Case Study: Transforming a Steep Northern Michigan Forest Slope Into a Retirement Oasis

Project Background: A New Home Carved Into a Forested Slope

When TruNorth first visited the property, the home was being built on a freshly cut clearing in the woods. The builders had carved the house site into the side of a slope to capture views of a natural meadow in front of the home. While the view was breathtaking, the conditions around the site were challenging. The terrain was steep, the soil was sandy, and the surrounding trees, many of them undercut during excavation, posed potential hazards. Even basic movement around the home was difficult.

Still, the clients remained focused on their goal: a peaceful woodland escape where they could enjoy their retirement years. They envisioned flatter areas for outdoor living, a safe route around the home, and a design that blended seamlessly with the natural environment. Before any of that could be created, though, the site needed to be made accessible, stable, and safe.

Existing Conditions: Rugged Beauty With Major Obstacles

At first glance, the landscape was stunning but largely unusable. The main access road to the property was long, narrow, and steep, making it difficult, and risky, for standard trucks and equipment to reach the site. Above the home, several trees were undercut in loose sand, creating an immediate risk that they could topple onto the new structure. And due to the sharp grade changes around the house, there was no safe way to walk from one side of the property to the other without climbing over uneven ground.

These challenges meant the project required a carefully sequenced approach and a commitment to doing things the right way, even when the easier solution might have been to compromise on the design. The clients trusted us to protect their investment, their home, and their long-term vision, and we took that responsibility seriously.

How TruNorth Landscaping Transformed the Space

The first obstacle to overcome was access. Because the road was too narrow for traditional equipment and the slope too risky for heavy loads, our team set up staging at the top of the property. From there, we used a skid loader to safely transport crews, tools, and materials down to the building site. This approach kept the roadway intact and ensured that work could move forward without unnecessary risk.

Once access was managed, we turned our attention to the landscape itself. The most pressing issue was the cluster of trees above the home that had been destabilized during excavation. Their roots were exposed in sand, several were leaning, and all posed a danger to both construction crews and future homeowners. We carefully removed the compromised trees and stabilized the slope to prevent future erosion or movement.

With the upper slope made safe, we began the process of terracing the land using large boulder walls. These walls not only held the hillside in place but also created the foundational structure needed for flat, usable areas around the home. Given the steepness and complexity of the property, terracing was essential—it allowed us to carve out level spaces without fighting against the natural grade.

After the major structural work was completed, our team began shaping the walkways, seating spaces, and pathways that would make the property functional. Using a blend of stone and concrete pavers, along with thoughtfully placed steps, we created a smooth flow around the home where none existed before. What had once been uneven ground became a series of connected, accessible areas that encouraged movement and made outdoor living both practical and enjoyable.

The Standout Feature: Over 200 Tons of Beautiful, Functional Stonework

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project, and the feature visitors notice immediately, is the stonework. More than 200 tons of rock were used throughout the landscape, including some individual stones measuring nearly five feet in diameter. These massive boulders were carefully selected and placed to provide structural integrity while also contributing to the natural, organic aesthetic the clients wanted.

The stonework reinforces the terraced slopes, frames pathways, and creates visual anchors that tie the entire design together. Because each boulder was individually chosen and positioned, the finished look feels like a natural extension of the forest rather than an artificial addition.

The Finished Result: A Peaceful, Functional Retreat in the Woods

By the time the project was complete, the transformation was nothing short of dramatic. A once-steep and difficult site had been reshaped into a safe, welcoming, and beautifully crafted outdoor space. The homeowners now have flat areas for gathering, clearly defined walkways, and a landscape that blends into the surrounding woods while providing the structure and stability needed for long-term enjoyment.

For the clients, the greatest joy came from being able to move into their new home knowing the outdoors felt just as intentional, safe, and thoughtfully designed as the interior. They shared their appreciation with our team throughout the process and especially at completion, expressing how grateful they were to have a landscape that truly reflected their retirement dreams.

Crafting Extraordinary Landscapes in Northern Michigan

At TruNorth, challenging sites aren’t obstacles. They’re opportunities to create something extraordinary. This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, technical expertise, and a deep respect for the natural environment can come together to build a landscape that is both beautiful and deeply functional.

If you’re building or renovating a home in Northern Michigan and want an outdoor space that feels seamless, safe, and tailored to your lifestyle, our design/build team would love to help bring your vision to life.

Ready to get started designing your dream outdoor space? Fill out our contact form today!