I have always been one of those people who loves to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for others, which is why I started looking at landscaping design in the first place. It was incredible to me to see how much of a difference I was able to make by adding a few new plants, and after that first project, I wanted to help other people. I started volunteering to help friends and neighbors do their landscaping, and after a few months, I had developed quite a following. This blog is all about creating a warm, inviting yard through smart landscaping and an eye for detail.
Retaining walls are typically built of brick, stone, or lumber, although concrete blocks and poured concrete are also options. There are many reasons why your landscaping can benefit from a new retaining wall, so read on to find out if it's a good option for your yard.
1. Slope Stabilization
Steep slopes in the landscape can pose a risk if the ground gives way. Landslides can affect landscaping, entrances onto your property, or even damage your home or its foundation. Specially engineered retaining walls can be made to address any slope concerns while looking attractive at the same time. These walls stabilize the slope while still ensuring that proper drainage and stormwater runoff occur.
2. Erosion Control
Erosion goes hand-in-hand with slope concerns. Even low slopes that are at no risk of a landslide can lose topsoil to wind and rain. It can also be difficult to grow plants on a slight slope due to erosion. Retaining walls can create a barrier to minimize erosion. You can also use the walls to create terracing so that there are small pockets of stable soil for planting.
3. Increased Usability
Sloped ground can minimize the usable space in your yard. Putting in a series of retaining walls up the slope of the hill means you can terrace the ground between the walls so it is level. These stair-stepped terraces increase the usability of the space. Large terraces are perfect for putting in patios or outdoor hangout areas, while narrower terraces can be used to grow flowers, trees, or vegetables.
4. Additional Seating
Retaining walls aren't just for slopes, they can also be used to hold the soil for raised planting areas. The benefit of these low retaining walls is that they also add seating to the yard. Lower retaining walls can be topped with a flat capstone that effectively turns the walls into a fence. The combination of the raised planting areas and seating provided by the walls can make it much easier to tend gardens.
5. Visual Appeal
A landscape of nothing but grass can be boring to look at. Part of the reason is that flat areas are less visually appealing. Using retaining walls to raise the soil and planting areas around the yard will provide additional levels to the landscaping. A variety of heights and textures increases attractiveness and curb appeal.
For more information about the benefits of retaining walls, contact a local company, like Quality Lawn & Landscape.
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