Benefits of a Retaining Wall on Your Property
A striking way to improve your garden, whether it's flat or hilly, is to construct a retaining wall. These structures hold back soil on one side while being freestanding on the other. You may need an engineer to help with the design to ensure that the wall is stable. Typically, once a retaining wall reaches a specified height, it needs an expert's advice. To discover some of the benefits a retaining wall brings, read on.
Even Out Sloping Gardens
One advantage of a retaining wall on a sloping property is that it levels out the ground and makes it more usable. On a hilly garden, you often can't arrange outdoor furniture, and children can't safely play in the area. By creating tiers using retaining walls, you can enjoy several flat ground areas to use however you please. You could add an outdoor patio area, a smooth picnic lawn or a vegetable garden on the flat areas of land that were previously difficult to access.
Add Decoration to the Landscape
Don't let a flat backyard deny you the pleasure of a retaining wall on your property, though. On a level garden, you can build raised garden beds and encircle them with a retaining wall. Adding various heights and levels to a backyard can make it more exciting and add a sense of dimension. You could build geometric walls to create rectangular or circular raised beds. Alternatively, generate a rustic feel with a retaining wall that weaves through the garden like a river winds through the wilderness.
Prevent Soil Erosion
A retaining wall helps to prevent soil erosion and create security on a hilly landscape. On a slope, the rainwater can gush downwards and drag off the topsoil and nutrients. As well, your garden might have areas at the bottom of the hill that collects rainwater and gets boggy. Excess water can destabilise the earth underneath, which can be dangerous, especially when buildings and foundations are nearby. A retaining wall, in this case, would make your property more stable and safe, as well as healthier.
Complement Other Hardscape Elements
Retaining walls complement other hardscape elements such as paving to add to the beauty of your garden. You can choose from various materials when constructing the wall, including natural stone, timber, brick and concrete. Concrete is convenient and malleable as it comes in blocks that can be coloured and textured in diverse ways. They can even imitate natural stone. Many systems offer capping blocks that create a decorative and polished finish to the wall top.