Look, I’ll be honest with you—when I first bought my house with a tall deck, I stared at that awkward gap between the deck and ground like it was mocking me. You know that space I’m talking about, right? That weird limbo zone where nothing looks quite right and every landscaping attempt feels like throwing money into a void.
But here’s the thing: landscaping around a tall deck doesn’t have to be this impossible puzzle. After years of trial and error (and yes, some epic fails), I’ve gathered 22 ideas that actually work. Whether you’re dealing with a second-story deck or just one that’s elevated enough to make you nervous, these solutions will transform that awkward space into something you’ll actually want to show off.
Why Landscaping Around Tall Decks Is Tricky (But Worth It)
Tall decks create unique challenges that ground-level patios just don’t have. You’re working with vertical space, dealing with shadows, and trying to make everything look cohesive instead of like an afterthought.
The good news? Once you nail it, the impact is incredible. A well-landscaped tall deck adds serious curb appeal and makes your outdoor space feel intentional rather than “we gave up halfway through.”
Here’s what you’re working with:
- Vertical space that needs visual interest
- Shade issues under the deck
- Drainage concerns
- The need to hide structural elements
- Creating flow between different levels
1. Tiered Garden Beds: The Cascading Effect
This is hands-down my favorite approach. Create multiple levels of garden beds that cascade down from your deck like natural steps. Use retaining walls or large rocks to define each tier.
Plant taller shrubs near the deck base and gradually transition to shorter plants as you move outward. This creates depth and draws the eye naturally downward. IMO, this works because it mimics how nature actually grows on hillsides.
Best plants for tiered beds:
- Top tier: Boxwoods, hydrangeas
- Middle tier: Ornamental grasses, daylilies
- Bottom tier: Ground covers, petunias
2. Lattice Skirting with Climbing Vines
Want to hide those support posts without making your deck look like it’s wearing a skirt from 1995? Install lattice panels and let climbing plants do the heavy lifting.
I went with clematis and climbing roses, and wow—the transformation took about one season. The lattice gives you privacy, hides the structural stuff, and the vines add that cottage-garden vibe everyone’s obsessed with right now.
3. Rock Garden Paradise
If you’re dealing with a slope or drainage issues (been there), a rock garden is your best friend. Layer different sized rocks from large boulders near the deck to smaller river rocks as you move outward.
Tuck in drought-resistant plants between the rocks—sedums, hens and chicks, and alpine plants thrive here. Plus, it’s practically maintenance-free once established. Who doesn’t love that?
4. Under-Deck Patio Space
Why waste all that space under your tall deck? Turn it into a covered patio area with outdoor furniture, maybe some string lights, and boom—you’ve got a shaded hangout spot.
Add gravel or pavers for the floor, hang some outdoor curtains for a cozy feel, and suddenly you’ve doubled your usable outdoor space. FYI, this works especially well if your deck is at least 8 feet high.
5. Statement Boulder Placement
Sometimes simple is stunning. Place one or two massive boulders strategically near your deck’s base. I’m talking statement pieces—the kind that look like they’ve been there since the Ice Age.
Surround them with low-maintenance ornamental grasses and you’ve created a focal point that requires basically zero upkeep. This is my go-to suggestion for people who want impact without the commitment 🙂
6. Wooden Planter Boxes
Build or buy large wooden planter boxes that sit at ground level beneath your deck. Stagger them at different heights to create visual interest.
| Feature | Benefit | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movable | Easy to rearrange | Renters or experimenters | Low |
| Drainage control | Prevents water issues | Any deck type | Medium |
| Seasonal swaps | Change plants anytime | Design enthusiasts | Low |
| Instant height | Adds vertical dimension | New installations | Low |
Fill them with a mix of perennials and annuals so you can switch things up each season without committing to permanent plantings.
7. Gravel and Mulch Combo
Create defined pathways using gravel while filling planting areas with dark mulch. This contrast is chef’s kiss for making spaces look intentional and polished.
The gravel handles drainage like a champ, and the mulch keeps weeds at bay while retaining moisture for your plants. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—always a win in my book.
8. Vertical Garden Panels
Mount vertical garden panels directly to your deck posts or the wall beneath your deck. These living walls are having a moment, and for good reason.
They maximize limited space and add that modern, design-forward look everyone’s screenshotting on Pinterest. Plant with succulents, ferns, or herbs depending on your sun exposure.
9. Stacked Stone Wall Borders
Build a stacked stone retaining wall that curves away from your deck base. This creates natural planting beds and adds architectural interest.
The curve is key here—straight lines can look harsh and uninviting. Let it flow organically, following the natural contours of your yard. Trust me, the extra effort pays off.
