You can plant maples on the slope of the hill (yes, they will grow straight trunks). Sycamores, tupelo or willows would be happy in wet soil at the bottom.

If shade isnt your objective, you could plant a nice fruit tree orchard.

While I basically agree with what cecily 7A said, a large tree in the swale at the bottom of the slope would be too close to the house. They would also interfere with with the natural drainage, and their roots may clog the drainage pipes that appear already be there.

I would keep an area in the steepest part of the slope clear for sledding. I would plant tree about mid way up the slope to provide shade and then plant flowering bushes and flower gardens to "decorate" the slope.

I would recommend visiting the parks in the area and the Zoo in Cincinnati to see how they handle slopes, and what they have planted on them

I'm researching more on the internet. Great ideas - and many are SO expensive with the retaining walls, etc. I didn't know if we could fix this without a retaining wall or a deck. I agree - we need to scrap the idea of trees below due to the pipes (although shade on the patio would be nice). I could see if the north side of the patio has any pipes and we wouldn't plant it too close. I also like the idea of making a play yard in the middle where it is flattened out a little bit (would require more "flattening out" and putting a slide in but not a massive slide. Appreciate the feedback! Wish the budget wasn't limited, we could really make this nice! Maybe we will start with a nice plan and do little by little every year.

who installed the french drain.. and where does it go ... is there an HOA and what will be your responsibilities if you screw up the drain ???

ken

I wouldn't plant a maple on that hill. Maples have lots of surface roots and water on a hill is in short supply. Once the maple is mature, it will be the only thing living on the hill. And it will eventually find the drain.

I would build a few wall block retaining walls. It's something you could easily do yourself. it will take some work, but it's not intellectually challenging. If each wall is under 3', you don't have to worry about permits or killing someone. But, check with your local government to be sure. Flat ground is much better than sloped ground.

We won’t plant anywhere near the drain. It was put in years ago. I will scrap the idea of a tree on the bottom. I think our only option is to flatten out that middle part and like you said, build a small retaining wall ourselves. A lot of research to do. Yes there is an HOA. I guess trees are not going to work in the middle of the yard.

Birches put up with a lot of water --- and soak it up. You can also do a bunch of shrubs. There are plenty that tolerate soggy. Buttonbush, some viburnums, some rhodos.

The world is your oyster. That is a big space and there are dozens and dozens of trees that would work there.

'Flat ground is much better than sloped ground.'

Er... I think the slope is charming. Beautiful.

'Birches put up with a lot of water --- and soak it up.'

Birches love water, but they don't like wet feet. They need good drainage.

Maples have lots of surface roots and water on a hill is in short supply. Once the maple is mature, it will be the only thing living on the hill. And it will eventually find the drain.

A ridiculous statement. Look at any wooded area--maples live on slopes much steeper than that and with other trees as well. Look at large parks/arboretums where maples share ground on slopes with other trees and shrubs. And maple roots don't search far beyond the drip line of the tree for water. Good grief! Maples are not the terrors of the woods.

I have a mature maple tree and it has roots that extend far beyond the drip line. Particularly if they're growing downhill towards a water source, Trust me. I found out while digging in my yard.

And unless she wants a mature hardwood forest or large mature shrubs on the hill, it will be a problem. But I'm guessing she wants one large tree with lawn underneath. Grass does not do well under a mature maple tree on a hill. Again, you can trust me on this. I have personal experience with this.

The idea of starting with a nice plan and working on it bit by bit for a few years is a good one. It might be worth hiring a landscape designer for a consultation if not for a full plan.

After all, what you're starting with is pleasant enough so there shouldn't be a rush.

(I agree with @kitasei2 about fruit trees--at least get a few into your plan. They are good for kids! And fruit!)

Thank you. I really appreciate your ideas and it gave me a great starting point!

Dyan, you're very gracious. Typically this forum bickers for days over a post LOL.

If the idea of fruit trees appeals to you, please contact your local county extension office for suggested varieties. Apples and peaches need to be sprayed multiple times per season here in Virginia but cherries and pears don't. Your extension office can tell you what's the easiest fruit to grow in Ohio.