A retaining wall is a landscaping feature that holds the soil behind it in place. Retaining walls allow homeowners to dramatically change the shape and functionality of their lawns, making them an outstanding element of refreshed landscapes. Discover several benefits of retaining walls.
Supporting Soil Structure
Retaining walls offer support, strength, and structure for the soil in a home or business’s landscaping. Their primary purpose is to keep soil in place and prevent erosion. Erosion is particularly concerning in areas without trees or shrubs extending their roots into the soil.
Erosion has the potential to undermine flat land above a slope, expose the foundation of a home or other building, create channels in the soil, or wash rocks and dirt down a hill to pile at the bottom. Without the proper retaining structures, a slope can change shape dramatically over time, which may be detrimental to a property’s functionality.
A well-placed retaining wall will prevent these problems, keeping the landscape safe and stable. Anyone with a significantly sloping landscape should consider the value and importance of adding a retaining wall or other similar structure to the area.
Incorporating Flood Control
Retaining walls facilitate better water drainage. Builders can easily integrate drainage pipes or channels into the wall to safely channel water away from the landscape, depositing the water into drainage trenches to prevent flooding. Since water flow contributes substantially to erosion, a retaining wall is another way to keep a landscape in the proper shape.
Thoughtfully positioned retaining walls can also create a series of tiered beds in place of a long slope. Building these flatter surfaces into the landscaping allows water to more easily soak into the soil and reach the roots of your plants. When water flows over a steep slow, it doesn’t absorb into the plant life properly on the way down.
Increasing Functional Landscaping Area
Landscapers use retaining walls to set up flat flower beds or lawns in places that would otherwise be a hillside. In this way, the retaining wall can turn an unusable sloping landscape into more functional spots that can provide anything from vegetable gardens to a playground for kids. For those who prefer a low-maintenance lawn, retaining walls can create tiers of mulch and shrubbery that look stunning while requiring little care.
Retaining walls are available in pavers, concrete, wood, stone, and other products. Use these materials to contrast beautifully with softer landscaping elements, such as flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass. Break up the monotony of a long expanse of lawn and greenery by constructing a retaining wall.
Professional landscapers can incorporate a retaining wall into a slight slope, creating a striking focal point in your landscaping. Artfully blending hardscape and living plant material will considerably increase both curb appeal and home value.
It’s essential to work with a professional to design and construct retaining walls. Creating a retaining wall on your property is equal parts functionality and aesthetics, offering a wealth of benefits for any residential or commercial lot.