10. Mixed Texture Plant Combinations
Ever notice how the best landscapes have tons of different textures playing together? Combine spiky grasses with soft, billowy flowers and plants with large, architectural leaves.
Think about it like decorating a room—you wouldn’t use all smooth surfaces, right? Same principle applies here. Layer your textures for maximum visual impact.
11. Lighting Integration
Strategically place low-voltage landscape lighting among your plantings. Uplighting tall grasses or trees near your deck creates drama after dark.
Add path lights if you’ve created walkways, and consider string lights under the deck if you’ve made it into a hangout space. Lighting transforms everything from “nice” to “magazine-worthy.”
12. Native Plant Borders
Go native with your plant choices—these beauties are adapted to your climate, require less water, and support local pollinators.
I switched to mostly natives two years ago, and my water bill dropped noticeably. Plus, watching butterflies and hummingbirds visit daily? That’s the kind of entertainment money can’t buy.
13. Raised Deck Garden Beds
If your deck is really tall, build raised beds at ground level that bring plants up closer to deck height. This creates a more connected feel between your deck and yard.
Use weather-resistant materials like cedar or composite, and make them wide enough to create substantial visual mass. Skinny beds look like an afterthought.
14. Ornamental Grass Screen
Plant a row of tall ornamental grasses like miscanthus or pampas grass to screen the area under your deck. They grow quickly, move beautifully in the breeze, and require minimal care.
Space them properly (they get bigger than you think), and they’ll create a soft, natural screen that’s way prettier than traditional skirting.
15. Stepping Stone Pathway
Create a winding pathway using large stepping stones surrounded by low ground cover plants. This guides visitors around your deck space while adding movement to the design.
The key is irregular spacing and natural placement—nothing too geometric or forced. Let the path meander like it discovered itself.
16. Color Block Planting
Choose 2-3 colors and plant in bold, blocked sections rather than mixing everything together. This modern approach creates high visual impact and looks super intentional.
I did deep purple, chartreuse, and white one year, and people literally stopped to ask about it. The color blocking photographs incredibly well too—hello, Pinterest-worthy yard!
17. Pergola Extension
Build a pergola that extends from your deck down to ground level. This creates architectural continuity and gives climbing plants a structure to colonize.
Cover it with wisteria, grapevines, or jasmine, and you’ve got a living connection between your elevated deck and the ground. It’s like a green tunnel of awesome.
18. Container Garden Clusters
Group large containers in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) at varying heights around your deck base. This creates instant fullness without waiting for plants to mature.
Mix container materials—ceramic, wood, metal—to keep things interesting. And yes, drainage holes are non-negotiable unless you enjoy the smell of root rot :/
19. Water Feature Integration
Add a small fountain or birdbath near your deck base. The sound of water is ridiculously soothing, and it becomes a natural focal point.
Place it where you can see and hear it from your deck. There’s something magical about morning coffee while listening to trickling water.
20. Edging Definition
Never underestimate the power of clean edging. Use metal or stone edging to clearly define where lawn ends and planting beds begin.
This one change makes everything look more professional and maintained. It’s like the landscaping equivalent of a fresh haircut—suddenly everything looks pulled together.
21. Shade Garden Under Deck
Embrace the shade under your tall deck instead of fighting it. Plant a shade garden with hostas, ferns, heuchera, and astilbe.
These plants actually prefer the dim light, and they’ll create a lush, forest-floor vibe that feels intentional rather than “nothing else would grow here.”
22. Seasonal Color Rotation
Design your beds with seasonal interest in mind. Early spring bulbs, summer perennials, fall mums, and winter evergreens ensure your deck landscaping looks good year-round.
I keep a rotation schedule on my phone because, let’s be real, I’ll forget otherwise. Planning ahead means you’re never stuck with boring brown beds for months at a time.
Pulling It All Together
Here’s what I’ve learned after all these experiments: the best landscaping around tall decks combines multiple ideas rather than relying on just one. Maybe you do tiered beds with lighting, or rock gardens with climbing vines. Layer your approaches for maximum impact.
Start with one or two ideas that excite you most. You don’t need to tackle everything at once (unless you’re way more ambitious than me). The goal is creating a cohesive look that makes your tall deck feel like it belongs rather than like it’s awkwardly hovering over your yard.
And remember—landscaping is never really “done.” You’ll keep tweaking, adjusting, and improving as plants mature and your taste evolves. That’s actually the fun part. So grab your favorite idea from this list, get your hands dirty, and transform that awkward deck space into something genuinely worth copying.
Your Pinterest board is waiting 🙂