Question
QUESTION: "I'm attempting to create flared steps made out of sod on a short slop in my landscape. {Sort of "Masa Picchue" like}
There will be a Boxwood Hedge on either side .I live in Atlanta GA. [Zone 8]
Could you please advise how to do this? The dimensions are:
run-21'
rise-30"
1st step-6'wide
last step-10'wide
I would very much appreciate the help.
Thank you.
Betsy
"



ANSWER: Hi Betsy, sorry if I couldn't get back to you earlier.

I would need to know firstly if your question relates to the construction of a terrace system (steps) or if you are curious about the cultivation of grass.

Terraces can be made using the cut and fill system, simply cut the first terrace and use the soil to fill the next one forming a terrace.

Grass just needs water and to be sown in the autmn or early winter and it should be fine.

Thanks for any points you may give to this answer in advance.

Regards

Jonathan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jonathan,
Thanks for your interest in my dilemma.
Inorder to avoid a non-pervious service, I am interested in creating a flared stair case in my garden using grass as the surface rather than concrete.
My questions does relate to building a terrace (step) system.
I'm not sure what you mean about cutting. The site is sloped/
(30"inch drop-21"foot run), so I think we will need to bring dirt in to accomplish the task. I think it will take @ 6 steps.
Could you tell me the dimensions %26 suggest materials and how to actually execute the task?
Many thanks for your help in this. I do really appreciate your in-put.
Betsy


Answer
Hi Betsy, one 'cuts' out a level and then one uses the soil from this 'cut' to create the next terrace and so forth until the terracing is complete.

Regarding your staircase I feel that I am limited as to the kind of professional consultation I can give you. However, your steps can be calculated by dividing the actual change in height from top stair to bottom stair to the height of the riser (each stair). that will give you an idea of how many steps you need.

Regards

Jonathan