step: adding a gravel base.

Now you can add gravel. Any type of gravel will do. Pea gravel and limestone gravel are good choices, with limestone being cheaper.

Choose the gravel and add it to the hole that you previously dug.

The amount of gravel doesn’t matter too much. Just leave a few inches for the other layers. For example, if you dug six inches deep, add 3 inches of gravel to the hole, leaving room for other layers.

Step 4: Add Clay

This step can be skipped, but adding clay can make your landscape berm more stable and give the other two layers something to stick to. If you have clay-heavy soil, adding an inch or two at this point is ideal.

If you can’t find clay soil or it’s too expensive in your area, you can skip it. It won’t have a big impact on the final result. Use it if you have it.

Now, add topsoil to the ditch. Make sure it goes one inch into the hole. Adding the dirt to the rest of the ditch is important.

After filling the hole, add the mound and shape the soil. Then, add water if needed. Adding water is important for rain.

Finally, add plants.

Finally, add plants and light rocks if desired. Plant as usual, as there is ample soil for growth. Multiple plants are commonly added.

A stone barrier is often included, consisting of a single layer of natural-looking rocks that border the berm. This helps stabilize the soil and enhances the overall appearance.

Benefits of Building Landscape Berms

The main reason to build a berm is to add dimension to your yard. Berms enhance the overall appearance and make it look more high-end. Since landscape berms are cost-effective, they can be added to any budget.

A berm is also a raised garden bed, providing optimal conditions for plants to thrive by adding rich topsoil. If you have poor soil quality, a berm can solve this problem and promote plant growth.

In addition, berms serve as effective sound barriers, creating a private area in your yard. By building berms near the perimeter, you can achieve added privacy and protection from wind.

Lastly, berms are ideal for showcasing small plants. Instead of having them grow at ground level, berms can elevate them to eye level or close to it, allowing everyone to fully appreciate their beauty.

Building landscape berms can be an exciting and rewarding project. Whether you want to add dimension to your garden or create a natural-looking barrier, berms can enhance the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Here are some tips to help you successfully build and maintain your landscape berms.

Start With a Plan

Before you begin building your landscape berms, it’s essential to have a clear plan in place. Consider the purpose of your berms and how they will fit into your existing landscape. Think about the height, width, and shape you want to achieve.

This will help guide you in selecting the right location for your berms and determine the amount of materials you’ll need.

Select the Right Location

Finding the right location for your landscape berms is crucial. Consider the natural drainage patterns of your yard and ensure that your berms won’t obstruct the flow of water. It’s also important to choose a location that allows your berms to blend seamlessly with the rest of your landscaping.

Look for areas where the berms can provide visual interest and create a focal point.

Prepare the Ground

Before you start constructing your berms, prepare the ground properly. Remove any existing plants, weeds, or grass from the area. Clear away rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may interfere with the construction process.

Level the ground as much as possible to ensure stability and prevent erosion.

Use Quality Materials

When building your berms, it’s important to use quality materials that will stand the test of time. Choose durable soil that is suitable for the plants you intend to use. Use a mix of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve the fertility and moisture retention of the soil.

Consider using rocks or boulders to add structure and visual interest to your berms.

Plant Selection

Choose plants that are well-suited for berms and will thrive in the specific conditions of your landscape. Consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels when selecting plants. Opt for a mix of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and grasses to create a diverse and visually appealing berm.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and health of your berms. Regularly inspect your berms for any signs of erosion, and repair any damage as soon as possible. Water your berms regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure that the plants receive adequate moisture.

Mulching can help prevent weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.

Conclusion

Building landscape berms can transform your outdoor space and add a unique touch to your garden. By following these tips, you can create berms that are not only visually appealing but also functional and sustainable. Take the time to plan and prepare properly, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of beautiful berms for years to come.

Following the instructions will get the job done, but there are a few things to consider before starting your landscape berms.

Weed Barrier: A weed barrier underneath or on top of the gravel prevents weed growth and allows you to choose which plants you want on your berm.

Drainage System: Adding a drainage system prevents water buildup. Start with a gravel layer and create a French drain to lead the water away.

Mulch Top Layer

A mulch layer can transform your landscape berm, giving it a polished and upscale appearance while protecting the topsoil from traffic.

Grass seed is essential for achieving a lush and even layer of grass on your berm. If you prefer a grassy mound rather than bare soil, adding grass seed is a must.

Once the dirt has settled for a week or two, you can consider adding furniture to the mound. If the furniture sinks in, water the topsoil and let it settle once more. However, only add furniture when the top of the mound is flat.

How do you design landscape berms?

You can hire a professional to design the landscape berm for you, or get inspired by other landscape berms. Alternatively, feel free to create your own design.

To keep grass out of landscape berms, use a weed barrier. Add it to the bottom or next to the bottom layer, and grass won’t be able to grow through.

You can use any type of rock for landscape berms. Gravel works well for the base layer, while rounder rocks are more visually appealing for the top layer. Surround the berm with medium-sized round rocks for an attractive display.

As for plants, you can choose any variety to plant in landscape berms.

Anything can be planted on a landscape berm, but if it’s large, make sure the land is packed. A loose landscape berm can cause a tree or large plant to fall over.

Landscape berms have multiple purposes: looking good, acting as a wind barrier, and diverting water. They are great for water diversion in your yard.

Building landscape berms is up to you. They can add depth and personality to your yard and make it richer. However, not everyone loves the idea of having piles of dirt in their yard.