Look up at the ceiling over your head, and also think about the roof above it. You are lucky to have that shelter. Of course, you worked hard to afford it, but that point aside — someone else worked really hard to build it. Our point here is that without construction workers and contractors, we would not have homes in which to live. We all value our homes, and of course, we value the other buildings we spend time in, too. Everyone has a different way of showing their appreciation for this work. Our way is to write about construction on this blog. Your way could be reading about construction on this same blog!
Adding a retaining wall to your property can increase your home's value while also adding visual interest to your lawn. However, these hardscaping features can also serve a critical practical purpose. Retaining walls help keep your soil in place, solving many landscaping issues that would otherwise pose a significant problem. This article will discuss three challenges that a retaining wall can help you overcome.
1. Hilly or Uneven Land
If you're looking to add flower beds or garden space to your lawn, hilly and uneven land can make this a frustrating chore. Relatively flat flower beds are necessary for proper drainage and adequate support for large plants, especially tall or trellised vegetables. Planting on uneven beds can also lead to soil erosion, which can sap nutrients away from plant roots and undermine their stability.
Retaining walls offer an excellent solution to this problem. By installing a retaining barrier, you can level a portion of your lawn while ensuring that erosion does not cause it to wash away or begin sloping again. Depending on the layout of your yard, you may even be able to transport existing topsoil from high sections of the lawn to lower areas, creating flat terrain without bringing new dirt on-site.
2. Drainage Problems
Drainage can be one of the most challenging landscaping problems to face as a homeowner. At best, poor drainage leads to muddy lawns, dead grass, and a perfect environment for insect breeding. At worst, drainage issues can badly erode existing soil and even threaten your home's foundation. Solving significant problems with water drainage should always be a landscaping priority.
Retaining walls work to solve these issues by dividing the water source from areas where water is pooling. Installing the retaining wall will not prevent water from running towards low sections, but instead will act as a physical barrier. Proper drainage along the retaining wall ensures that you can redirect water to less harmful parts of your lawn.
3. Soil Erosion
Uneven ground can be an issue, even if you don't intend to use it for gardening. Water can cause soil to wash away, gradually reducing your yard height and ruining your landscaping. Erosion is particularly harmful in uncovered areas that lack grass or other plants to keep soil in place. Retaining walls hold your topsoil in place to prevent runoff or mudslides following heavy rains.
If you're facing a potential issue with drainage, erosion, or uneven land on your property, a retaining wall contractor can help you design a solution to protect and beautify your yard. Keep these tips in mind when looking for concrete retaining walls.
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